The Tribeca Festival, has unveiled its opening night selection for the 25th anniversary edition, marking the first programming reveal for this milestone year. True to its long-standing commitment to music storytelling and live experiences–and championing artists who shape culture–the Tribeca fest will open with the world premiere of the HBO Original Documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World), directed by Academy Award®- and GRAMMY Award®-winning filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. The screening will be followed by a live performance by nine-time GRAMMY Award-winning icons Earth, Wind & Fire and three-time GRAMMY Award-winning group The Roots at the Beacon Theatre on June 3.
“Opening night is always a magical moment! This year, as we celebrate 25 years of the Festival, it is especially meaningful,” said Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Festival co-founder and co-chair. “Tribeca was born in the wake of 9/11 with a belief: that storytellers have the power to bring communities together. For 25 years, we’ve seen artists, filmmakers, musicians, and audiences come together in New York City in ways that are inspiring, surprising, and deeply human. We are humbled by what’s been achieved and excited for the stories yet to come.”
Over the past two decades, Tribeca has become a home for music-driven storytelling and live performance, bringing artists and audiences together in ways that extend beyond the screen. From early community concerts in Lower Manhattan to premiere events that pair films with live performances and conversations, music has been part of the Festival’s DNA since its founding. In this milestone 25th year, that legacy comes full circle, as Earth, Wind & Fire returns to open the Festival after being a part of the opening night celebrations in 2017, underscoring Tribeca’s enduring relationships with the artists who have shaped its history.
Tribeca’s history is rich with legendary music moments: David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Bono, Metallica, Carlos Santana, KISS, Jon Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Cyndi Lauper, Miley Cyrus, Depeche Mode, Nas, Herbie Hancock, The Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, Sheryl Crow, Billy Idol, Wizkid, The National, and many more have graced the Festival stage and screen, contributing to its enduring legacy at the intersection of film, music, and New York City. These moments, whether intimate post-screening sets or onstage conversations, have become a defining part of the Tribeca experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Questlove to the Festival to premiere a film that represents everything Tribeca stands for: creative pioneers at the top of their game in front of and behind the camera, showcasing the joy and community that great art manifests,” said Cara Cusumano, Tribeca Festival director and SVP of programming. “Paired with a rare live performance from Earth, Wind & Fire and The Roots, opening night will be a once-in-a-lifetime New York event that reflects the energy, creativity, and communal experience that has defined Tribeca for 25 years.”
Following the premiere, members of Earth, Wind & Fire will take the stage alongside The Roots for a live performance. The evening will conclude with an opening night after party at Tavern on the Green, the iconic Central Park restaurant and New York City landmark.
“It is an absolute honor to bring this project to the Tribeca Festival,” said Thompson. “The past two years of deep research and creative magic surrounding Earth, Wind & Fire have been nothing short of transformative. They remain one of the most culturally significant bands in history, and this project finally illustrates exactly why their legacy is so vital.”
Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World) examines the band’s lasting legacy, cultural influence, and body of work, with rare access to archival materials and a focus on the vision of founder Maurice White. The documentary will debut in the United States on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max in 2026. The film is produced by Thompson, Dave Sirulnick and Samantha Grogin, KB White, and Arron Saxe–and executive produced by Jon Kamen, Cheo Hodari Coker, Karla Zambrano, Zarah Zohlman, Shawn Gee, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, and Amos Newman.
Opening Night sets the tone for the anniversary Tribeca Festival, which will continue to highlight a wide range of storytelling across film, television, music, audio, games, and immersive work, welcoming artists and audiences from around the world to New York City. The full schedule of films at Tribeca will be announced soon. The Tribeca Festival runs from June 3-14.
