The 8th Annual 2009 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF09) sponsored by American Express, the founding sponsor of the festival will be held in selected theatres throughout New York City, April 22 - May 3, 2009. 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. TFF annually presents the largest celebration of film, music and culture. This year's festival lineup includes 86 feature films from 33 countries; 48 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 14 North American premieres and 3 U.S. premieres; along with panel discussions, gala receptions, awards ceremony and special events (Tribeca Drive-In, Family Festival Street Fair and Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day).

TTF09 Gala films includes Opening Night World Premiere WHATEVER
WORKS, directed by Woody Allen, Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 PM (theatre release June 19); Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival World Premiere of KOBE DOIN' WORK, directed by Spike Lee, held at BMCC Tribeca PAC, Saturday, April 25, 9:00 PM; and the Closing Night Special Presentation Screening of Fox Searchlight Pictures MY
LIFE IN RUINS, directed by Donald Petrie, held at BMCC TPAC, Saturday, May 2, (theatre release June 5, 2009). 2009 Tribeca Film Festival Schedule Screenings and Trailers.

Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival founded in 2006 by Tribeca Enterprises (a TFF parent company) and ESPN Inc. annually showcases independent sports film during the Tribeca Film Festival. This year's Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day will be held as part of the TFF09 Family Festival Street Fair, Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Sports fans of all ages will enjoy the exciting X Games BMX Jams Tour, special appearances by their favorite athletes, dance teams, mascots and sports personalities, and a special broadcast from 1050 ESPN Radio.

TFF09 Ticket/Package Dates, Outlets & Purchase Information:

* Single ticket and discounted ticket packages for American Express Cardmembers begins Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 11:00 AM

* Downtown residents begins Sunday, April 19, 2009

* General public begins Monday, April 20, 2009

TFF09 Ticket Outlets are located at the Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick St.) and the AMC Village VII (66 3rd Ave. at East 11 St.). For further information or to purchase tickets call 1.866.941.3378 or visit http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets.

2009 Tribeca Film Festival selected theaters are AMC Village VII (66 3rd Ave. at East 11 St.), SVA Theater (333 West 23 St.), Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick St), BMCC Tribeca PAC (West Side Highway bet Chambers and Harrison), and the Directors Guild Theater (110 West 57 St.).

2009 Tribeca Film Festival free community events includes:

* 2009 Tribeca Community Kick-Off Party offering children's entertainment will be held at Barnes & Noble (97 Warren St.), Monday, April 20, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

* Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screenings will be held at the World Financial Center Plaza, April 23 - April 25, 8:15 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM).

- TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, directed by Steve Barron, Thursday, April 23. A tribute to 25 years of Turtle Power The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will make a special guest appearance along with reporter April O'Neil. Fans can get their face painted Turtle style, take pictures at the photo-booth and pick-up new moves at the martial arts
demos.

- BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, directed by George Roy Hill, Friday, April 24. Academy Award winner 40th anniversary screening honors the work of legendary screenwriter William Goldman.

- TFF09 World Premiere Documentary of P-STAR RISING, directed by Gabriel Noble, Saturday, April 25 includes a special performance with young hip-hop star P-Star.

* Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair, will be held on Greenwich Street between Hubert and Chambers Streets, Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
By Maria Esteves