_{Creator: Jamie McCarthy | Credit: Getty Images for Tribeca Festival Copyright: 2026 Getty Images}

Twenty-five years in, the Tribeca Film Festival thrives. Opening at the Beacon Theater this week, the festival began as a way to heal downtown after 9/11, co-founder Jane Rosenthal reminded everyone, marveling at her creation’s historic legs. Beside her, co-founder Robert DeNiro welcomed everyone, taking a usual jab at the current political regime, emphasizing why we need healing now more than ever. This was the perfect set-up for Questlove to take the stage to introduce his doc, Earth, Wind, and Fire (To be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World). 

Following the up-from-dire-roots journey of Maurice White to stardom, the film not only tells the story of the man and music but of the huge cultural relevance to Americans such as Barak Obama and Michelle Obama. Their humor and earnest accolades provide a scaffolding; the joyful sound of this music and lyrics inspired them growing up to become –well, who they are. For the black community, the music and spectacle were much more than R&B Bar Mitzvah and disco classics. We all danced to “September.” Seeing the former first couple in a new phase of their lives, the audience was reminded of the decency we all crave right now. How much we miss them!

Stevie Wonder admits how much he took from “Shining Star” for his song “I Wish.” Yes, it a funny moment, the “steal” being the ultimate homage. Lionel Ritchie speaks well of Maurice White’s genius.

In true Tribeca tradition, the screening was followed by a live concert, with Questlove on drums, and the remaining band members—Philip Bailey, Verdine White, and Ralph Johnson—performing against glorious lighting. Who could not resist dancing to their greatest hits? And the follow up at Tavern on the Green where Questlove’s DJ skills made the packed room move.