NYWIFT Blog

By Tammy Reese

The 2025 Tribeca Festival may be in the rearview, but the stories told, the icons celebrated, and the bold truths shared are still echoing through the industry and NYWIFT was proud to be part of the magic.

This year, NYWIFT’s own LaKisa Renee and Tammy Reese hit the red carpet to cover several of the festival’s standout spotlight documentary premieres, each of which celebrated trailblazers who transformed their personal journeys into global movements.

From ’80s pop icons to maternal rights warriors and queer faith leaders, our coverage captured the heart, soul, and grit of storytelling at its finest.

Tammy (left) and LaKisa (right) with members of Culture Club

Boy George & Culture Club:

LaKisa and Tammy were front and center at the world premiere of Boy George & Culture Club — a dazzling, emotionally charged dive into the rise, fall, and reuniting of one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s. While Boy George himself was not in attendance, his presence was unmistakably felt throughout the evening.

Directed with flair and sensitivity, the documentary is packed with humor, heart, and the bold fashion statements that defined an era. But beyond the glitter lies a deeper narrative: one of brotherhood, creative tension, personal struggle, and above all, love. 

LaKisa’s Interview With Culture Club’s Roy Hay and Mikey Craig:

Tammy’s Interview With Film Director, Alison Ellwood:

She Runs the World

At the She Runs the World red carpet premiere, LaKisa spoke with none other than Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete in history — and the subject of her own riveting new documentary.

Felix’s story is one of resilience, grace, and fierce advocacy. At the height of her athletic success, she faced a career-defining moment: becoming pregnant while under contract with a major sports brand that lacked maternal protections.

The documentary details how this personal turning point became a public battle, eventually sparking a nationwide conversation on women’s rights in sports. Felix emerged not only victorious but as a catalyst for sweeping change within the athletic world and beyond.

LaKisa’s Interview With Allyson Felix:

I Was Born This Way:

Another standout world premiere on NYWIFT’s radar was the emotional and powerful spotlight documentary I Was Born This Way — a tribute to the late Archbishop Carl Bean, whose life defied convention and defined legacy.

Born in Baltimore and a survivor of childhood abuse, Bean found early success as a gospel singer before recording the 1977 Motown disco hit “I Was Born This Way”. The song became a revolutionary anthem for the LGBTQ+ community — especially Black queer individuals — during a time when visibility was rare and risky.

Rather than chasing fame, Bean pivoted toward purpose. He founded the Minority AIDS Project and the Unity Fellowship Church, the first spiritual refuge specifically for LGBTQ+ people of color. His life’s work was not only groundbreaking — it was lifesaving. Tammy interviewed Cori Robinson, Bean’s niece and one of the film’s executive producers.

Tammy’s Interview With Cori Robinson:

From glam rock history to Olympic glory and radical faith, the 2025 Tribeca Festival gave us unforgettable portraits of courage, creativity, and change. And NYWIFT was proud to be there to witness it all.

For even more coverage, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive red carpet interviews, follow the NYWIFT blog and subscribe to Tales from the Media on YouTube. 

(images courtesy of Tribeca Festival)