In-person film festivals are slowly returning to normalcy, with the 20th Tribeca Film Festival just announcing thatIn the Heightswill be its opening film set with multiple outdoor screenings. The yearly NYC-based film festival is one of the first film festivals testing out audiences’ interest in returning to in-person events, with the premiere held at the United Palace in Washington Heights and outdoor screenings planned across all five boroughs.
In the Heightsis an adaptation ofLin-Manual Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical of the same name, lovingly based off his own personal experiences living in Washington Heights. Directed byCrazy Rich Asians’Jon M. Chu,In the Heightsfollows the life and dreams of bodega owner Usnavi and his friends, as they sing and dance their way through new love, death and the goal for a better life.HamiltonstarAnthony Ramosplays the lead Usnavi, alongsideLeslie Grace,Corey Hawkins,Melissa BarreraandOlga Merediz. Miranda will make a cameo in the small but key role of Mr. Piragüero, the Piragua guy.
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Choosing such an important and vibrant love story to New York and its people as its opening film is a wonderful move from the Tribeca Film Festival, particularly for its 20th anniversary. Its plan to screen the film simultaneously across all five boroughs is a first for the festival as well, and a smart innovation as we continue to recover from the pandemic. The festival runs from June 9 to June 20, and is the first major North American film festival that will be held in person since the lockdown began last March. Check out its first wave of in-person eventshere.
Director Chu said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Tribeca for a city-wide takeover ofIn the Heights. New York, and specifically Washington Heights, is the lead character in our film—its vibrancy and energy are unmatched. How incredible that after a year of isolation, New Yorkers from across all boroughs will have an opportunity to see it first, together, and join us in the celebration of life coming back.”
In the Heightswill premiere on June 9 at the Tribeca Film Festival. There are no current details on which outdoor venues it will be available. The film will then stream on HBO Max starting on June 11 for 31 days as part of WarnerMedia’s dual release strategy.
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