In 2002, actor Robert De Niro and his longtime business partner, producer Jane Rosenthal, founded the Tribeca Film Festival as a way to help rebuild Lower Manhattan after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. De Niro described the festival as "an act of defiance" against the trauma caused by the attacks, aiming to restore a sense of normalcy and hope to the affected community. Rosenthal, a mother of two, shared similar concerns about the aftermath of the attacks but also wanted to contribute to the healing process. The festival debuted in May 2002, just eight months after the attacks, and quickly became a major event, drawing large crowds and notable figures such as Nelson Mandela. De Niro emphasized that organizing the festival was "the right thing to do" to support the community during a difficult time. Over the years, the Tribeca Film Festival has grown into a major cultural event, showcasing thousands of films and bringing millions of dollars into Lower Manhattan. It has also played a role in launching the careers of prominent directors like Ryan Coogler and Camien Chazelle. De Niro expressed pride in the festival's impact, saying, "I'm very proud of what we've done." Beyond its cultural significance, the festival has also become a platform for De Niro to express his political views, including his participation in "No Kings" rallies and his criticism of the Trump administration. De Niro has described the festival as a form of opposition to the Trump administration, stating that it continues to be "an act of defiance" against what he views as destructive policies. The administration has responded to his criticisms by suggesting he suffers from "Trump Derangement Syndrome," a term they use to imply an irrational obsession with opposing Trump. De Niro dismisses this as a deflection tactic and continues to voice his concerns about the political climate. Reflecting on the recovery of Lower Manhattan, De Niro said he never doubted the city's resilience after the 9/11 attacks. While he acknowledged that the recovery took time, he noted that the city eventually bounced back. To commemorate the festival's 25th anniversary, a documentary titled "Tribeca 25" will premiere on Netflix on September 11, the 24th anniversary of the attacks. The film highlights the festival's journey and its lasting impact on the community and the film industry.