Tribeca 2013: Festival Eschews Blockbuster Opening Film, Picks Tour Doc Centered on The National

By  · Published on February 28th, 2013

Last year’s Tribeca Film Festival opened with the world premiere of the Judd Apatow-produced and Jason Segel-starring The Five-Year Engagement, a big studio film with big studio names, but this year’s Opening Night film seems to signal a return to the more indie-minded roots of the festival. Tom Berninger’s Mistaken for Strangers, a tour documentary about Berninger’s time on tour with his brother’s (Matt Berninger) band The National, will open the festival on the evening of April 17. The film will, of course, be followed by a special performance by the band, which means you should probably get your lighters ready now (is that still a thing?).

The film “follows The National on its biggest tour to date. Newbie roadie Tom (lead singer Matt Berninger’s younger brother) is a heavy metal and horror movie enthusiast, and can’t help but put his own spin on the experience. Inevitably, Tom’s moonlighting as an irreverent documentarian creates some drama for the band on the road. The film is a hilarious and touching look at two very different brothers and an entertaining story of artistic aspiration.”

The festival’s feature film slate will be announced next week. The Tribeca Film Festival runs in New York City from April 17th until April 28th. [Press Release]

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