IndependentFilm.com

March 23, 2006 [New York, NY] – The 2006 Tribeca Film Festival, presented by American Express, today announced the Tribeca Family Festival screenings and information on the annual Family Festival Street Fair. This year the Family Festival film program has grown to offer daily screenings of 15 feature length films and four shorts programs. The film program will also include a new section, T4Teens, featuring both feature length films and shorts geared towards young adults. For the second consecutive year the Family Festival programming will span the full length of the Tribeca Film Festival, April 25 – May 7, 2006.

Always a favorite, with attractions and activities for all ages, this year’s Family Festival Street Fair, presented by American Express, will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Greenwich Street (between Hubert and Duane Streets), and is free and open to the public.

The Family Festival film program presents premieres and special presentations of top family films and animated features from around the world. Highlights include Over The Hedge, a comedy from the animators of DreamWorks Animation featuring the voices of Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, William Shatner and more; Keeping Up With The Steins, Scott Marshall’s feature directorial debut, starring Jeremy Piven, Doris Roberts and father Gary Marshall; Elephant Tales, a live action feature about two elephant brothers who set off across the African plain in search of their mother; and When Fried Eggs Fly, a documentary about a New York City public school teacher who brings 150 video-generation kids, their parents and teachers to compose, perform and record an original piece of music about the environment.

Back by popular demand is the Tribeca Family Film Pass. The Family Film Pass is $60.00 for adults, $30.00 for children (14 and under), and gives unlimited access to all Family Festival screenings, exclusive of red carpet gala premieres.

“Each year the Family Festival, now in its fifth year, continues to grow and offer families stimulating and engaging activities and events,” said Peter J. Downing, Creative Director of the Tribeca Family Festival. “This year the programming team has selected a diverse and captivating slate of films that appeal to filmgoers ranging from ages three and up. The annual Street Fair will as always, be alive and vibrant with the sights, sounds, smells and energy of Lower Manhattan and the Tribeca community.”

The Family Festival will again present “Downtown Youth Behind the Camera,” an initiative which will highlight a program of short films made by elementary and middle school emerging student filmmakers from the downtown communities of New York City. The films will be screened on Sunday, April 30th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Tribeca Film Center Screening Room at 375 Greenwich Street.

Also returning to the Family Festival this year will be the SCHOLASTIC KIDS PRESS CORPS, a diverse team of smart, articulate students ages 10 to 14, who will be covering every aspect of the Tribeca Film Festival, from red carpet premieres to all of the action at the Street Fair.

"Each year, American Express has partnered with the Tribeca Film Festival on the Family Festival because it symbolizes our mutual commitment to the community and the revitalization of the area," said Nancy Smith, Vice President, American Express Global Media and Sponsorship Marketing. “This year the Family Festival and its Street Fair promise to be an even grander celebration of the spirit of film and storytelling, with new entertainment and activities, as well as returning favorites, designed to amuse Festival enthusiasts of all ages."

TRIBECA FAMILY FESTIVAL FILM PREMIERES:

Elephant Tales, directed by Mario Andreacchio, (Australia) – World Premiere. In the spirit of Babe and Milo & Otis comes Elephant Tales, a live-action feature about two elephant brothers who set off across the African plain in search of their mother. Along the way, they encounter dangers and befriend a menagerie of wild creatures, including a thin-skinned giraffe, a flamboyant flamingo, and a headstrong chimp. Ages 7+
Keeping Up With The Steins, directed by Scott Marshall, (U.S.A) - New York Premiere. A Miramax Release. Weeks away from his bar mitzvah, Ben (Daryl Sabara) is panic-stricken about his pending adulthood and the stadium-sized party that his father (Jeremy Piven) has planned. Ben's only hope is to invite his estranged, eccentric grandfather to sabotage the day. This family comedy also stars Doris Roberts, Jami Gertz, Daryl Hannah, and the director's father, Garry Marshall. Ages 12+

Lassie, directed by Charles Sturridge, (U.S.A., U.K.) - U.S. Premiere. In this retelling of a classic, a financially strapped family is forced to sell their beloved collie Lassie. After traveling hundreds of miles away from her true family, Lassie resolves to return home. Set against stunning British landscapes, Lassie faces both human and natural dangers, but also finds help in unexpected places. With Peter O'Toole, Peter Dinklage, and Samantha Morton. Ages 7+

Laura’s Star, directed by Thilo Graf Rothkirch and Piet de Rycker, (Germany) – New York Premiere. In this beautifully animated film, Laura's family moves from the country to the city. Laura is sad and lonely until one night a shooting star lands outside her window. With the help of this magical star, Laura finds happiness and friends in her new home. A tale about embracing life's changes, this colorful adventure is a perfect "first film" experience. Ages 4+

Mee Shee: The Water Giant, directed by John Henderson, (Canada, U.S.A) - North American Premiere. A Screenmedia Release. Complete with a beastie from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, this adventure epic in the tradition of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial follows young Mac as he searches a remote Canadian lake for a mythical aquatic creature. Upon teaming up with the local Native Americans, Mac realizes that finding Mee

Shee is only the beginning of his true adventure. Ages 6+
Over The Hedge, directed by Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick, (U.S.A) – A Paramount Release. Go behind the scenes with the production team for a show and tell presentation of DreamWorks Animation's new comedy. When Verne and his woodland friends awaken from their winter hibernation, they find their forest has been invaded by the "burbs.” Featuring the voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes, and Nick Nolte. Ages 6+

Peace Tree, directed by Mitra Sen, (Canada) - New York Premiere. When two best friends, one Muslim and the other Christian, announce their plan to celebrate each other's holidays, the girls are met with resistance from their parents. In response, they create a Peace Tree celebrating all religions and cultures. During the Festival, the filmmaker will be creating a Peace Tree at the Street Fair. Ages 5+

RV, directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, (U.S.A) - A Columbia Pictures Release. In Columbia Pictures' family comedy RV, an overworked executive, Bob Munro (Robin Williams), persuades his wife and children to give up their Hawaiian vacation for some "family bonding" on a cross-country RV trip. RV also stars Jeff Daniels, Cheryl Hines, and Kristin Chenoweth. Ages 10+

Speedy, directed by Ted Wilde, (U.S.A) - A Sony Repertory Release. One of the funniest movies ever shot in NYC, Harold Lloyd's 1927 classic and final silent film casts him as a cabdriver and baseball nut who meets Babe Ruth. The climactic chase scene through downtown's still-recognizable streets will bring viewers to their feet cheering. Silent, with orchestral score by Carl Davis. Ages 7+

When Fried Eggs Fly, directed by Constantine Limperis, (U.S.A) – World Premiere. A documentary that centers around a Greenwich Village public school music teacher who finds that he may be in over his head when he brings together more than 150 video-generation kids, their parents, and their teachers to compose, perform, and record an original piece of music about the environment. A great first documentary for precocious kids! Ages 8+

Zaïna, Rider Of The Atlas (Zaïna, cavalíère de l'Atlas), directed by Bourlem Guerdjou, (France) - In this "couscous Western," an 11-year-old girl's mother dies and she is confronted with the father she's never known. The pair make a peril-filled journey through Morocco's stunning Atlas mountains until a breathtaking horse race gives her a final challenge. A treat for children and parents alike. In French with English subtitles. Ages 10+

T4TEEN SECTION

Beauty And The Bastard (Tyttö sinä olet tähti), directed by Dome Karukoski, (Finland) - North American Premiere. Aspiring singer Nelli needs someone to produce her demo, while shy hip-hop DJ Sune is just looking for a pretty girlfriend. Dome Karukoski's feature debut throws them together in a romantic comedy about contemporary Finnish youth trying to find their way into adulthood. In Finnish with English subtitles. Ages 15+

Goal! The Dream Begins, directed by Danny Cannon, (U.S.A) – North American Premiere. A Buena Vista Release. A poor Mexican-American immigrant living in a Los Angeles ghetto gets a dream chance to play professional soccer in one of Europe's most prestigious leagues. But will he make the grade? This rags-to-riches fable features appearances by international soccer stars David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Alan Shearer, and Raul, and actors Kuno Becker and Alessandro Nivola. In English and Spanish with English subtitles. Ages 12+

One Last Thing, directed by Alex Steyermark, (U.S.A) - New York Premiere. A Magnolia Release. In this sweet comedy, terminally ill Dylan (Michael Angarano) and his mother (Cynthia Nixon) attend a televised event designed to grant last wishes to dying children. While on air, Dylan makes an eyebrow-raising request. As he gaily prepares to have his wish met, his mother becomes increasingly upset over her son's condition. Also starring Ethan Hawke, Gina Gershon, Sunny Mabrey, Nelust and Wyclef Jean. Some profanity, parental guidance advised. Ages 16+

Punching At The Sun, directed by Tanuj Chopra, (U.S.A) – New York Premiere. In the aftermath of his older brother's murder, a fiery South Asian teen struggles to find a path between rage and redemption in this coming-of-age film set on the streets of Elmhurst, Queens, during the politically charged aftermath of September 11th. In English and Hindi with English subtitles. Ages 14+

The festival will showcase four shorts programs: Just Like You, stories about kids from around the world, including a few from our own backyard (Ages 8+); Weston Woods/Scholastic’s animated shorts program where award-winning and best-selling books come alive (Ages 3+); Just So You Know, the emotional roller coaster that is being a teenager is explored in this series of shorts for young adults, part of the T4Teen Section (Ages 13+); and I Am You Are, a presentation of short docs made by Palestinian and Israeli youth, presented in conjunction with the Jerusalem Cinematheque, TFF and the Tribeca Film Institute. A discussion led by Gilli Mendel, Director of Film and Media Education at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, will follow the screening of I Am You Are.

SHORTS SCREENING BEFORE FEATURES
First Flight, directed by Cameron Hood and Kyle Jefferson, (U.S.A.)
The Mantis Parable, directed by Josh Staub, (U.S.A.)
Sirah, directed and written by Cristine Spindler, (U.S.A.)
Twins of Mankala, directed and written by Jason DaSilva, (U.S.A.)

JUST LIKE YOU

Big Girl, directed and written by Renuka Jeyapalan, (Canada)
Rabbit (Kanin), directed and written by Jonas Felixon, (U.S.A)
My Radio (Mi Radio), directed by Mariana Miranda and Felipe Gómez, written by Mariana Miranda, (Mexico)
Mind Me Good Now, directed by Chris Cormier and Derek Cummings, written by Sugith Varushese, (Canada)
Rubber Soles, directed and written by Christine Turner, (U.S.A.)
Tuck That Shirt In, directed by Students and Staff of I.S.109 and the Producers’ Project, (U.S.A.)
Vincent, directed by Giulio Ricciarelli, written by Soern Menning, (Germany)

JUST SO YOU KNOW

Bloody Footy, directed by Dean Chircop, written by Marco Sinigaglia, (Australia)
Confessions Of A Late Bloomer, directed by Jen McGowan, written by Stuart C. Paul, (U.S.A.)
Like A Blade Of Grass In The Meadow (Come Un Filo D'erba Nel Prato), directed by Attilio Azzola, written by Azzola, Benedetta Tobagi and Mario Nuzzo, (Italy)
A Girl Like Me, directed by Kiri Davis, (U.S.A.)
Jellybaby, directed by Rob Burke and Ronan Burke, written by Pierce Ryan, (Ireland)
Majorettes, directed and written by Lola Doillon, (France)
Special People, directed and written by Justin Edgar, (U.K.)
Surviving 7th Grade, directed and written Amy Adrion, (U.S.A.)

WESTON WOODS/SCHOLASTIC

Cinderella, directed by Virginia Wilkos, (U.S.A.)
Emily’s First Ten Days of School, directed by Gene Deitch, written by Rosemary Wells (U.S.A.)
Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story From China, directed by Kris Tercek and Ed Mironiuk, (U.S.A.)
Reading to Your Bunny, directed by Michael Sporn, written by Rosemary Wells, (U.S.A)

TRIBECA FAMILY FESTIVAL STREET FAIR
The Tribeca Family Festival will also feature the annual Street Fair on Saturday, May 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. along Greenwich Street (between Hubert and Duane Streets). The fair, free and open to the public, promises to be a day of entertaining and interactive experiences for the entire family. Performers range from puppeteers and storytellers to dancers, stilt walkers, face painters and so much more! The Street Fair will also host over 30 restaurants, merchants and organizations from the Tribeca neighborhood.

CHESS IN THE SCHOOLS, played on a life-sized chessboard, offers festivalgoers the opportunity to learn the finer points and nuances of the game, in addition to a team tournament and other activities.

The main stage will feature special performances by Hot Peas ‘N Butter; Manhattan Children’s Theatre; USA Shaolin Temple; the National Double Dutch League; Broadway performer Anthony Rapp, who will also be meeting with fans and signing copies of his new book Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical RENT; Carnivale Del Mundo; Carole and Paula from The Magic Garden, and the cast of The American Girl Revue direct from the stage of the American Girl Place™ stage on Fifth Avenue. Also performing on stages along Greenwich Street will be local youth dance troupes, singers, showcase storytellers, puppeteers and performance groups from local schools. More acts to be announced in the coming weeks.

At the Family Festival Street Fair, American Express will once again roll out the welcome mat for families and children of all ages with a number of street fair attractions, services, and interactive activities allowing kids to star in their own movie posters or dress-up like film directors. This year's lineup will include a tent that houses storytelling, puppet shows, sing-a-longs and much more. Information Centers will be located near the north and south ends of the Festival, where American Express staff will hand out Family Festival schedules, general information and helpful maps identifying family-friendly merchants located in the Tribeca neighborhood. A private lounge located at the Tribeca Grill will be open to American Express Cardmembers to relax and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. More information can be found at www.mylifemycard.com.

The SCHOLASTIC EVERYTHING FUN FOR KIDS tent will be abuzz with storytelling, face painting and special appearances by favorite characters including Ms. Frizzle™ from The Magic School Bus®, celebrating its 20th Anniversary. In honor of this milestone the traveling Magic School Bus will be rolling into the Festival providing children with the opportunity to get on board and experience fun, interactive activities, games and exhibits on their favorite science topics such as ocean life, the weather, the solar system, rocks, volcanoes, insects and the human body. Also appearing with be Clifford The Big Red Dog™ and everyone’s favorite twins, Maya & Miguel™ stars of the hit animated series on PBS Kids GO! The Scholastic Book Fair will feature best-selling children’s books such as Inkspell, The Wright 3, Owen & Mzee, Zen Shorts and Good Boy, Fergus! And finally, the Scholastic Reading Room will host celebrity readings, screenings of short films from the Scholastic Video Collection™, and other fun programming and entertainment for kids of all ages.

RADIO DISNEY 1560 AM returns to this year’s Festival with a DJ stage where they will host family activities throughout the day, giveaways and spin the hottest in today’s kids and tween music.

The Street Fair will also feature gigantic murals and banners created by children from local Tribeca neighborhood schools. All this, combined with jugglers, stilt walkers, face painting, arts & crafts, and so much more make this a day not to be missed.

All feature length films in the Family Festival film program are eligible for the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.

Visit tribecafilmfestival.org or call 866.941.FEST (3378) to purchase Festival Passes and Tickets. Festival Passes and Packages are currently on sale online and by phone. This year, for the first time, Daytimer Passes will be sold.

Single tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the Tribeca Film Festival box office, located at 13-17 Laight Street (between Varick and Avenue of the Americas), Saturday, April 8 - Sunday, May 7.

In addition, tickets will be sold at dedicated Tribeca Film Festival windows at AMC Loews host venues: AMC Loews Lincoln Square 12 – Broadway at 68th Street; AMC Loews 34th Street 14 – West 34th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues; and AMC Loews Village 7 – 3rd Avenue at East 11th Street beginning April 8 for American Express Card members and April 15 for all others through Saturday, April 22. During the event, festivalgoers will be able to buy tickets for all AMC Loews screenings at each AMC Loews venue. All other Festival screening and event tickets can be purchased online, by phone, and at the Festival Box Office.

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, General Motors, 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.

For additional information on the festival please visit the press section at www.tribecafilmfestival.org