FEMALE CENTRIC Abortion: Stories Women Tell Directed by Tracy Droz Tragos. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. In 1973, the US Supreme court decision Roe v. Wade gave every woman the right to have an abortion. In 2016, abortion remains one of the most divisive issues in America, especially in Missouri. Award-winning director and Missouri native Tracy Droz Tragos sheds new light on the contentious issue by focusing on the women and their stories, rather than the debate. An HBO Documentary Film. All This Panic Directed by Jenny Gage. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. What is it like to come of age in New York City? First-time director Jenny Gage follows vivacious sisters, Ginger and Dusty, and their high school friends over the course of their crucial teen years. In this sensitive and cinematic documentary, Gage captures all the urgency, drama, and bittersweetness of girlhood as her subjects grapple with love, friendship, and what their futures hold. Always Shine Directed by Sophia Takal, written by Lawrence Michael Levine. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. This twisty psychological drama about obsession, fame, and femininity follows two friends, both actresses (Mackenzie Davis and Caitlin FitzGerald), on a trip to Big Sur, to reconnect with one another. Once alone, the women's suppressed jealousies and deep-seated resentments begin to rise, causing them to lose their grasp on not only the true nature of their relationship, but also their identities. With Lawrence Michael Levine, Alex Koch, Jane Adams. As I Open My Eyes (À peine j'ouvre les yeux) Directed by Leyla Bouzid, written by Leyla Bouzid and Marie-Sophie Chambon. (France, Tunisia, Belgium, United Arab Emirates) US Premiere, Narrative. As I Open My Eyes depicts the clash between culture and family as seen through the eyes of a young Tunisian woman balancing the traditional expectations of her family with her creative life as the singer in a politically charged rock band. Director Leyla Bouzid s musical feature debut offers a nuanced portrait of the individual implications of the incipient Arab Spring. With Baya Medhaffer, Ghalia Benali, Montassar Ayari, Aymen Omrani, Lassaad Jamoussi, Deena Abdelwahed, Youssef Soltana, Marwen Soltana. In Arabic with subtitles. Presented in association with Venice Days.
AWOL Directed by Deb Shoval, written by Deb Shoval and Karolina Waclawiak. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Joey (Lola Kirke) is a young woman in search of direction in her small town. A visit to an army recruiting office appears to provide a path, but when she meets and falls in love with Rayna (Breeda Wool) that path diverges in ways that neither woman anticipates. Building on the award-winning short of the same name, director Deb Shoval crafts a clear-eyed love story, and an impressive feature film debut. Children of the Mountain Directed and written by Priscilla Anany. (USA, Ghana) World Premiere, Narrative. When a young woman gives birth to a deformed and sickly child, she becomes the victim of cruelty and superstition in her Ghanaian community. Discarded by her lover, she is convinced she suffers from a dirty womb, and embarks on a journey to heal her son and create a future for them both. With Rukiyat Masud, Grace Omaboe, Akofa Edjeani, Adjetey Annang, Agbeko Mortty (Bex), Dzifa Glikpo, Mynna Otoo. In Twi with subtitles. Equity Directed by Meera Menon. (USA) New York Premiere, Narrative. High-powered Wall Street banker Naomi Bishop (Anna Gunn) has been passed over for a promotion again. If she can successfully launch her next high profile IPO, she ll be back on top. To get the job done, she must bypass her ambitious assistant (Sarah Megan Thomas) and an aggressive US prosecutor (Alysia Reiner) watching her every move, in TFF alumnus Meera Menon s financial thriller. haveababy Directed by Amanda Micheli. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. Amanda Micheli s haveababy opens with a YouTube-based competition for a free round of in vitro fertilization, courtesy of a Las Vegas fertility clinic. Through this controversial contest, Micheli explores the complexities of America's burgeoning fertility industry and paints an intimate portrait of the many resilient couples determined to have a baby against all odds. Keepers of the Game Directed by Judd Ehrlich. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. Lacrosse is a sacred game for Native Americans, traditionally reserved for men. When a women's varsity team forms in upstate New York, they aim to be the first Native women s team to take the championship title away from their rivals Massena High. But when their funding is slashed, and the indigenous community is torn, they find more than just the championship is on the line. The Meddler Directed and written by Lorene Scafaria. (USA) US Premiere, Narrative. Susan Sarandon delivers a magnetic performance as the doting, mother supreme Marnie Minervini, who crosses coasts to drop into the life of her screenwriter daughter Lori (Rose Byrne). Loosely autobiographical, Lorene Scafaria's heartfelt comedy offers a wryly scripted defense of a woman struggling to cope with familial loss. Co-starring J.K. Simmons, Cecily Strong, Jerrod Carmichael, and Jason Ritter. A Sony Pictures Classic release.
Pistol Shrimps Directed and written by Brent Hodge. (USA, Canada) World Premiere, Documentary. Sometimes girls just wanna have fun and ball. Brent Hodge (A Brony Tale, TFF 2014) and Morgan Spurlock (Mansome, TFF 2012) introduce us to an eclectic group of women who play in an LA recreational basketball league, focusing on the Pistol Shrimps, a rag-tag group of actresses (including Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation), comedians, musicians, and mothers who brought nationwide attention to the league that could. Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four Directed by Deborah S. Esquenazi. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. In 1994, four women were tried and convicted of a heinous assault on two young girls in a court case that was infused with homophobic prejudice and the Satanic Panic sweeping the nation at that time. Southwest of Salem is a fascinating true crime story that puts the trial of the San Antonio Four in context of their ongoing search for exoneration. Women Who Kill Directed and written by Ingrid Jungermann. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Morgan and Jean work well together as true crime podcasters because they didn t work well, at all, as a couple. When Morgan strikes up a new relationship with the mysterious Simone, their shared interest turns into suspicion, paranoia, and fear. Ingrid Jungermann s whip smart feature debut is an adept and wry comedy on modern romance s hollow results, set in an LGBTQ Brooklyn. With Ingrid Jungermann, Ann Carr, Sheila Vand, Shannon O'Neill, Annette O'Toole, Grace Rex. Short Films Balcony Directed and written by Toby Fell-Holden. (U.K.) North American Premiere, Narrative. In a neighborhood rife with racial tension, a local girl falls for a recent arrival who is the victim of prejudice and shame. In English, Dari with subtitles. Cherokee Directed and written by Jem Rankin. (Australia) International Premiere, Narrative. An uncooperative ex, an argumentative landlord, and a broken front door; Linda's life is just peachy. Her daughter Shelley escapes their dreary reality through a fascination with Native Americans, but subconsciously assumes Linda's anger. Hard Lovin' Woman Directed by Michael Rapaport. (USA) World Premiere, Documentary. In this heavy-hitting rock documentary, director Michael Rapaport explores the sacrifices acclaimed actress Juliette Lewis makes to pursue her first love, music. Bucking industry politics and critics, self-doubt, and physical injury, Lewis leads us on a deeply personal journey through her own authentic, independent, and raw sonic world. Homeland (Hemland) Directed and written by Sara Broos. (Sweden) North American Premiere, Documentary. A young woman escapes the war in Syria and ends up in the forest in Sweden. Listening to music is a way for her to survive and bring her back, in dreams and memories, to her
homeland. In particular, one song by the Norwegian pop band A-ha has followed her all her life. A story about the power of music and the meaning of the word homeland. In Arabic, English, Swedish with subtitles. Mildred and the Dying Parlor Directed by Alex Gayner, written by Ilan Ulmer. (USA) World Premiere, Narrative. Mildred's parents run a dying parlor out of their home. Today's client is not who she expects. Nkosi Coiffure Directed and written by Frederike Migom. (Belgium) US Premiere, Narrative. After fighting with her boyfriend on the street, in Brussels' African neighbourhood, Eva escapes into a hair salon. The women in the salon initially support her, seeing a woman in distress. But, when they find out what the fight was about, opinions differ. In Flemish, French, Lingala with subtitles. Operator Directed by Ben Hakim, written by Lior Zalmanson. (Israel) International Premiere, Narrative. A single mom works as a human drone operator, killing people on a daily basis in order to make a living. How much of it all does she take home? In Hebrew with subtitles. Ping Pong Coach ( 乒乓 ) Directed by Yi Liu, written by Chieh Yang. (USA, Taiwan R.O.C.) World Premiere, Narrative. Fifteen-year-old, Tsi-An has fallen in love with her ping pong coach, who happens to be her best friend's father. She asks for private lessons with the hope of getting close to him. In Mandarin with subtitles. Violet Directed by Maurice Joyce, written by Mark Hodkinson. (Ireland) New York Premiere, Narrative. Violet is a cautionary tale of a young girl who despises her reflection. Tribeca Tune In Tribeca Tune In: Animal Kingdom Network: TNT (USA) Premiere. Animal Kingdom stars Emmy and Tony winner Ellen Barkin as the matriarch of a Southern California family whose excessive lifestyle is fueled by their criminal activities, with Scott Speedman as her second in command. Shawn Hatosy stars as the eldest of the Cody boys, who is mentally disturbed and fresh out of prison. Tribeca Tune In: Broad City Network: Comedy Central (USA) Everybody s favorite broads, Abbi and Ilana, bring their critically acclaimed raucous comedy back for the 3rd season as their characters continue to navigate life in their twenties in New York City while being led down unexpected and outlandish paths. Following the screening of the season three finale, stay for a conversation about this uniquely creative show.
Tribeca Tune In: Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Network: TBS (USA) Samantha Bee is disrupting the tradition of late night television. The former longest-serving Daily Show correspondent brings her satirical humor to a conversation about creating nightly entertainment which goes beyond the surface in no holds barred segments on topics from the Syrian refugee crisis to the current political cycle along with her head writer Jo Miller. Tribeca Tune In: The Good Wife Network: CBS (USA) We near the final few episodes of the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated drama series The Good Wife which has consistently been one of the smartest shows in recent times, with its raw and complex depiction of law, politics and all that lays in between. Join us as we bid farewell to this fan favorite and critical darling with an exclusive sneak peek of an episode followed by a jubilant celebration and look back over the past seven years of the show. Tribeca Tune In: Grace and Frankie Network: Netflix (USA) Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as Grace and Frankie, two women whose lives are suddenly turned upside down when their husbands Robert and Sol reveal they are gay and leave their wives for each other. Both sparring partners and partners-in-crime, they form an unlikely bond to face an uncertain future together and discover a new definition of family, with laughter, tears and plenty of mood enhancers along the way. Tribeca Tune In: Greenleaf Network: OWN (USA) Premiere. Oprah Winfrey joins fellow executive producers and cast members for the world premiere of OWN s new original drama series Greenleaf from Lionsgate TV, debuting this June. Featuring Winfrey s return to acting on television in a recurring role, the series takes viewers into the unscrupulous world of the powerful Greenleaf family and their Memphis megachurch where secrets and lies are as numerous as the faithful. Tribeca Tune In: Odd Mom Out Network: Bravo (USA) Bravo s half-hour scripted comedy, Odd Mom Out, stars acclaimed author Jill Kargman playing a satirical version of herself as she navigates the elite ecosystem of New York s Upper East Side, and the uber-wealthy mommy clique inhabiting this fantastically outrageous domain. Please join us for an exclusive opportunity to hear from Creator and Star Jill Kargman, Executive Producers Julie Rottenberg and Elisa Zuritsky (Sex and the City, Smash) and to view a sneak peek of season two premiering this summer. Tribeca Tune In: Time Traveling Bong Network: Comedy Central (USA) Premiere. This 3 part limited mini-series world premiere centers on two cousins, played by Ilana Glazer and Paul W. Downs, who discover a time traveling bong and ride high as they blaze through time. Their buzz is killed when the bong breaks and the cousins are forced to bounce around the space-time continuum, learning to appreciate that there is no time like the present.