Introduction: Post 9/11, New York, as a city and as the cultural and artistic center of the nation, was in a collective funk. It seemed rather tasteless to talk about art or films or entertainment when our way of life was in danger. But, life goes on, and as the days and months went by, people were searching for a way to get past the WTC attacks and get back on track.

Into this breach stepped Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, who founded the Tribeca Film Festival (henceforth referred to in this guide as TFF) in late 2001 (the first event was held in 2002) as a means of reinvigorating lower Manhattan’s culture using the power of the silver screen to draw a large audience and to promote New York to filmmakers as a resurgent filmmaking center. Considering the 2 million+ attendees who have attended the annual film fest since its inception and the over $425 million that TFF has generated in revenue for New York, it’s quite safe to say that it was, and remains, a resounding success. The film screenings are held at the Tribeca Cinemas, run by Tribeca Enterprises, a multi-platform media company run by the same founders, who also run the Tribeca Film Center and The Tribeca Film Institute, in addition to organizing the Film Festival.

Tribeca Film Festival 2008 Event Guide: Scheduled to be held from April 23rd to the 4th May, TFF this year will feature a drive-in outdoor screening, a sports festival and a family festival street fair (3rd May, from 10 am to 6 pm, Greenwich Street from Hubert to Duane Street), and panel discussions about the business of entertainment which includes the usual ‘Tribeca Talks’, ‘Behind the Scenes’ which features Q & A’s with eminent personalities such as Sissy Spacek, Amy Tan, and Melvin Van Peeble, and moderated discussions lasting an hour each with leading writers, actors and directors at the Apple Store, SoHo. In addition, there will also be an art exhibition showcasing local artists and music shows, also supporting local talent. More information here.

There will be some gala premieres and special screenings which include ‘Baby Mama’, ‘Redbelt’, ’Speed Racer’, ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’ and ‘Empire II’.

TFF 08 Film Guide: There are over 200 films to choose from, not to mention the myriad activities and events outlined above. Naturally, it would be a bit of a stretch to be able to comprehensively cover everything, including all the great films being screened. Best way to do it is to browse the TFF website (www.tribecafilmfestival.org) and note down all the events and films you’re interested in (use their film guide), with date and time and venue.

Tickets: Once you have it all planned out, and you know exactly what films you want to see at which show and what events you want to attend at what time, you can go on a ticket buying spree, since the website allows you to add tickets to your shopping cart and pay for it all at the end, when you checkout. Well, that’s how they get you to spend all that money, so…It’s pretty smart on their part. But what the heck, Tribeca just comes along once a year, so have fun and splurge. Remember, it’s for New York.

Another option is get one of their passes. In addition to the all-access Hudson Pass ($1,100) and the pre-ticket selection Harrison($200) and Franklin($450) Packages, this year, TFF will also offer six new package options which offer discounts on ticket prices and allow you to indulge in films which fall under your preferred category, or theme.

American Express has created exclusive packages for cardholders which includes three unique screening packages, along with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers and catered food and beverage service. More information and details here.

Main Box Office: 15 Laight Street (between Varick St. and Ave of the Americas, one block below Canal St.) 11:00am - 7:00pm, 7 days a week; AMC 19^th Street East: 890 Broadway (between East 19^th St. and East 20^th St.) 3:00pm - 8:00pm, 7 days a week; Tel: (646) 502-5296, (866) 941-FEST (3378)

Tribeca Film Festival for Visitors: If you’re new, you’re gonna need directions, transportation, a restaurant guide and list of decent hotels in Tribeca, near the venues.  so, for starters, here’s the Tribeca Film Festival 2008 interactive map, which includesa list of venues, subway information and listings of NYC hotels sorted according to distance from each venue, all of which should help you get your bearings. Well known restaurants near the Tribeca Film Festival include Robert DeNiro’s own restaurant Tribeca Grill, Nobu Tribeca, Katz’s Deli and Lombardi’s.

A word of advice - print out this page and whatever else you think is important. You don’t want to get lost because you need to be at screenings around 30 minutes in advance if you don’t want to waste your ticket money. Another last word of advice. Keep an unbrella and/or raincoat handy, cause the weather this time of the year is very iffy and while it’ll be warm and pleasant, you could end up drenched if you’re not prepared. Wear comfortable walking shoes which will allow you to wander around between screenings and keep your cellphone camera handy to take pictures and videos of the film stars and celebrities you’re likely to bump into.

Tribeca Film Festival: 375 Greenwich Street New York NY 10013; (212) 941-2400; festival@tribecafilmfestival.org