On 9/11, Robert De Niro Says Mayor Mamdani Can Be a Bridge For NYC

Key Points:

• The 2006 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of Paul Greengrass’ United 93 marked a significant moment in 9/11 cultural processing, bringing together victims' families, filmmakers, and audiences to collectively confront the tragedy through art.
• The emotional response of the victims' families during the screening, including intense wailing, highlighted the film’s power to bridge the gap between personal grief and public mourning, offering a unique space for communal healing.
• Founded shortly after 9/11 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, the Tribeca Film Festival evolved from a one-time benefit into a vital cultural event that reflects New York City's resilience and diversity in film and art.
• Despite challenges and shifts in programming focus over 25 years, Tribeca remains a beloved platform for both indie and mainstream films, as well as innovative media like VR and AI, embodying the city’s spirit of togetherness and renewal.
• In interviews, De Niro and Rosenthal emphasize the festival’s mission to restore community and hope to a city deeply affected by terrorism, underscoring the personal and collective impact of 9/11 on their lives and the festival’s origins.