The Tribeca Festival, held annually in New York City, has carved out a reputation as a premier destination for groundbreaking storytelling. Its 2025 edition, running from June 4 to June 15, promises an electrifying lineup of documentaries that tackle music legends, cultural icons, and pressing social issues. Founded in 2001 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, and Craig Hatkoff to revitalize Lower Manhattan post-9/11, Tribeca has grown into a global platform for diverse voices. Let us dive into the festival’s documentary offerings, key details on dates, tickets, venues, and what makes this year’s slate unmissable.
Why Tribeca’s Documentaries Stand Out
Tribeca’s documentary program is a cornerstone of its mission to champion emerging and established filmmakers. In 2025, the festival will screen 118 feature films, including 94 world premieres, selected from a record-breaking 13,541 submissions. Documentaries make up a significant portion, with a focus on music, biography, and social justice. Highlights include world premieres of films about Billy Joel, Miley Cyrus, Barbara Walters, and Andy Kaufman, alongside hard-hitting profiles on trans issues and Indigenous activism. The festival’s commitment to diversity shines through, with 40% of films directed by women and 36% by BIPOC filmmakers.
What sets Tribeca apart is its ability to blend star power with indie grit. You’ll see A-listers like Metallica and Eddie Vedder sharing the stage with lesser-known creators whose stories demand attention. Post-screening performances and conversations—like Miley Cyrus discussing her visual album Something Beautiful—add a live, interactive element that’s quintessentially New York.
Key Documentary Highlights for 2025
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout documentaries, all world premieres unless noted otherwise, as announced by Tribeca:
- Billy Joel: And So It Goes (Opening Night, June 4): A two-part HBO documentary exploring the life of the Long Island-born music icon. Directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, it features rare archival footage and in-depth interviews. Screens at the Beacon Theatre. HBO Release post-festival.
- Miley Cyrus: Something Beautiful (Date TBD): A visual companion to Cyrus’s album, directed by Cyrus, Jacob Bixenman, and Brendan Walter. Followed by a conversation with Cyrus. Tribeca Announcement.
- YANUNI (Closing Night, June 15): Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, this documentary follows Indigenous chief Juma Xipaia’s fight to protect her land. Directed by Richard Ladkani, it’s both a love story and a call to action.
- Billy Idol: Billy Idol Should Be Dead: A raw look at the punk rock icon’s life, with a performance by Idol post-screening.
- Metallica: Metallica Saved My Life: Chronicles the band’s impact, followed by a conversation with band members.
- Becky G: Rebecca aka Becky G (June 12): The singer’s first documentary, offering a personal and professional deep dive.
- Trans-Focused Docs: Includes State of Firsts (profile of Rep. Sarah McBride), Just Kids (families with trans children), and We Are Pat (exploring Julia Sweeney’s SNL sketch).
- Degenerate: The Life and Films of Andy Milligan: A dive into the NYC exploitation filmmaker’s messy, unforgettable career. Paired with screenings of Milligan’s grindhouse classics.
These films reflect Tribeca’s knack for balancing cultural heavyweights with niche, provocative stories. The full schedule, including exact screening times, will be available on the Tribeca website in spring 2025.
Festival Dates and Venues
The 2025 Tribeca Festival spans 12 days, from June 4 to June 15, across multiple New York City venues. Primary locations include:
| Venue | Address | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| Beacon Theatre | 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 | Opening Night (Billy Joel: And So It Goes), gala events |
| Tribeca Performing Arts Center (BMCC) | 199 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007 | Screenings, red-carpet premieres |
| Cinepolis Chelsea | 260 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011 | Movie premieres, special screenings |
| Spring Studios | 50 Varick St, New York, NY 10013 | Festival Hub, Tribeca X, immersive experiences |
| Village East by Angelika | 181-189 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | Screenings, retrospectives |
Venues are spread across Manhattan, from Tribeca to Chelsea, making it a citywide celebration. Check nyc.gov for parking garage locations, as no dedicated festival parking is available.
Tickets and Passes: How to Attend
Tickets and passes for the 2025 Tribeca Festival are available exclusively online via the Tribeca website. Sales begin April 29, 2025, with early access for festival passholders and members. All transactions are cashless, requiring a credit/debit card. Seating is general admission (first-come, first-served), except for gala events at the Beacon Theatre and United Palace, which offer reserved seating.
Pricing and Options
| Pass/Ticket Type | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | $60–$150 | Access to one screening or event. Prices vary by time, day, and premium status (e.g., galas). |
| Hudson Pass | ~$1,350 | Ticketless access to most screenings, talks, and immersive exhibits. Includes Opening or Closing Night Gala. 21+ for lounges. Non-transferable. |
| Franklin Pass | ~$900 | Ticketless access to non-premiere screenings, Festival Favorites (June 15), and immersive experiences. 21+ for lounges. Non-transferable. |
| Ticket Package | $200–$600 | Bundles of 4–10 tickets for screenings. Transferable, but excludes premium events like galas or Tribeca Talks. |
| Storytelling Summit Badge | ~$500 | Access to 11 days of industry events, talks, and networking. Includes day-of rush tickets. |
| Tribeca X Pass | ~$300 | Access to Tribeca X programming (June 9–10) at Spring Studios. |
- Rush Tickets: Available for sold-out screenings at the same price as advance tickets. Standby lines form one hour before showtime, with entry based on availability.
- Free Screenings: Limited free events require online tickets, subject to availability. First-come, first-served.
- Gift Cards: Accepted for tickets and passes, but not merchandise. Redeemable only for 2025 festival events.
- Accessibility: Venues comply with ADA standards. Contact festival@tribecafilm.com for accommodations. Refunds are available for accessibility concerns.
For the best experience, purchase a pass for broader access or single tickets for specific screenings. Subscribe to the Tribeca newsletter for early lineup announcements and ticket sale updates.
How to Navigate the Festival
With over 570 events, planning is key. Here’s how to make the most of Tribeca 2025:
- Create an Itinerary: Use the Tribeca schedule to prioritize must-see documentaries. Save your picks with the “My Tickets” feature.
- Arrive Early: Lines form one hour before screenings, with entry starting 30 minutes prior. Late arrivals are admitted only if space allows.
- Explore Beyond Films: Attend post-screening talks (e.g., with Metallica or Cyrus), Tribeca X events, or the Creators Forum (June 4–15), a new summit for emerging filmmakers.
- Stay Nearby: Hotels like The Roxy Hotel or Arlo SoHo are close to venues and offer a boutique vibe.
- Know the Rules: No outside food/drinks or dogs (except service animals). Outdoor screenings proceed rain or shine unless severe weather cancels them.
Special Programs and Awards
Tribeca’s documentaries aren’t just screenings—they’re part of a competitive and cultural ecosystem. The festival awards prizes in categories like Best Documentary Feature, judged by a diverse jury. Winners receive Tribeca laurels and industry recognition. The Tribeca Creators Market connects filmmakers with distributors and agencies, while the Tribeca X Awards honor brand-supported storytelling, including documentaries.
The Spotlight Documentary program, announced on April 16, 2025, highlights nonfiction films poised to make waves, like those on Barbara Walters and trans visibility. Music documentaries, a Tribeca staple, come with live performances, making screenings feel like concerts. For example, Eddie Vedder and Billy Idol will perform after their films, amplifying the festival’s energy.
Tips for First-Timers
- Budget Wisely: Single tickets are affordable for casual attendees, but passes are better for diehards. Prices haven’t been finalized, but expect 2024 ranges ($60–$1,350) to hold.
- Check Social Media: Follow @Tribeca on X for real-time updates on rush tickets or surprise guests.
- Network at the Hub: Spring Studios hosts free talks and networking events, ideal for meeting industry pros or fellow fans.
- Plan Transit: Venues are scattered, so use MTA’s trip planner to navigate subways or buses efficiently.
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