Black Films at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival

A wave of new filmmaking talent is about to hit NYC.

Time is Illmatic - The 14th annual Tribeca Film Festival kicks off in New York City this week, bringing together established filmmakers, celebrities and the stars of tomorrow for a 14 day film extravaganza. We're putting a spotlight on some of the exciting Black films screening at this year's festival.  TFF's opening night film is Time is Illmatic, a documentary that explores the legacy of Nas' seminal album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 19. The film is a throwback to the golden era of New York hip hop, but also a deep look at the makings of a "perfect album."  (Photo: Illa Films)

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Time is Illmatic - The 14th annual Tribeca Film Festival kicks off in New York City this week, bringing together established filmmakers, celebrities and the stars of tomorrow for a 14 day film extravaganza. We're putting a spotlight on some of the exciting Black films screening at this year's festival. TFF's opening night film is Time is Illmatic, a documentary that explores the legacy of Nas' seminal album, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 19. The film is a throwback to the golden era of New York hip hop, but also a deep look at the makings of a "perfect album." (Photo: Illa Films)

Champs - This documentary charts the rise of some of boxing's greatest legends — from Mike Tyson to Evander Holyfield — as they seek to break out of poverty and life in the projects to become some of America's greatest sports heroes. (Photo: Bert Marcus Productions)

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Champs - This documentary charts the rise of some of boxing's greatest legends — from Mike Tyson to Evander Holyfield — as they seek to break out of poverty and life in the projects to become some of America's greatest sports heroes. (Photo: Bert Marcus Productions)

Photo By Photo: Bert Marcus Productions

Iverson - There have been several documentaries about Allen Iverson, one of the NBA's most controversial players, but this is the first where the basketball legend tells his story in his own words. From his courtside battles with coaches and referees to his embracing of hip hop culture off the court, Iverson gives us an in-depth look at the once-in-a-lifetime talent and, some would say, tragic figure.(Photo: Moore Management Entertainment, 214 Films) 

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Iverson - There have been several documentaries about Allen Iverson, one of the NBA's most controversial players, but this is the first where the basketball legend tells his story in his own words. From his courtside battles with coaches and referees to his embracing of hip hop culture off the court, Iverson gives us an in-depth look at the once-in-a-lifetime talent and, some would say, tragic figure.(Photo: Moore Management Entertainment, 214 Films) 

Manos Sucias - Spike Lee executive produced this drama about a desperate fisherman and a naive kid on a drug trafficking journey up the Pacific coast of Colombia. The film, directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka and shot in some of the most dangerous guerrilla terroritories in South America, shows the devastating effects of the drug trade.(Photo: Tenacious Productions)

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Manos Sucias - Spike Lee executive produced this drama about a desperate fisherman and a naive kid on a drug trafficking journey up the Pacific coast of Colombia. The film, directed by Josef Kubota Wladyka and shot in some of the most dangerous guerrilla terroritories in South America, shows the devastating effects of the drug trade.(Photo: Tenacious Productions)

True Son - While Barack Obama inspired hope and change throughout the nation, for most people, politics is local. True Son is a documentary about 22-year-old Michael Tubbs, who ran for City Council in Stockton, California at a time when the town was ravaged by economic hardship and rising crime. Tubbs sets out to beat a seasoned politician twice his age and bring his community back from the brink.(Photo: True Son Productions)

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True Son - While Barack Obama inspired hope and change throughout the nation, for most people, politics is local. True Son is a documentary about 22-year-old Michael Tubbs, who ran for City Council in Stockton, California at a time when the town was ravaged by economic hardship and rising crime. Tubbs sets out to beat a seasoned politician twice his age and bring his community back from the brink.(Photo: True Son Productions)

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Untitled James Brown Documentary - Arguably the foremost documentary filmmaker working today, Alex Gibney sets his sights on soul legend James Brown for his latest work. The film boasts "unique cooperation" from Brown's estate and calls itself the definitive documentary on the music icon. (Photo: Inaudible Productions)

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Untitled James Brown Documentary - Arguably the foremost documentary filmmaker working today, Alex Gibney sets his sights on soul legend James Brown for his latest work. The film boasts "unique cooperation" from Brown's estate and calls itself the definitive documentary on the music icon. (Photo: Inaudible Productions)

Bad Hair - Not to be confused with Chris Rock's documentary Good Hair, this narrative feature is about a young boy living in the housing projects of Caracas, Venezuela who dreams of taming his kinky curls into straight hair in time for his yearbook photo. This coming-of-age story about identity and intolerance features a standout performance from newcomer Samuel Lange.(Photo: FiGa Films)

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Bad Hair - Not to be confused with Chris Rock's documentary Good Hair, this narrative feature is about a young boy living in the housing projects of Caracas, Venezuela who dreams of taming his kinky curls into straight hair in time for his yearbook photo. This coming-of-age story about identity and intolerance features a standout performance from newcomer Samuel Lange.(Photo: FiGa Films)

Mala Mala - This documentary about the transgender community of Puerto Rico features interviews from LGBTQ activists, sex workers, businessmen and drag performers who tell the story of their fight for acceptance. (Photo: Killer Films)

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Mala Mala - This documentary about the transgender community of Puerto Rico features interviews from LGBTQ activists, sex workers, businessmen and drag performers who tell the story of their fight for acceptance. (Photo: Killer Films)

Five Star - Taking an intense look at Brooklyn gang culture through the eyes of a young boy whose father is killed by a stray bullet, Five Star features a performance by John "Primo" Grant, a real-life member of the Bloods since age 12, at its center.(Photo: XYZ Films)

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Five Star - Taking an intense look at Brooklyn gang culture through the eyes of a young boy whose father is killed by a stray bullet, Five Star features a performance by John "Primo" Grant, a real-life member of the Bloods since age 12, at its center.(Photo: XYZ Films)

Welcome to Pine Hill - This hybrid between documentary and fiction stars newcomer Shannon Harper as a former drug dealer turned insurance claims adjuster who deals with a devastating medical diagnosis. Through the story, set in Brooklyn, the film deals with issues of race, class and gentrification in New York City.(Photo: Oscilloscope Laboratories, Esopus Creek Pictures)

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Welcome to Pine Hill - This hybrid between documentary and fiction stars newcomer Shannon Harper as a former drug dealer turned insurance claims adjuster who deals with a devastating medical diagnosis. Through the story, set in Brooklyn, the film deals with issues of race, class and gentrification in New York City.(Photo: Oscilloscope Laboratories, Esopus Creek Pictures)