By Carmen Voss, Entertainment Reporter
The 2025 Tribeca Festival, held from June 4 to 15 in New York City, is spotlighting the powerful intersection of music and film with a lineup rich in documentaries and visual albums that explore the lives and legacies of iconic artists. This year’s event showcases world premieres and cinematic tributes that blur the lines between live performance, biography, and artistic expression.
This year’s programming emphasizes music as a storytelling force, with documentaries, visual albums, and concert films taking center stage. Audiences are being treated to exclusive screenings and unique live performances that deepen the emotional resonance of each story.
Depeche Mode’s ‘M’: A Meditation on Mortality and Music
One of the most anticipated features is Depeche Mode: M, a 95-minute concert documentary directed by Mexican filmmaker Fernando Frías de la Parra. The film captures three sold-out performances at Foro Sol in Mexico City during the band’s 2023 Memento Mori tour, attended by nearly 200,000 fans.
The documentary is more than just a concert film; it examines Mexico’s deep-rooted cultural relationship with death. It aligns with the themes of the Memento Mori album, which was influenced by the death of founding member Andy Fletcher in 2022. Narrated by actor Daniel Giménez Cacho, the film intertwines interviews, atmospheric visuals, and reflections from fans, creating a profound meditation on life, loss, and music’s healing power.
Counting Crows’ ‘Have You Seen Me Lately?’: A Journey Through Fame
Another festival highlight is Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?, directed by Amy Scott. This 90-minute documentary chronicles the band’s meteoric rise following the release of their 1993 debut album August and Everything After, which featured the hit single “Mr. Jones.”
The film dives deep into the emotional struggles of frontman Adam Duritz, who opens up about grappling with identity and the pressures of fame. Through a mix of archival footage, personal interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments, the documentary explores the often unseen cost of success and the resilience needed to navigate a life in the spotlight.
A Star-Studded Music-Film Lineup
The festival’s commitment to musical storytelling continues with a rich selection of additional premieres:
- Billy Joel: And So It Goes opens the festival, offering an in-depth look at the legendary pianist’s career and impact on American music.
- Something Beautiful, a visual album by Miley Cyrus, presents an experimental fusion of music and cinematic visuals.
- Matter of Time, a documentary featuring Eddie Vedder, chronicles his benefit concerts and ends with a live acoustic performance.
- Billy Idol Should Be Dead delves into the punk icon’s tumultuous life and legacy, culminating in a powerful on-stage appearance.
- Metallica Saved My Life tells the stories of fans whose lives were transformed by the band’s music, offering raw, heartfelt testimonials.
- A film on Culture Club adds a historical perspective, reflecting on the band’s cultural contributions.
Each screening is designed to be more than just a film viewing. Many are paired with live Q&A sessions, performances, or panel discussions, turning every event into a full-sensory celebration of music and storytelling.
Live Performances and Artist Interactions
Complementing the film screenings are live appearances and performances by featured artists. Depeche Mode will take part in a conversation with director Fernando Frías, exploring the creation of their documentary and its cultural context.
Billy Idol and Eddie Vedder are set to perform following the premieres of their respective films, giving fans a chance to connect with the music on a personal level. Miley Cyrus is scheduled for a post-screening Q&A, where she will discuss the creative process behind her visual album.
These interactive elements enhance the festival’s reputation as not just a film event, but a multidisciplinary cultural experience. Attendees can engage with the artists, explore behind-the-scenes stories, and witness performances that bring the films to life.
Bridging Generations and Genres
The 2025 Tribeca Festival successfully bridges generational and genre divides, offering stories that resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike. Whether it’s through a nostalgic dive into the rise of Counting Crows or an introspective journey with Depeche Mode, the festival invites audiences to reflect on the universal power of music.
This year’s focus on music and film fusion demonstrates the evolving nature of both mediums, highlighting how deeply intertwined sound and story have become in contemporary culture. The Tribeca Festival continues to push boundaries and celebrate creativity in all its forms.
