The 2025 Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, today revealed the first slate of keynote speakers for the inaugural Storytelling Summit, a brand-new festival-within-a-festival running from June 5–15. Previously known as the Creators Forum, this revamped event connects independent storytellers and filmmakers directly with industry leaders, providing opportunities to advance their careers and creative projects.
Badge holders can access all 11 days of the Summit’s keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking spaces at Spring Studios for $250.
Keynote Highlights Include:
- Steve Buscemi (Emmy-winning actor) and Wren Arthur (Tony and Emmy-winning producer) discuss the power of creative collaboration and partnerships.
- Jeremy O. Harris (playwright, actor, screenwriter) shares insights into authentic storytelling as a multi-hyphenate artist.
- Jane Rosenthal (Oscar and Emmy-nominated producer, Tribeca Festival Co-Founder & CEO) reflects on over three decades of producing and supporting indie filmmakers.
- Julio Torres (comedian, writer, actor) explores the development and adaptation of his uniquely original voice across various storytelling platforms.
- Christine Vachon (Co-Founder of Killer Films) discusses the evolution of independent filmmaking and the future of the industry.
Tribeca Festival CEO Jane Rosenthal on the Summit:
“Damien Chazelle, Ryan Coogler, the Daniels, Jon M. Chu… Tribeca’s legacy is rooted in talent discovery. Built on two-plus decades of artist development and mentorship, the Storytelling Summit marks the next chapter. In an increasingly challenging landscape, our community is more important than ever before. The Storytelling Summit is all about fostering connections and collaboration and will serve as a launchpad for world-changing voices and talent.”
Programming Tracks Include:
- Luminaries: Intimate conversations with industry visionaries who’ve reshaped storytelling.
- Industry Now: Practical workshops on financing, production, and distribution strategies.
- Case Studies: Detailed analyses of successful projects from concept to completion.
- Next Wave: Discussions on emerging formats—gaming, AI, podcasts, and immersive media.
- Speed Sessions: Rapid insights from leading experts on trending industry topics.
- Connect: Networking events designed to forge meaningful creative relationships.
Festival Director Cara Cusumano Adds:
“We hear every year from our festival alumni filmmakers how much their lives and careers were changed by the access, wisdom, and connections gained through their Tribeca Festival experience. With the Storytelling Summit, we aim to make those catalytic experiences accessible to all, so that everyone with a story to tell can benefit tangibly from the unique community and opportunity that happens during the magic of Tribeca.”
Badge holders also gain rush-line access and complimentary day-of tickets to Tribeca Festival-wide programming.
For more information or to purchase badges, visit TribecaFilm.com/StorytellingSummit.
The complete program for the Storytelling Summit will be announced in May.
