Cameron Crowe’s new documentary, ‘The Union,’ is set to open the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, officials for the festival have announced. The movie will premiere Wednesday, April 20 at the North Cove at the World Financial Plaza. The film’s subject, Elton John, will perform following the free screening to kick off the festival, and to thank New Yorkers for their support for the festival’s 10th anniversary.
‘The Union’ is the first film to follow John during his writing, composing and recording process. The movie, which began filming in November 2009, is focused on John’s collaborative album of the same name with Leon Russell, his early-career idol. T-Bone Burnett produced the album, which features John’s lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, R&B organist Booker T. Jones and steel guitarist Robert Randolph.
Jane Rosenthal, who co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival with Robert De Niro in 2001, said “It’s a special opportunity to open our 10th Festival in this distinct and unique way…(Cameron) Crowe gives audiences unprecedented access into (Elton) John and (Leon) Russell’s artistic process in an emotional and realistic way.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled that the documentary about “The Union” will premiere opening night at The Tribeca Film Festival,” John said. Crowe added that “As a longtime fan of both artists, it was a pleasure to spend a year filming their collaboration.”
Written by: Karen Benardello
