Tribeca Film Festival 2019 Kicks Off Opening Night at The Apollo Theater With the premiere of HBO Documentary “The Apollo”
The 2019 Tribeca Film Festival, presented by AT&T, opened for the first-time ever at The Apollo Theater this evening with the premiere of HBO Documentary Films’ The Apollo.
The film chronicles the 85-year history and legacy of the famed New York City landmark, The Apollo Theater. Directed by Academy and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams, the documentary showcases archival footage, music, comedy and dance performances plus behind-the-scenes moments with the theater’s staff as well as interviews with artists including Patti LaBelle, Pharrell Williams, Smokey Robinson, and Jamie Foxx. The stage production of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” frames the film and the way in which The Apollo explores the current struggle of black lives in America and the role that art plays in that struggle.
During the opening remarks De Niro said, “In these disturbing times, when the administration is promoting divisiveness and racism, we’re making a statement by being here tonight that we reject it,” he said. “No, you don’t! Not in this house, not on this stage!”
This premiere event marks the first time Tribeca has hosted an opening night at the Apollo, continuing the annual Festival’s expansion from its roots from downtown New York City.
Following the premiere, singer Alice Smith performed two songs including a cover of “I Put A Spell On You” to an enthusiastic audience and the Festival opening continued at Tavern on the Green.
