For the first time in its five-year history, the Tribeca Film Festival kicked off its flurry of downtown activities with an event other than a film screening. As many as 1,000 people attended the opening-night program at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center on April 25, an evening of music, film, and even a skit. The event included the screening of nine short films from environmental campaign SOS, an appearance by Live Earth concert series co-chairman Al Gore, a comedic bit between Robert De Niro and Jimmy Fallon, and a performance by Jon Bon Jovi.Brought in to green up both the launch event and its after-party at the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center was Dalzell Green, the eco-oriented arm of Dalzell Productions, the company that has traditionally produced the festival’s events. The night’s earth-friendly elements included email invites, the use of soy-based inks on biodegradable materials Bioflex and Duraplast for signage, generators powered with biodiesel, and the purchasing of carbon offsets. According to Dalzell producer Josh Cicerone, creating events with the environment in mind is not a new concept at the company. “We’re a liberal, young group of people who take causes to heart,” he said. “We want to show this is more than just a trend.”
—Mimi O’Connor
—Mimi O’Connor
Prior to the event, the auditorium's screen displayed quotes from the likes of Al Gore and Tribeca Film Festival cofounder Jane Rosenthal, as well as conservation tips.
Photo: BizBash
Prior to the event, the auditorium’s screen displayed quotes from the likes of Al Gore and Tribeca Film Festival cofounder Jane Rosenthal, as well as conservation tips.
Photo: BizBash
Jon Bon Jovi played a set including the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.”
Photo: Courtesy of Andrew Federman
The after-party took place in the World Financial Center Winter Garden. Cocktail ledges custom-built by Dalzell Green surrounded the base of each of the venue's palm trees.
Photo: BizBash
Catering from Great Performances employed organic produce, food from sustainable farms, acacia wood, and bamboo trays, as well as decorative touches of moss, leaves, orchids, and ginger.
Photo: Courtesy of Great Performances/Mari Sakamoto
A raised platform with modern seating provided a place for guests to relax. The V.I.P. room featured similar furnishings, as well as plants and teal sofas.
Photo: BizBash
Dalzell also custom-built four bars for the event.
Photo: BizBash
A candle wrapped in banana leaves and tied with raffia graced each of the steps at the front of the hall.
Photo: BizBash
Tall drapes demarcated the V.I.P. area.
Photo: BizBash
Uplit plastic hedgerows lined the entrance to the World Financial Center.
Photo: BizBash
Sponsor GM displayed two green vehicles (the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid and the HydroGen3) at the perimeter of the room. Sponsor National Geographic hung large banners on the walls.
Photo: BizBash
