The 2006 Premiere of United 93 at Tribeca
When the Tribeca Film Festival opened its 2006 edition with the premiere of Paul Greengrass’s United 93, organizers faced immediate questions about whether the screening was arriving too soon after the 2001 attacks, according to retrospective accounts. Founders Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and producing partner Craig Hatkoff invited not only the director and cast but also the family members of the victims and heroes from the hijacked flight to the Ziegfeld Theater.
According to eyewitness reporting from the event, the screening concluded not in reverent silence, but with cascading waves of wailing and sobbing from family members seated in the loge. Jane Rosenthal stated in an interview that the gathering provided Shanksville families, who had previously felt less included in memorial events, a dedicated space for community and remembrance. The screening bridged the gap between onlookers and victims, turning private mourning into public bonding.
Did you know? The Tribeca Film Festival was originally established in the months following the 2001 terrorist attacks by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff to help revitalize downtown Manhattan when the area was largely surrounded by rubble and restricted by hazmat zones.
Origins and Evolution of the Tribeca Film Festival
Created in the wake of the 2001 tragedy, the festival started as an urgent effort to bring life back to a stagnant downtown New York, according to Robert De Niro. Jane Rosenthal recalled walking into local movie theaters wearing hazmat suits just to assess safety before launching the inaugural event. George Lucas even delayed the release of a Star Wars film at the time, leading organizers to adjust their schedule dynamically.
Over the past quarter-century, the festival has evolved from a one-off benefit into a fixture of New York City’s cultural calendar, featuring appearances by figures like Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Nas, George Harrison, and Aretha Franklin. While ownership has transitioned over the years—including a period under James Dolan and, for the past seven years, James Murdoch’s investment group—the festival has maintained a diverse and experimental programming slate, spanning indie features, documentaries, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal on Current City Politics
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the release of Matt Tyrnauer’s new documentary Tribeca 25 on Netflix, De Niro and Rosenthal addressed current New York controversies, including pushback from figures like Rudy Giuliani, George Pataki, and former FDNY commissioner Thomas von Essen regarding Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s attendance at the upcoming memorial.
“I don’t see why he shouldn’t come. He’s the mayor,” Robert De Niro stated during an interview at CBS News headquarters. While acknowledging tensions involving the fire department and prior political statements, Jane Rosenthal suggested that the mayor should use the event as an opportunity to unite the city, describing the anniversary as a potential bridge for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Tribeca Film Festival founded?
The festival was founded in the months following the September 11, 2001 attacks by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff.
Why was the premiere of United 93 significant for Tribeca?
The 2006 premiere brought flight victims’ families together in a shared communal space, creating a powerful emotional experience that defined the festival’s healing-oriented mission.
Who currently owns the Tribeca Film Festival?
For the past seven years, the festival has been owned by James Murdoch’s investment group, following previous ownership periods including James Dolan.
Where can viewers watch the new documentary about the festival?
The documentary Tribeca 25, directed by Matt Tyrnauer, premieres on Netflix.
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