Robert De Niro brings back the Tribeca Film Festival with over 100 movies and ‘De Niro Con’

Robert De Niro is a talent that deserves to be recognized and celebrated. His contributions to the film industry are exceptional, making him a true legend. If we were to create a Mount Rushmore for actors, De Niro would undoubtedly have a place on it. While we have iconic presidents like Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt on the real Mount Rushmore, De Niro’s achievements in acting are just as significant. With his two Oscars, he has solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of our time.

Last week, Bob delivered a speech curbside. The speech was pre-written, heavily influenced by Biden’s perspective, and focused on criticizing Donald Trump while praising Joe Biden. Interestingly, the speech conveniently omitted any mention of the legal troubles faced by Joe’s son.

As the cameras and microphones surrounded De Niro, he passionately expressed his belief that Donald was being dishonest.

During that period, I had the opportunity to catch up with Bob regarding the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival. It’s remarkable to think that this renowned event, which first took place in 2002, is set to kick off again this Wednesday.

He appeared alongside his equally esteemed co-founder, Jane Rosenthal, who always wore dark glasses and had slightly unkempt hair.

Robert De Niro expressed his surprise at how the festival has become such a significant draw for New York City, contributing millions to its economy. He mentioned that the festival was initially conceived as a way to revive downtown after the 9/11 attacks, and now it serves as a similar beacon of hope following the impact of COVID-19.

“I have a deep appreciation for movies. Back in the day, I used to edit them in parking lots.”

“I absolutely adore popcorn, especially when I’m watching a movie. During the first festival, I indulged in some delicious popcorn. This year, we were overwhelmed with the incredible response, receiving an astounding 13,000 films from 50 countries. It was a mix of shorts, TV shows, and full-screen films. The influx of submissions was so massive that we had to put in extra effort to narrow it down.”

“Sometimes, even the most successful ventures can fall short. As for me, I don’t have a specific formula for determining the right timing. When I attend an event or an opening, I can usually sense within the first five minutes whether it’s going to be a great experience. If it doesn’t meet my expectations, I have no qualms about leaving early.”

In a recent incident that unfolded on May 30, 2024, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro found himself in a fiery confrontation with supporters of former President Donald Trump. The clash between the Hollywood icon and the Trump loyalists ignited a heated debate, leaving many intrigued and divided.

The incident took place during an event where De Niro was promoting his latest film. As he addressed the crowd, a group of Trump supporters began heckling him, expressing their disagreement with his outspoken criticism of the former president. The situation quickly escalated, with both sides exchanging fiery words and passionate arguments.

De Niro, known for his unreserved and often controversial political views, did not shy away from engaging with the Trump supporters. He passionately defended his stance and expressed his concerns about the Trump administration’s policies. The actor’s unwavering determination to express his opinions led to a charged atmosphere, with emotions running high on both sides.

The clash between De Niro and the Trump supporters exemplifies the deep divisions that exist within society, particularly in the realm of politics. It serves as a reminder of the polarizing effect that political ideologies can have, even within the realm of entertainment.

This incident has sparked a flurry of letters to the editor, with individuals from all walks of life expressing their thoughts and opinions on the matter. The letters reflect a wide range of perspectives, showcasing the diversity of viewpoints surrounding the clash between De Niro and the Trump supporters.

While some letters commend De Niro for his bravery and for using his platform to speak out against what he believes to be injustices, others criticize him for being too outspoken and argue that celebrities should stay out of politics. The clash has reignited the age-old debate about the role of celebrities in political discourse and the responsibility they bear as public figures.

As the letters to the editor continue to pour in, it is clear that the clash between De Niro and the Trump supporters has struck a chord with the public. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions that have come to characterize contemporary politics and the challenges of engaging in civil discourse in an increasingly polarized society.

Jane Rosenthal expressed her excitement about the upcoming projects in the film industry. With a total of 110 movies, 96 premieres, and a special glimpse into Diane von Furstenberg’s life, there is a lot to look forward to. Notably, the projects involve renowned names such as Scorsese, Dakota Johnson, Sean Penn, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, and Rooney Mara. What’s even more impressive is that half of this year’s projects are directed by women. It’s clear that these films will offer a diverse range of stories, with a focus on genres beyond tearjerkers.

Now, let’s talk about the headquarters of the Tribeca Film Festival. But hold your horses, it’s definitely not the Élysée Palace!

A man in jeans stood watch by the front door, which was adorned with glass panels. Another gentleman gestured towards a set of creaky wooden stairs that seemed to have been around since Clara Bow’s great-grandmother’s time.

Reporters gathered on the unforgiving wooden floor, eagerly awaiting the moment when the closed door would finally reveal De Niro and Rosenthal.

I was gently placed on the wooden steps, with utmost care and respect.

A young man stood before a closed door, carefully holding a heavy tray adorned with a teapot and cups.

Without knocking or attempting the doorknob, the young man stood there, balancing the tray in his hands. He patiently waited for 20 minutes until the door finally opened, allowing him to enter the ceremonial chamber where De Niro and Rosenthal held court. As he stepped inside, he brought with him the tray and teapot, ready to serve.

The small room overflowed with wooden benches and seats, filled with a tangle of cables and cameras. Behind the cameras, techies diligently worked to capture the proceedings. The entire scene was being expertly filmed by Junket Productions.

The lineup for this week’s festival includes some big names such as George Clooney, Dolly Parton, Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Jon Bon Jovi, Brooke Shields, Jake Gyllenhaal, Melissa McCarthy, and a special showcase of 300 career-spanning moments from De Niro’s personal archive.

As he bid me farewell with a kiss, De Niro shared an exciting revelation: “I have some news for you, and it’s an exclusive. I am going to be working on ‘Meet the Parents 4.’ It’s hard to believe that we made the first one 24 years ago. Who would have imagined it would turn out to be such a success?”

I will sit on his shabby staircase once again.