The TriBeCa Film Festival was formed by Nicole Bartelme 12/2000. (A full year before the WTC attacks). She signed a buyout agreement, transferring all intellectual property rights to the TriBeCa Film Center 2/2002. Bartelme’s premise for the TriBeCa Film Festival was connected to the heart of the independent film community but also linked to music. Beyond incorporating films with great soundtracks, AI, theater and painting were at the core of the festival: a true festival of the arts.
It takes several individuals and supportive institutions to forge a lasting TriBeCa Film Festival. In late 2000, Nicole Bartelme met with MTV, then Co-Chair Tom Freston, North Fork Bank and actor Robert De Niro’s partner, Tracy Neiporent of the TriBeCa Grill to gain sponsorship for the TriBeCa Film Festival. She launched the TriBeCa Film Festival’s web site on November 30th, 2001 as a response to the attacks on 9/11 to bring artists together, renewal to lower Manhattan. In January 2002 the site was removed, relaunched April 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Trina Wyatt and Robert De Niro creating the immersive film festival it is today.
by Flax-Film Archives January 11, 2023
The TriBeCa Film Festival, pioneered by Nicole Bartelme, has screened over 1300 films from over 80 countries since its first festival in 2002.
The TriBeCa Film Festival's initial focus encompassed films with a humanitarian message, great sound tracks and film technology. With organizer Jane Rosenthal at the helm the festival has grown to encompass films of many genres: from blockbusters to documentaries.
by Total Film April 9, 2013
Nicole Bartelme originated the Tribeca Film Festival, based in lower Manhattan with its focus on independent filmmakers and films with innovative sound tracks. Proceeds of the festival were to benefit ACE -the Association For Community Employment . A component of her blue print included a family day to celebrate film in the community, to appease rather than alienate its residents and enjoin them into the festivities. The late April dates she chose corresponded with potential Los Angles film buyers on route to Europe for the Cannes Film Festival. Bartelme, engaged in legalities with Jane Rosenthal of the Tribeca Film Center, relinquished all rights after 9/11, 2001. The Tribeca Film Festival was then launched in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff. The Festival’s mission is to promote New York City as a major filmmaking center and allow its filmmakers to reach the broadest possible audience. By upholding a belief in the artistic process as a means to tell the stories of loss and redemption, fear and prosperity, chaos and revolution with the spirit of independent film at the helm.
The Tribeca Film Festival is anchored in Tribeca and takes place in additional neighborhoods throughout Manhattan, featuring film screenings, special events, concerts, a family street fair, and panel discussions.
by InFo-Net October 14, 2007