By Roger Costa
THE TRAVEL COMPANION
A delightful exploration of youth talent, artistic struggle and ambition, directors and co-writers Travis Wood and Alex Mallis’ impressive debut has plenty of good vibes as it depicts the urban journey of a young filmmaker trying to finish his film while navigating an existential crisis. Satirical and utterly smart, it brings actors Tristan Turner, Anthony Oberbeck, Naomi Asa as the central trio delivering funny, inspiring and irreverent performances.
(Screens June 5, 6, 11, 14 and 15)
A BRIGHT FUTURE
A provocative look at societal standards, Sundance Award–Winning Director Lucía Garibaldi’s sophomore feature is an original hybrid of dark comedy and sci-fi. It follows the expectations of Elisa (a revelatory performance by newcomer Martina Passeggi), a “chosen” girl who’s preparing for a special journey to the mysterious “North”. The film also features Soledad Pelayo, Sofía Gala Castiglione and Alfonso Tort.
(Screens June 5, 6 and 7)
BIRTHRIGHT
Wildly funny and unpredictable, Australian writer-director Zoe Pepper delivers an assured debut with this dark comedy about family misbehavior. With a pitch perfect ensemble cast, it centers on the generational conflicts between parents and son/wife when they are confronted by financial hurdles. Keep an eye out for the master techniques of Michael McDermott’s somber cinematography and Luca Cappelli’s precisely chilling editing.
(Screens June 5, 6 and 7)
BACKSIDE
An endearing and intimate look at the lives of immigrant workers who start their journey at 2 in the morning at a stable caring for the most prized racehorses, Mexican filmmaker Raúl O. Paz-Pastrana’s all-Latinx crew documentary is a truly powerful humanitarian response to how the current administration sees immigrants. Set against the backdrop of a racing season at the Kentucky Derby’s Churchill Downs barns, it features testimonies from workers, family members and poignantly observes how the horses relate to the humans.
(Screens June 7, 8 and 14)
JUST SING
Vibrant and packed with young talented artists, directors Angelique Molina and Abraham Troen’s doc follows a team of collegiate singers from the University of Southern California as they chase stardom and compete in the most prestigious a cappella tournament in the world. Deeply engaged and empathic with its subjects, this musical-fueled doc observes these kids’ creative process while opening a window of possibilities, leading them to friendship, artistic maturity, hope and accomplishment.
(Screens June 7, 11 and 13)
WE ARE PAT
Looking at the effects and the societal changings regarding gender identity over the years, through the irreverent and famous Saturday Night Live character, Pat, this emotional and accurate investigative documentary tracks the history of phobias related to sexuality and liberation in America and beyond. Filmmaker Ro Haber crafts a homage to the character and its performer, actress Julia Sweeney, while exploring the meanings of representation and how such a beloved, yet controversial National TV character, paved the way for many people to find their voices.
(Screens 8, 9 and 10)
INSIDE
Fresh off his Oscar nomination for “The Brutalist”, iconic star Guy Pearce gives a nuanced, highly emotional and complex performance in this prison crime thriller. He plays an incarcerated veteran who takes a young prisoner under his wings forming an unusual bond. Writer-director Charles Williams makes a confident and intricated debut, masterly tapping on violence, manhood, and sacrifice while extracting convincing, remarkable performances.
(Screens June 7, 8, 12 and 13)
(The 24th Tribeca Film Festival runs June 4-15, 2025 at various venues in Manhattan, including BMCC Tribeca, Beacon Theater, SVA Theater, AMC 19th Street and Village East Cinemas. Go to https://tribecafilm.com/festival for full schedule and details)
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