Started in 2001 by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal to boost tourism in the world financial capital post 9/11, the Tribeca Film Festival is a great event for film fans and filmmakers alike. Because the festival takes place in the heart of the financial district, it’s the perfect place for buyers and sellers to get together and make deals happen. It’s also a great tourist attraction. Even though this year many international filmmakers were not able to make the festival because of the volcano eruption in Iceland, it was just as lively as ever. Numerous celebrities hit the red carpet, including Guy Pierce, Joe Pantoliano, Ray Liotta (who said it was his first time to Tribeca), James Franco, Joan Rivers, Patricia Clarkson, and many others.

This was my first time covering the Tribeca Film festival, so I felt like a kid in a toy store. With so much variety of good movies being screened, it’s very tempting to act on impulse, wanting to have [and watch] it all. But after a few days I gained some perspective for the lay of the land, and began narrowing down the selections to categories of interest and topics.

My first choice was to take a walk down the World Narrative Competitions aisle.

With an eclectic mix of genres, styles, and themes by first time or second time directors from all over the world, watching films in this category proved to be a rewarding experience. Lucky Life, inspired by Gerald Stern’s poem of the same title, tells a character tale about loosing a best friend. My Brothers is an Irish film about three brothers going on a journey to replace their dying father’s broken watch. Two politically controversial films in this group included Feo Aladag’s When We Leave (winner of the World Narrative Competition section), a socio-political story of a Turkish woman fighting for her independence against the conformity of her conservative family and Buried Land, a pseudo-fantasy documentary about two filmmakers who go to Bosnia to expose the hyped discovery of Bosnian pyramids in the town of Visoko.

Tarkovsky’s Stalker lovers probably enjoyed watching The White Meadows, an Iranian-based drama about a man who goes from town to town in Iran, collecting people’s tears, and thereby giving them hope for appeasing their pain and suffering. The film ends with a very unexpected turn, which caused a lot of controversy for the Iranian filmmaker in his hometown. Making courageous and bold statements with long, calculated and thought-provoking takes as well as picturesque storytelling cinematography makes this film well worth watching.

Then I meandered into the Spotlight section, a much more commercial section of the festival, featuring narratives and documentaries from seven different countries by acclaimed directors. Soul Kitchen, Fatih Akun’s latest plaything was my choice from the narratives group. Fatih Akin’s style continues to develop with every film, and each one stands out for its flagrant draw from the combination of great onscreen talent, music, and dialogue. Kudos for making another good film.

Another noteworthy mention goes out to Philipine writer/director Briliante Mendoza for Lola. This film is a portrayal of the justice system in the Philipines from the perspective of two elderly women, one whose grandson was murdered, while the other’s son was the murderer. Lola also received a nomination for the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival.

Some other festival favorites include: Possessed, a South Korean horror film; The Two Escobars, a powerful feature documentary giving two accounts of a historic time period in Colombia and covering the rise and fall of the Columbian soccer team, drug cartel, and its economic and political state of play; and Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, a documentary that spans the difficult and rewarding journey of the band.

It’s no surprise that the Tribeca Film Festival Virtual Best Feature Film award went to Spork, a fun feature about a junior high misfit trying to find her place in the world.  Rich with colorful production design, cinematography, and acting, not to mention its excellent music, Spork should do well with its target audience.

Whether you’re a buyer, a tourist, or a local wanting to spend some time with the family, you can be sure the Tribeca Film Festival will not disappoint. Although the 2010 festival has come to an end, the memorable experience of attending this important event will remain with me for at least another year -- until the excitement reconvenes in 2011.

(Photo: Misha Zubarev)