The Tribeca Film Festival has revealed its lineup for the 2024 festival, and there is considerable LGBTQ+ representation. Started in 2022 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, the film festival is one of the country’s most prestigious and provides opportunities for independent films to find distribution. This year’s lineup includes screenings of over 100 movies and 13 television projects. The festival kicks off June 4 and runs through the 16th.
Here’s a rundown of the 15 LGBTQ+ films and television projects in this year’s lineup.
Documentary
Directed by Dana Flor (“Check It” “The Nine Lives of Marion Barry”) this documentary examines the life and career of bisexual musician Ani DiFranco. DiFranco, who became a popular folk musician in the ’90s, has had a decades-long career in the industry, including starting her own record label, Righteous Babe Records. The title is a nod to Righteous Babe’s phone number.
Venus Xtravaganza, one of the stars of the legendary documentary “Paris is Burning,” was murdered in 1988 – a case that has remained unsolved. Kimberly Reed (“Prodigal Sons” “Dark Money”) directs this feature documentary about Venus’ life and legacy.
“Linda Perry: Let It Die Here”
Songwriter Linda Perry has written hits for pop music’s biggest names, including Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys and Pink. Perry had her own big hit as a singer and songwriter for 4 Non Blondes with the song “What’s Going On?” Documentary filmmaker Don Hardy (“Citizen Penn”) tackles Perry’s life story and what comes next in this spotlight feature.
“Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution”
Queer comedy reigns in this queer stand-up documentary by comedy producer Page Hurwitz. Hurwitz uses archival footage, performances and interviews with LGBTQ+ comedians, including Lily Tomlin, Fortune Feimster and Rosie O’Donnell, to showcase the history of queer comedy.
In this documentary by Sandi DuBowski (“Trembling Before G-d“), audiences get to know Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, formerly an Orthodox rabbi and current drag queen.
“S/He Is Still Her/e – The Official Genesis P-Orridge Doc”
Singer-songwriter, occultist, performance and visual artist Genesis P-Orridge passed in 2020 and in this spotlight documentary, director David Charles Rodrigues (“Gay Chorus Deep South”) explores Genesis’ extraordinary life.
Feature Films
This film from Kazakhstan is part of Tribeca’s International Narrative Competition. Journalist Dina deals with losing her passion for reporting while supporting her activist lesbian sister and having an affair with her cameraman.
Lia, a retired teacher, has vowed to locate her long-lost niece, Tekla. Her quest leads her to Istanbul, where she encounters Evrim, a lawyer dedicated to transgender rights. Through Evrim, Lia becomes integrated into the local trans community.
In this coming-of-age comedy, a fourteen-year-old aspiring playwright, Griffin, develops a crush on a local handyman during summer break.
In Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio’s debut feature film, two sisters navigate their complex bond with their loving but troubled father.
This comedy tracks the misadventures of Ben and Jordan, down-on-their-luck Gen Z best friends, as they exploit the hospitality of friends and acquaintances. At the same time, they navigate love, heartbreak and clumsy romances.
Episodic
When his father’s unexpected death suddenly derails Lalo’s life, he masks his grief with reckless behavior that upends his world. As he and his best friend Karla—both queer, Black, and in their mid-twenties in Germany—endeavor to define their identities, they confront the boundaries of their adaptability.
“Need Your Love” follows pop singer Camille Trust as she navigates the ruthless music industry. From dealing with unscrupulous producers and hostile fans to battling heartbreak and her own tendencies for self-sabotage, the show draws much of its story from true events.
“Mr. Loverman,” based on Bernardine Evaristo’s novel of the same name, features Lennie James as Barry, a stylish 74-year-old from Antigua living in Hackney, England. His wife Carmel, suspects infidelity, but the truth is more profound: Barry is in a hidden, passionate relationship with his best friend, Morris (Ariyon Bakare). As Barry nears life’s end, his choices will dramatically impact his family’s future.
When Kate and Zoe discover they’ve been dating the same person, they launch a plan for revenge. In somewhat of a true story, the women share their experiences through filmed interviews and flashbacks.
Tribeca Film Festival will take place at various theaters in lower Manhattan. Passes and ticket packages are available now.