Tribeca Film Festival kicks off this week with a diverse slate of indie films and documentaries. The 12th annual festival features films representing over 30 different countries and runs from April 17 through 28. Filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals from around the world will gather in venues around lower Manhattan for premieres and panels. 

The festival will open with “Mistaken for Strangers,” a documentary following the indie pop rock band The National on their biggest tour yet. Documentarian Tom Beringer follows his older brother, Matt, the lead singer of The National. From Tribeca’s official synopsis of the film, “Tom’s moonlighting as an irreverent documentarian creates some drama for the band on the road. The film is a hilarious and touching look at two very different brothers, and an entertaining story of artistic aspiration.” The band will perform live following the screening.

Documentary films range from “Lil Bub and Friendz,” which explores the cat meme phenomenom started by the caricature-looking cat, Lil Bub, to “Powerless,” a Robin Hood story of an Indian man illegally providing electricity to the people of Kanpur who cannot afford it. 

Director Haifaa Al-Mansour’s “Wadjda,” in the narrative feature category, is the first Saudi film by a female director. The film follows a young girl who stands against social norms to get what she wants. A conversation with Al-Mansour and founder of Women for Women International Zainab Salbi will follow the premiere screening. The panel will discuss “movements that are breaking gender boundaries,” according to a press release. 

This year’s lineup of Tribeca Talks includes some of the most innovative filmmakers of today, including Clint Eastwood, Darren Aronofsky and Richard Linklater. The talks give audience members an opportunity to connect and converse with influential industry professionals. 

“We are excited to present this year's lineup, featuring visionary industry leaders who are sure to engage audiences with thoughtful discussions on topics inspired by films and filmmakers participating in the Festival” said Geoff Gilmore, chief creative officer of Tribeca Enterprises, in a press release. 

Tribeca will close with Martin Scorsese’s restored 1983 film “King of Comedy,” starring Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Diahnne Abbott and Sandra Bernhard. Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro will be in attendance. From Tribeca’s official synopsis of the film:

In this unforgettable film, a funny thing happens to talk show host Jerry Langford (Lewis) on his way to the studio. Kidnapped by stand-up comedian Rupert Pupkin (De Niro) and his wacky sidekick (Bernhard), Langford is forced to give Pupkin a shot at the big time by allowing the struggling comic to perform his routine on Langford’s show. What unfolds is an incredibly funny and poignant story about the darker side of comedy.

“I’m so happy that after all this time, ‘The King of Comedy’ is finally getting a restoration, from our wonderful friends at Fox,” said Scorsese in a press release. 

Look out for Katie Lemon and Kelsey NaPier’s coverage of the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, April 17-28.

Reach Katie Lemon here. Reach Kelsey NaPier here.