The 12th annual Tribeca Film Festival opened with the documentary “Mistaken for Strangers,” which chronicles the rock band The National on their biggest tour yet.

The band members and director Tom Berninger, brother of the lead singer Matt Berninger, walked the red carpet before the opening night premiere.  Actor Robert DeNiro, who founded Tribeca to artistically restore and bring together Lower Manhattan after Sept. 11, also made an appearance. 

Richard Belzer began this year’s event by dedicating the festival to the Bostonians affected by Monday’s attacks. 

“Mistaken for Strangers,” marks Tom Berninger’s directorial debut. The documentary follows Tom’s journey on tour with his brother and the inevitable drama that arises when siblings get too close. The film becomes less about the band on tour and more about the process and challenges of making the documentary itself.   Judging by the laughs in the theatre, the audience found comedy in this unconventional tale of brotherly love.

Opening night wrapped up with a performance by The National at the Highland Ballroom.  

Reach Katie Lemon here. Reach Kelsey NaPier here. 

 

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