Tribeca Festival Talks: The Birth of a Super-Heroine, How Women Shape Stories for the Future Generation

From the time it was founded in 2002 by Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, and Craig Hatkoff, the Tribeca Festival was all about film, and remained this way for nearly twenty years. But in 2021, recognizing the evolving nature of storytelling and the growing influence of television and video games as mediums of artistic expression, the festival made a groundbreaking decision to include these forms of entertainment alongside traditional film.

This move was a testament to the festival’s commitment to embracing innovation, fostering creative exploration, and providing a platform for diverse voices.

At Spring Studios, the “hub” of the festival, the new elemts of technology are ever present. The building features an entire floor dedicated to various immersive experiences, and on Thursday, Katayoun Dibamehr, Ana Ribeiro, Michaela Ternasky-Holland, Eloise Singer, and Paisley Smith all sat down for a panel discussing the concept of a “super heroine” and how women can shape these stories for future generations.

The panel was a part of AT&T’s Untold Stories program in partnership with Tribeca Festival, which has emerged as a beacon of support for underrepresented storytellers, offering a platform to amplify diverse voices and shed light on compelling narratives that might otherwise go untold. This groundbreaking initiative represents the shared commitment of AT&T and the Tribeca Festival to foster inclusivity and champion emerging talent in the entertainment industry.

The panelists gathered in Indeed’s Rising Voices Lounge as the conversation aknowledged the importance of gender balance and representation within the audiovisual production field. However, the panelists emphasized that true progress went beyond mere numbers. They highlighted the need for storytelling that captures the essence of the modern era, breaking traditional molds and challenging established norms.

Each speaker shared their unique experiences and insights, revealing how they have successfully pushed the boundaries of immersive storytelling and gaming, creating space for female voices to be heard. Katayoun Dibamehr, known for her exceptional work as a director, emphasized the power of storytelling as a means of representation and empowerment.

Ana Ribeiro, a visionary game developer, shed light on the transformative nature of gaming as a medium for storytelling. She emphasized the importance of inclusive narratives that resonate with players from diverse backgrounds, effectively breaking down barriers and fostering empathy.

Michaela Ternasky-Holland, an accomplished producer, shared her experiences in championing immersive projects that challenge traditional storytelling methods.  Eloise Singer, a groundbreaking director, discussed her innovative work that combines immersive theater with virtual reality, creating unique and transformative experiences.  And Paisley Smith, an acclaimed producer, shared her passion for creating immersive experiences that celebrate the power of art and technology.

In other Tribeva news, talented emerging black filmmaker David Fortune’s “Color Book,” won $1 million at the highly-acclaimed “AT&T Presents: Untold Stories” Pitch Event. He will also receive a year-round mentorship to produce his feature film and premiere his film at next year’s Tribeca Festival in 2024! See additional info below and photos attached.

• About “Color Book”: a devoted father learning to raise his son — who has Down Syndrome — following the passing of the family matriarch. While adjusting to their new reality, the duo embark on a journey through Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball game. The Atlanta-set picture is like Fortune’s prior films in that it finds power in normalizing the themes of compassion and intimacy set in inner-city communities.

• “Untold Stories” jury includes Derek Luke, actress Michael Michelle, actor/producer Mo McRae, Nardeep Khurmi (2021 Untold Stories winner with “Land of Gold”), and Kellyn Smith Kenny (Chief Marketing and Growth Officer, AT&T)

• NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 09: (L-R) Derek Luke, Mo McRae, Director David Fortune, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Saleah Smith, Michael Michele, Kellyn Smith Kenny and Nardeep Khurmi attend the AT&T Presents: Untold Stories during the 2023 Tribeca Festival at Spring Studios on June 09, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)

Hear more about the Tribeca Talks Series here!