Free Elton John Concert, Cameron Crowe Doc to Open 2011 Tribeca Film Fest

Whoa. Word just over the Movieline transom announces that the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival will open with a free outdoor screening of Cameron Crowe's documentary The Union, a world premiere about the recent collaboration between Elton John and his early-career idol Leon Russell. Not bad! Better still: Elton will follow the screening with a live performance. Did I mention it's free? Read on for details.

Here's the full press release from the fest; more programming notes will follow here as they're announced in the weeks ahead...

New York, NY - March 2, 2011 - The Tribeca Film Festival today announced that the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's documentary The Union will open the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival, presented by American Express. A performance by the film's subject - Elton John - will follow the free, outdoor screening to kick off the Festival's 10th edition and thank the New York City community for its ongoing support. The Union will premiere on Wednesday, April 20 at the North Cove at the World Financial Plaza. The 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival will take place from April 20 through May 1, 2011.

The Union is an unprecedented and personal look at the creative life of Elton John and the remarkable collaborative album with Leon Russell, produced by T-Bone Burnett. Begun in November 2009, the filming captures the entire writing and recording process of the heralded album John recorded with his early-career idol, Russell.

Never before filmed in his composing process, John¹s creation of The Union is an extremely candid portrait of one of the world's most treasured artists and performers, and his extraordinary journey of the heart -- one that sent him to powerfully reclaim and reinvigorate the life and musical career of Russell, to whom John hadn't spoken in over 38 years. The Union is a captivating and exhilarating real-life experience of musical creation and generosity, directed by Cameron Crowe.

Award-winning music producer T-Bone Burnett, John's lifelong lyricist Bernie Taupin, icons Neil Young and Brian Wilson, legendary R&B organist Booker T. Jones, steel guitarist Robert Randolph and a 10-piece gospel choir are featured on the album, while appearances by Stevie Nicks and Don Was color the documentary about a love of making music.

"It's a special opportunity to open our 10th Festival in this distinct and unique way--not only are we inviting the community to join us for the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's film The Union, but to have Elton, whose music transcends generations, perform after is an extraordinary gift to our Festival and more specifically the downtown community," said co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival Jane Rosenthal. "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," said Elton John.

"As a longtime fan of both artists, it was a pleasure to spend a year filming their collaboration," said Cameron Crowe. "We can't wait to show it to one of the greatest audiences in the world, the Tribeca Film Festival."

The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival will announce its feature film slate on March 7 and 14, 2011.

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