[New York, NY – April 11, 2006] – The 2006 Tribeca Film Festival, presented by American Express, today announced the addition of new events and participants to the 2006 schedule, including a new panel discussion featuring Academy-Award winning actor Morgan Freeman, and several new films (including world premieres). This year’s Tribeca Film Festival will take place from April 25 – May 7, 2006.

The added events are as follows:
TRIBECA TALKS: Morgan Freeman

A ClickStar is Born -- Not content to bask in the glow of Oscar or rest honorably on his laurels, Morgan Freeman, through his production company Revelations Entertainment, has partnered with chipmaker Intel to herald the forthcoming revolution in online distribution for film. Join us for a special Tribeca Talks event as Mr. Freeman discusses his craft, his calling and his latest venture into the future of digital distribution with ClickStar, Inc. Mr. Freeman will be joined by Revelations producing partner and CEO Lori McCreary and ClickStar CEO James Ackerman. Held Sunday, April 30, from 12 noon to 1:30 pm at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Theater1.

Also joining the 2006 Tribeca Talks Panel Series are Cuba Gooding Jr., Grace Hill Media President Jonathan Bock, Walden Media President Michael Flaherty and producer Ralph Winter in What Would Jesus...Direct?, Tuesday, May 2, 1 PM; Zoe Saldana and America Ferrera in ADELANTE MUJERES: Latinas at the Helm Thursday, May 4, 7 PM; Managing Editor of Time Jim Kelly joins as moderator and The Daily Show correspondent Ed Helms in PROFESSIONAL AMATEURS: Mocking the Truth on Saturday, April 29, 10 AM; Todd Phillips (Old School, Roadtrip) and Jeff Garlin join Toga, Toga, Toga: What the Industry Learned from Faber College Saturday, April 29, 7 PM.

In addition, several new films have been added to the film progra. They include the following:

Middletown, directed by Brian Kirk, written by Daragh Carville (U.K., Ireland) – World Premiere (Discovery section). Set in the heart of Ireland's bible belt, this explosive family drama takes a hard look at how religion brings families together and pulls them apart. After fulfilling his religious instruction, Preacher Gabriel returns to his hometown of Middletown and finds gambling, drinking, and sinning at every corner. Gabriel's prodigal brother Jim feels threatened by his brother's moral high ground. Should Gabriel save everyone in Middletown from eternal damnation? Or is it Jim who should save Gabriel?

Who Killed the Electric Car?, a documentary directed by Chris Paine (U.S.A.) – World Premiere (Discovery section). Who Killed the Electric Car? Takes a lively look at the now defunct electric car of the mid-nineties. Like sleuths in an Agatha Christie mystery, our filmmakers round up all the usual suspects to determine what went wrong with this much beloved-and much maligned-vehicle. An unfinished version of the film was shown on DVD at Sundance, but this is the world premiere of the re-edited, finished version.

President Mir Qanbar (Raiees Jomhour Mir Qanbar), Directed by Mohammad Shirvani (Iran) - North American Premiere (Showcase section). Mir Qanbar is 75 years old. He has campaigned five times for a seat in the Iranian Congress, and he's been disqualified from his three attempts at winning the presidency. However, his entire electoral apparatus consists of a bicycle, a megaphone, a disabled friend, a mule-drawn cart, and some leaflets. President Mir Qanbar follows the retired civil servant as he makes yet another unlikely bid for the presidency.

A Dios Momo, Directed and written by Leonardi Ricagni (Uruguay) - New York Premiere (Family section). In this magical and surreal tale set in moody Montevideo, Uruguay, a cheerful and dynamic eleven-year-old named Obdulio lives with his devoted grandmother and two sisters. He carries the self-imposed burden of being the only "man" in the family. His grandmother wants him to go to school, but he refuses proclaiming his "working man" status-he helps support his family by selling newspapers on the street. Ironically, Obdulio is illiterate and unable to read what he sells. One night, he meets a night watchman who is full of magical visions and gifts. This charismatic mentor introduces Obdulio to the beauty of words and the songs of the Murgas sung during Carnival processions. As Obdulio begins to understand the lyrics, he welcomes the challenge and eventually writes his own Murgas, which are later performed by the mysterious Carnival band. Reminiscent of Cinema Paradiso and the films of Fellini, this gem for viewers of all ages and is a celebration of life, the beauty of friendship, and the magic of knowledge.

About the Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff as a response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Conceived to foster the economic and cultural revitalization of Lower Manhattan through an annual celebration of film, music, and culture, the Festival’s mission is to promote New York City as a major filmmaking center and help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience.

The 2006 Festival, presented by American Express, will take place from April 25 – May 7, 2006. Reflecting the festival’s continued growth, it will expand this year to more neighborhoods throughout Manhattan and feature screenings, special events, concerts, a family street fair, and panel discussions. For more information, please visit www.tribecafilmfestival.org

As Founding Sponsor of the Tribeca Film Festival, American Express is committed to expanding the Festival and bringing it to new audiences in compelling ways. As part of a long-term partnership with the Festival, American Express celebrates filmmakers, facilitates storytelling and is dedicated to bringing energy and business to Lower Manhattan.

The Tribeca Film Festival is pleased to announce the return of their Signature Sponsors: Budweiser Select, WNBC, Nokia, Apple, Aquafina, Delta Air Lines, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Vanity Fair, Empire State Development Corporation/I Love New York, Brookfield Properties, the Tribeca Grand Hotel, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Festival is also honored to welcome the following new sponsors to the Tribeca Film Festival: RR Donnelley, CA, AMC Loews Theatres, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Festa Internazionale di Roma.

# # #