Tribeca Festival to Open 25th Edition With Earth, Wind & Fire Documentary Directed by Questlove

The Tribeca Festival will mark its 25th anniversary with a music-focused opening night, announcing that an HBO original documentary centered on Earth, Wind & Fire will premiere on June 3. The screening is scheduled to take place at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, followed by a live performance featuring members of the band alongside The Roots.

The film, titled “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World),” is directed by Questlove, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker and musician best known for his work both as a member of The Roots and as the director of previous documentary projects. The production examines the band’s decades-long career, with a particular focus on founder Maurice White and the creative vision that shaped the group’s sound and identity.

According to festival organizers, the documentary draws on archival footage and historical material to trace the band’s cultural impact, while also exploring the philosophy behind its music. Earth, Wind & Fire, formed in the late 1960s, became one of the most influential groups in popular music, blending elements of R&B, funk, soul, jazz, and pop into a distinct style that has remained widely recognizable.

The opening night selection underscores Tribeca’s continued emphasis on music-driven storytelling, particularly in milestone years. Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal described the choice as reflective of the event’s broader mission, which has evolved since its founding in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Established in 2002, the festival was originally conceived as a way to revitalize lower Manhattan while fostering connections between artists and audiences.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Rosenthal noted that the 25th anniversary carries added significance, pointing to the role the festival has played in bringing together filmmakers, musicians, and the public over the past quarter century. The decision to open with a project centered on a legacy act such as Earth, Wind & Fire reflects that emphasis on cultural continuity and shared artistic history.

Questlove, who has spent the past two years researching and developing the documentary, described the project as a deeply immersive process. His previous work in the documentary space has focused on music history and archival storytelling, and the Earth, Wind & Fire film continues that trajectory. While full details of the film’s narrative structure have not been disclosed, it is expected to balance biographical elements with broader commentary on the band’s influence across generations.

The live performance planned for opening night is expected to complement the film’s themes, offering a direct connection between the documentary’s subject matter and the festival audience. Earth, Wind & Fire, a nine-time Grammy Award-winning group, has remained active in touring and live performance, maintaining a presence that spans multiple decades. The inclusion of The Roots adds a contemporary dimension, bridging different eras of music while reinforcing the festival’s focus on collaboration.

The documentary is produced by Questlove alongside Dave Sirulnick, Samantha Grogin, KB White, and Arron Saxe, with executive producers including Zarah Zohlman, Shawn Gee, Jon Kamen, Cheo Hodari Coker, and Amos Newman. HBO’s involvement reflects the continued demand for high-profile music documentaries within the streaming and premium television landscape.

Additional programming for the 2026 Tribeca Festival has not yet been announced. Organizers indicated that the full lineup will be released at a later date, with passes and ticket packages already available through the festival’s official channels.

As Tribeca enters its 25th year, the decision to open with a film centered on one of the most enduring acts in modern music signals an effort to align the festival’s legacy with that of its subjects. By pairing the premiere with a live performance, organizers appear to be emphasizing not only the historical significance of Earth, Wind & Fire, but also the continued relevance of their work in a contemporary context.