Tribeca Festival Finds a New Home

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend the first edition of the Tribeca Film Festival in Lisbon. Having lived in New York for a decade, where the Tribeca Festival is a huge part of the city’s contemporary culture, I was thrilled to see this iconic event happening in the city I now call home.

The festival’s opening day was such a refreshing experience, in a venue full of artists and interesting people, but at the same time, providing a coziness that could only be possible in Lisbon: Robert De Niro, one of its co-founders, could be seen up close, touring the place in a golf cart, next to mortals like me. 

I watched Anora, the latest film by Sean Baker, which recently won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. (I highly recommend it, by the way—it's a bittersweet delight!) Afterwards, I hurried over to catch a talk with festival founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal.

The talk was illuminating, with De Niro and Rosenthal reflecting on the legacy of Tribeca, the elements that make a story compelling in today’s era of endless streaming options, and more. What struck me most, however, was De Niro’s impassioned call to combat misinformation—an issue more pressing than ever after the recent U.S. election results.

"In a polarized world, we must offer alternative scenarios—not 'alternative facts.' The truth is the truth; 'alternative facts' is a fabricated concept," De Niro said, with a nod to the political climate and to Donald Trump. He also delivered an inspiring reminder: "Empathy must always win."

For the first time in over 20 years, one of New York City's biggest cultural events was taking place outside the U.S. De Niro said it “just felt right” to bring Tribeca to Lisbon, and praised Hub Criativo do Beato as a “great, perfect, terrific place.” I couldn’t agree more—it was amazing to watch Anora in a former bread factory, surrounded by Lisbon’s dynamic cultural energy.

Being part of the first day of the Tribeca Festival in Lisbon was exhilarating, and I hope it becomes an annual tradition!