Tribeca Film Festival: A day-to-day guide of the best of this year's line-up

Given that it's one of the most wide-ranging cultural eventsNew Yorksees each year, navigating theTribeca Film Festivalcould easily fill every waking hour of your day from start (Wednesday) to finish (May 1).

Operating under the assumption that you have other responsibilities, however, we'll be doing all the heavy lifting.

Every day, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to the festival's highlights, sifting through more than 150 films to find the real gems, and paring down the schedule so you know where to focus.

If you've got plenty of time on your hands, our daily road map will walk you through all the best options. But if you want to head straight to the main events, these are the tickets you should get— and soon.

Don't panic, though, if your choice is sold out: Every program will have a waitlist, to be granted admittance (based on availability) shortly before showtime.

WEDNESDAY, April 20

This year's opening-night celebration is designed to emphasize the inclusive spirit that's made TFF such a communal festival. The premiere ofCameron Crowe'sElton Johndocumentary,"The Union,"is free to everyone (based on capacity, so arrive early). Best of all, the movie will be followed by a concert with Sir Elton himself.

THURSDAY, April 21

Anyone who has watchedSteve CooganandRob BrydontradingMichael Caineimpressions on You- Tube will consider"The Trip"(above) a must . The friends reunite with"Tristram Shandy"directorMichael Winterbottomfor a comic romp that devilishly blends fact and fiction.
Bonus event:Tribeca's outdoor"drivein"movies are always great fun— and always free. The series kicks off with the original"Fame,"about students at New York's High School for the Performing Arts.

FRIDAY, April 22

Lance Daly's"Kisses"impressed arthouse audiences last year, so there are big hopes for his follow up, the psychological thriller"The Good Doctor."Since big stars often do their best work in smaller films, we're also excited to see howOrlando Bloomfares as a medical resident who develops a highly suspect relationship with a new patient.
Bonus event:The second"drive-in"night features the documentary"When the Drum Is Beating,"aboutHaiti's legendary band Septentrional. A performance from the group will follow.

SATURDAY, April 23

One of the joys of any film festival is the chance to catch small, character-driven works that may not get wider release. Among the most intriguing here isMateo Gil's Western"Blackthorn,"starringSam ShepardasButch Cassidy.
Bonus event:Part of the 10thanniversary celebration is a series of"Tribeca Talks"with great directors. Naturally, the festival will offer an evening with co-founderRobert De Niro, interviewed by news anchorBrian Williams.

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