Tribeca Festival 2025 Announces Dates, Call for Submissions, and New Creators Forum

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The Tribeca Festival 2025 is set to return to New York City from June 4–15, 2025, marking its 24th edition as a premier destination for groundbreaking storytelling across film, television, games, immersive experiences, and audio storytelling. Organized by Tribeca Enterprises and presented by OKX, the festival has officially opened its call for submissions, inviting creators from around the world to showcase their work on one of the most influential stages in independent media.

With over two decades of championing innovative voices, Tribeca continues to evolve—expanding access, broadening eligibility, and introducing transformative new programs like the Creators Forum, designed to support emerging filmmakers at every stage of their journey.

👉 Discover how the Creators Forum can elevate your storytelling career.

A Festival That Launches Careers

Since its founding in 2001 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, the Tribeca Festival was envisioned not just as a celebration of art but as a catalyst for cultural and economic renewal in lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks. Today, it stands as a global beacon for creative expression, drawing more than 145,000 attendees and receiving over 13,000 submissions annually.

The 2024 edition was a record-breaking success, featuring world premieres such as _¡CASA BONITA MI AMOR!_, “Presumed Innocent,” _Brats_, _Sacramento_, and “In the Arena: Serena Williams.” High-profile reunions with icons like Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Demi Moore, and the cast of “The Sopranos” reinforced Tribeca’s status as a cultural touchstone.

As anticipation builds for 2025, the festival promises an even more expansive lineup—blending star-powered events with grassroots opportunities for undiscovered talent.

Introducing the Creators Forum: A New Hub for Emerging Talent

One of the most exciting developments for Tribeca Festival 2025 is the launch of the Creators Forum, a first-of-its-kind multi-day summit embedded within the festival experience. This initiative is designed to empower storytellers through mentorship, industry insights, and direct networking with leaders shaping the future of media.

The Creators Forum will offer:

“This tradition continues today with the launch of our new Creators Forum,” said Jane Rosenthal, CEO and Co-Founder of Tribeca. “Tribeca constantly seeks ways to make the industry more accessible. The first-ever Creators Forum will do what Tribeca does best—facilitate connections, provide mentorship, offer creative support, and hopefully shift the trajectory of someone’s career.”

The forum is open to filmmakers, writers, game developers, audio artists, and multimedia creators—reflecting Tribeca’s commitment to cross-disciplinary innovation.

👉 Learn how you can gain access to exclusive industry insights at the Creators Forum.

Expanded Submission Opportunities Across All Mediums

Tribeca has long been a launchpad for Oscar-nominated short films—23 nominees and seven winners since 2002—and in 2025, the festival is making it easier than ever for creators to participate.

Short Films Program Expansion

For the first time, short films that have already screened in New York or online (non-competitive) are now eligible for consideration—a move aimed at increasing inclusivity and reducing barriers for digital-first creators.

Works-in-Progress Showcase

Now in its third year, the Creators Market will accept submissions from filmmakers in post-production. Selected projects will be invited to preview their work to an exclusive industry audience during the festival—a rare opportunity to secure funding, distribution interest, or strategic partnerships before final release.

Broadened Categories

Submissions are open across six major categories:

Each category features early, official, and extended deadlines to accommodate diverse production timelines.

Submission Deadlines at a Glance

All submissions must be completed via the official portal at tribecafilm.com. Below are key dates:

Feature Films and NOW

Short Films

Games

Audio Storytelling

Tribeca X (Brand Collaborations)

Works in Progress

Curated by Industry Experts

The festival’s programming is guided by a world-class team of curators and executives dedicated to discovering bold new voices. Led by Cara Cusumano, Festival Director and SVP of Programming, the team includes:

Together with senior programmers and associate curators, they ensure a diverse and dynamic lineup that reflects the evolving landscape of global storytelling.

FAQ: Your Questions About Tribeca Festival 2025 Answered

What is the Creators Forum?

The Creators Forum is a new multi-day summit within the Tribeca Festival designed to support emerging creators through mentorship, industry panels, networking events, and career development resources. It aims to democratize access to film and media opportunities.

Who can apply to the Works-in-Progress program?

Filmmakers with projects in post-production are eligible. This includes documentaries, narrative features, or experimental works that are not yet completed but have substantial footage edited and ready for preview.

Are short films that have already been released eligible?

Yes. Starting in 2025, short films previously screened in New York or online (non-competitive) may now be submitted—marking a significant expansion in eligibility.

How do I buy tickets or passes?

Festival passes and industry badges—including access to the Creators Forum—will be available starting October 9 at tribecafilm.com.

Can international creators submit their work?

Absolutely. Tribeca welcomes submissions from creators worldwide. There are no geographic restrictions for any category.

What types of projects does Tribeca X accept?

Tribeca X celebrates brand-supported storytelling that blends commerce with creativity. Eligible projects include branded documentaries, advertising campaigns with narrative depth, social impact initiatives, and experiential marketing content.

👉 Secure your chance to be part of next year’s most inspiring creative gathering.

Final Thoughts: A Festival for Every Creator

As media landscapes shift and new platforms emerge, Tribeca remains committed to its founding mission: making storytelling accessible to all. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker with a powerful pitch, a podcaster crafting immersive audio narratives, or an indie game developer pushing boundaries in interactivity—Tribeca Festival 2025 offers a stage for your voice.

With the introduction of the Creators Forum, expanded submission windows, and deeper support for works in progress, this year’s festival is poised to be the most inclusive yet.

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