By Maria Esteves - April 14, 2010

The 9th Tribeca Film Festival 2010 (TFF 2010) in New York sponsored by founding sponsor American Express will be held in selected theatres April 21 - May 2, 2010. The festival founded in 2001 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff following the attacks on the World Trade Center, is a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.  The festival annually presents the largest celebration of film, music, and culture.

This year, the festival presents 85 narrative, documentary, and 47 short films from 38 countries. The festival  includes opening and closing premieres, gala receptions, panel discussions, awards ceremony, special events, and free community events (Tribeca Drive-In, Family Festival Street Fair and Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day).  TFF 2010 debuts TFF Virtual (http://www.tribecafilm.com/virtual), a live web streaming of events and featured films, and TFF Movies On Demand (http://www.tribecafilm.com/tribecafilm), home TV access to fifteen festival featured films via video on demand.  

TFF 2010 Opening Night World Premiere of "Shrek Forever After," directed by Mike Mitchell will be held at the Ziegfeld Theatre, Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 7:30 PM, with a Family Gala Red Carpet screening at AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 (West 68 St), 7:00 PM (USA theatre release May 21). TFF 2010 Closing Night World Premiere of  "Freakonomics," directed by Heidi Ewing will be held at the BMCC Tribeca PAC, Friday, April 30, 8:00 PM with a second screening on Saturday, May 1, 3:00 PM, at the Directors Guild Theatre.

TFF 2010 Tribeca Virtual Opening Night World Premiere of  "Nice Guy Johnny," directed Edward Burns, commence online
Friday, April 23.

2010 Tribeca Film Festival Free Community Events

* Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screenings at the World Financial Center Plaza, Thursday, April 22 - Saturday, April 24, 8:15 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM).

- World Premiere Documentary of "The Spirit of Salsa (El Espiritu de la Salsa)," directed by Francisco Bello and Tim Sternberg, Thursday, April 22.

- Special Presentation of "BIG," directed by Directed by Penny Marshall, Friday, April 23.

- World Premiere Documentary of "The Birth of Big Air," directed by Jeff Tremaine, Saturday, April 24.

* Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair, will commence Saturday, May 1,
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, on Greenwich Street (between Hubert and Chambers St). The Street Fair features talented performers, dancers, stilt walkers, Broadway performances, storytellers, puppeteers, face painters, sand sculptors, arts and crafts, and much more. This year's Street Fair includes Cast members from the Broadway show "Wicked," Broadway Kids Care, AudraRox and Bubble
Do Beatles; the Church Street School for Music and Art 20th Anniversary Celebration, and a Free Special Presentation of "Snowmen," directed by Robert Kirbyson, at BMCC Tribeca PA, Saturday, May 1, 7:00 PM.

* Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day part of the Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair commence Saturday, May 1, 10:00 AM  - 6:00 PM, on Duane St (between Greenwich and Hudson St).  The free event features
various interactive sports-related games, demonstrations, and giveaways. This year's Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day includes special appearances by their favorite athletes, dance teams, sports personalities, and interactive play spot for the kids to hop, jump, ands skip.

TFF 2010 Ticket/Package Dates, Outlets & Purchase Information

* Single ticket and discounted ticket packages for American Express Cardmembers begins Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 11:00 AM

* Downtown residents begins Sunday, April 18, 2010

* Public begins Monday, April 19, 2010

TFF 2010 Ticket Outlets are located at the Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick St.) and the Chelsea Clearview Cinemas (260 West 23 St). For further information or to purchase tickets call 1.646.502.5296 or visit http://www.tribecafilm.com.

2010 Tribeca Film Festival selected theaters are Village East Cinema, Chelsea Clearview Cinemas, SVA Theater (333 West 23 St.), Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick St), BMCC Tribeca PAC, and Directors Guild Theatre.