Had a weird and wonderful time at Tribeca day one...

Weird because it's not like any other festival in the world - not 'about' anything... really more of a bunch of related festivals.

Opening night film Raising Helen was -well - ok, a Hollywood romantic comedy that made you cry. Not quite formula, but not an 'indie' by any stretch of the imagination. Last years opening film "Down With Love" had the same fluffy texture.

But everyone showed up. After all - it was opening night.
Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennybaker (their film for HBO on Elaine Stritch plays on Tuesday). Mona Eldaief from "Control Room" was there. Zack Tucker - who I just saw across the room and didn't ever catch up with. His film is at the festival. As was Danny Franco with her film""Crazy Legs Conti: Zen and the Art of Competitive Eating". Elizabeth Holder and Xan Parker were hanging out at the Gala party. As was Dianne Holzberger from Films Transit, and Eamon Bowles from Magnolia. You get the idea. The film club turned out in force.

Then Pam and I went looking for a cab - across the west side highway - and into a tunnel we've never walked through before. It was 1am. And we found ourselves standing right at the edge of Ground Zero. I almost wished that someone had posted a sign "Danger intense emotional experience ahead - don't walk this way if you've consumed alcohol." But it all came back. (somehow the Winter Garden was exempt this year - last year the Winter Garden was echoing with the memories - but now they've faded).

We stood there - thought about New York. Thought about the world. And caught a cab home.

Congrats to Bob, Craig, and Jane. They made me come downtown. And I'm glad I did.