Tribeca Film Festival co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal celebrated the festival's 25th anniversary on May 21, 2026, highlighting their enduring partnership and future projects.
Why it matters: The Tribeca Festival has become a key platform for independent filmmakers since its inception, responding to the cultural needs of the post-9/11 era. The milestone anniversary reflects its growth and impact on the film industry.
Founded in 2003 by De Niro, Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, the festival emerged as a response to the September 11 attacks.
The festival is now recognized as one of North America's most prominent independent film venues, hosting thousands of submissions annually.
The celebration includes special programming and keynote conversations that honor the cultural significance of the festival.
Driving the news: De Niro and Rosenthal appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 22, 2026, to promote the festival's anniversary, which runs from June 3-14, 2026.
The episode featured a performance by Colombian artist Maluma, who is experiencing a resurgence with his new album "Loco x Volver."
De Niro discussed his extensive career, including iconic roles in films like Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, emphasizing his commitment to independent cinema.
Rosenthal expressed gratitude for her long-standing partnership with De Niro, recalling their humble beginnings working from his kitchen table.
State of play: The festival's 25th anniversary coincides with the production of the upcoming film "Focker-In-Law," a sequel to the popular franchise.
"Focker-In-Law" introduces Ariana Grande alongside Ben Stiller and De Niro, promising a fresh dynamic within the established cast.
De Niro's character Jack shows a more affectionate attitude toward Grande's character compared to his historically gruff demeanor with Stiller's character Greg.
Rosenthal praised Grande's comedic timing, calling her an extraordinary addition to the film.
The big picture: The Tribeca Festival showcases films and emphasizes the importance of storytelling across various mediums.
Rosenthal highlighted the festival's mission to inspire new filmmakers to share their stories and perspectives, encouraging creativity in all forms.
De Niro noted the festival's role in fostering a community where audiences can connect with diverse narratives.
The festival's programming aims to inspire future generations of filmmakers and storytellers.
What they're saying: De Niro and Rosenthal shared insights into their personal and professional journeys during their Tonight Show appearance.
"How lucky am I to have Bob as a partner for so long, who gave me such opportunity in my career," Rosenthal said, expressing her gratitude for their collaboration.
De Niro recalled how he committed to the original "Meet the Parents" project without reading the script, stating, "I think we need a re-write."
On the subject of his daughter Gia, De Niro mentioned her age-appropriate viewing habits, saying, "There's not much" she can watch from his film catalog.
By the numbers: The Tribeca Festival's growth over the years highlights its significance in the film industry.
Since its founding, the festival has hosted thousands of submissions, becoming a major venue for independent cinema.
The festival's anniversary celebration will feature over 100 films, including documentaries, shorts, and narrative features.
De Niro's Netflix thriller "The Whisper Man" is set to premiere on August 28, 2026, marking his continued involvement in streaming media.
What's next: The Tribeca Festival will continue to evolve, adapting to the changing entertainment landscapes.
The festival aims to maintain its relevance by embracing new formats and technologies in filmmaking.
De Niro's upcoming projects, including collaborations with Netflix, showcase his adaptability in the modern entertainment industry.
The festival's anniversary programming will include discussions on the future of storytelling and the role of film in society.