April 21 marked the start of the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, which runs to May 2.  This is the festival’s ninth year and the A-list celebrities, films and events should attract close to half million visitors.  Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music and culture.  TFF’s mission is to help filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enable the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. 

For me the Tribeca Film Festival and cherry blossoms always mark the true beginning of spring.   With dozens of films and events to attend, TFF also provides fun and educational opportunities to attend the festival for free.  Check out the list of the free events:

Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair

Saturday, May 1

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Greenwich Street from Chambers St. to Harrison St.

BMCC Tribeca PAC (199 Chambers St. bet. Greenwich St. and West St.)

Washington Market Park (Chambers St. at Greenwich St.)

Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day

Saturday, May 1

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Duane Street between Greenwich Street and Hudson Street

Authors at the Helm

DATE: Monday, April 26

TIME: 12 PM

LOCATION: Barnes & Noble Union Square

Docs Doing It Right

DATE: Monday, April 26

TIME: 2 PM

LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

Dollar and Sense: Making the Most of Your Production Budget

DATE: Wednesday, April 28

TIME: 3 PM

LOCATION: SVA Theater 1

Talking With Pictures

DATE: Thursday, April 29

TIME: 2 PM

LOCATION: SVA Theater 2

To purchase tickets for the Tribeca Film Festival, visit www.tribecafilm.com/festival/.

Photos: Getty Images