- The NOW Showcase at the Tribeca Festival highlights leading internet storytellers such as comedians Kareem Rahma and Pooja Tripathi.
- Festival Director Carla Cusumano believes that online creators share the creative drive of early filmmakers.
- Founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, the Tribeca Festival redefined its brand in 2021 to highlight diverse storytelling.
So, what’s another term for someone who makes films? Well, you might say creators, actors, or writers. Next week, these individuals will be central to the new showcase of online work at the Tribeca Festival.
Kareem Rahma, known for “Subway Takes,” will present two episodes of his series, “Keep The Meter Running,” as part of the NOW Showcase. The program, which has been running since 2014, celebrates exceptional internet storytellers through red carpets, panel discussions, and theatrical events.
This year’s lineup features Kareem Rahma and his new series, along with Kike Palmer, who supports content creators from underrepresented backgrounds through KeyTV, and Pooja Tripathi, creator and star of the well-received Instagram sketch series “Brooklyn Coffee Shop.”
“We’re bringing these creators together for conversations with our filmmakers because, in essence, we’re doing the same kind of work,” Cusumano shared in a recent interview. “The drive for innovation and independence that inspired early cinema is now coming alive online.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Recently, two horror films made by emerging YouTube creators were released, and they notably outperformed a recent Star Wars film at the domestic box office. It’s amazing how platforms like Instagram and YouTube have given these creators a chance to build a content library without waiting for traditional studios or festivals to green-light their ideas.
Yet, relying solely on algorithms for success doesn’t fully capture cultural significance. There’s something irreplaceable about experiencing great content together, in a dark theater. “Creating for the internet lets you find your audience and build a community,” Tripathi acknowledged. “But you also miss out on validation, which comes from institutions and peer recognition.”
Tripathi’s “Brooklyn Coffee Shop” has around 500,000 followers on Instagram and even features guest appearances from big names like Rahma and actor Kumail Nanjiani. The series is crafted in a traditional sitcom style – complete with characters, comedic motifs, and a professional crew. It even recently clinched a Webby Award for Best Comedy Series.
The episodes are generally under 90 seconds and will be screened alongside works from nine other internet creators during a showcase on July 10 at AMC Theater on 19th Street.
On July 11, Rahma will showcase two new episodes of “Keep The Meter Running.” Initially aiming to collaborate with CNN, he and his team opted to produce the series independently and stream it via YouTube. The initial episodes have attracted over 225,000 views so far.
Overall, the program fits seamlessly with Tribeca, which removed “film” from its name when rebranding as the Tribeca Festival in 2021, aiming to integrate various forms of storytelling like TV, immersive experiences, podcasts, and games.
As Cusumano puts it, “Why declare that something doesn’t belong? This festival is about stories.”
