Frender at Tribeca Festival 2025

This year, Tribeca Festival 2025 once again proved why it remains one of the world’s most dynamic platforms for storytelling across film, music, and media. Held in the heart of New York City, the festival gathered global talent, industry leaders, and visionary creators to celebrate bold narratives and groundbreaking work.

Among this year’s standout premieres were documentaries on legends like Billy Joel and Eddie Vedder, alongside appearances by icons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Mariska Hargitay, Meryl Streep, Miley Cyrus, Idris Elba, Sofia Coppola, and Ellen Pompeo — underscoring Tribeca’s unique blend of cinematic excellence and cultural relevance.

Frender was proud to be part of this powerful moment with two projects officially selected in the festival’s lineup — Slick Rick’s “Victory” and Ty Dolla $ign’s “Still Free TC.”
Both films are rich in message, emotion, and artistic ambition. These weren’t just films — they were cinematic statements.

Directed by Meji Alabi, this 25-minute visual odyssey blends hip-hop legacy with cinematic flair. Set on the streets of London and featuring Idris Elba, Giggs, and Nas, Victory is both a cultural homage and a bold reinvention of the music film format.

Stylish, gritty, and immersive, the film pulses with rhythm — not only from the soundtrack but also from the visuals. FRENDER’s VFX work added atmosphere and dimension without overshadowing the soul of the story. The premiere was followed by a conversation with the cast and creative team, underscoring just how much this project resonated with audiences and artists alike.

An emotional high point of the festival, Still Free TC offered a rare and intimate look into the life of Ty Dolla $ign as he created a new album while navigating the pain of his brother Gabriel’s 67-year prison sentence.

Over the course of two years, the documentary captures behind-the-scenes moments in the studio, candid reflections on justice and family, and the subtle but powerful creative process of one of music’s most versatile artists. The film is distinguished by its dreamy aesthetic, emotional depth, and refusal to lean into spectacle — choosing instead to highlight vulnerability, grief, resilience, and love.

Frender’s visual effects served to subtly reinforce these moods — shaping transitions, enhancing atmosphere, and helping build the film’s signature reflective tone.

Our director, Max Colt, attended the Tribeca premiere of Still Free TC, joining the filmmakers and audience in what became one of the festival’s most moving screenings. Being present at that moment was more than professional pride — it was a reminder of why we do what we do. As Max shared after the event, "This film doesn’t just speak to you — it stays with you."

Participating in Tribeca 2025 means being part of something larger than visuals — it’s about aligning with creators who use storytelling to challenge, comfort, provoke, and inspire. Both Victory and Still Free TC exemplify the kind of emotionally resonant, socially aware, and visually daring projects that FRENDER is proud to support.

In a festival filled with headline premieres — from documentaries on Billy Joel and Eddie Vedder to guest appearances by icons like Leonardo DiCaprio, Blake Lively, Mariska Hargitay, and Meryl Streep — our presence was a testament to the growing role of visual effects in not just enhancing, but deepening the narrative experience.

At Frender, we believe great visuals don’t compete with story — they complete it. We’re here to help bold ideas become unforgettable experiences. Whether the project is a stylized short film or an introspective documentary, our mission remains the same: