Tribeca Film Festival kicks off in NY

The 16th annual Tribeca Film Festival opened here Wednesday night, bringing a trove of films, TV events, virtual reality installations and music pieces to New York.

This year's opening night featured the world premiere of Clive Davis: the Soundtrack of Our Lives, a riveting profile of the legendary music star Clive Davis, who spanned a remarkable five-decade career. The premiere was followed by a special concert echoing the film's theme.

With 98 narrative and documentary films, 57 shorts, 15 talks, 23 Virtual Reality/Interactive Installations and 15 television events, this year's festival will gather a slew of film talents and their works.

The 2017 Tribeca Film Festival will also provide an unprecedented experience for movie lovers near its end: the back-to-back screening of The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, followed by a cast reunion that includes the conversation with director Francis Coppola and several actors to mark the 45th anniversary of the classic series' theatrical release.

The festival, named after the Tribeca neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, was founded in the wake of 9/11 attacks by actors and actress Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, and has showcased films around the world.

This year's festival will last till April 30.