Angela Dussault of Buffalo NY reports on free community events at Tribeca Film Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Buffalo, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) March 25, 2011 -- The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by Founding Sponsor American Express, today announced the return of its signature free community events: the Tribeca Drive-In (April 21-23), Family Festival Street Fair (April 30), Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day (April 30), and free panel series, "Tribeca Talks: Pen to Paper" and "Tribeca Talks: Industry" (April 23-30).

The Festival also announced the three film titles which will be screened at the Tribeca Drive-In, TFF's highly anticipated outdoor screening series that entertains families and movie lovers of all ages. The 2011 Tribeca Drive-In will feature special screenings of the 1980 feel-good classic Fame; the beloved family comedy The Muppets Take Manhattan, and excerpts of the TFF premiere of the Haitian documentary When the Drum Stops Beating, which will include a performance from Haitian-Caribbean-Jazz fusion band Septentrional.

For the first time this year, Festival-goers, athletes and the general public will have the opportunity to partake in the new NYFest (April 23), the city's first Film and Entertainment Soccer Tournament in conjunction with TFF and in partnership with Umbro. The tournament will feature a five-on-five industry match, where professionals from film, music, sports and entertainment will compete; a celebrity match, kicked off with a coin toss by soccer legend Pele; and a New York youth showcase for players of all skill levels. All proceeds from the day will be contributed to select charity organizations benefiting youth in the inner city.

Lastly, two series of free public panels will round-out TFF's free offerings, giving film enthusiasts the opportunity to engage in conversations about making and distributing films with film industry leaders, public figures, business leaders and renowned innovators. The "Tribeca Talks: Pen to Paper hosted by Barnes & Noble" panels focus on the art of screenwriting, while the "Tribeca Talks: Industry" panels are intended for audiences to explore the business side of filmmaking. This year's TFF will take place from April 20-May 1, 2011.

"The Tribeca Film Festival was started nearly 10 years ago to revive culture and business in lower Manhattan, and showcase what Tribeca has to offer. During each Festival, we have featured a variety of free community events as our way of giving back to the city, and this year is no exception" said Nancy Schafer, Tribeca Film Festival Executive Director. "We have created some truly wonderful programs and events for the entire family to enjoy, and brought back favorites such as the Family Festival and Drive-In events."

Each year, the Festival's free events bring thousands of people downtown to enjoy top-notch talent and entertainment, while highlighting the restaurants, merchants, schools and community organizations of lower Manhattan.

Angela Dussault     Angela Dussault Buffalo     entertainment     films