As the Tribeca Festival marks its 25th anniversary, the founders are reflecting on the event's remarkable journey while Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That's the Weight of the World) documentary takes center stage. For a festival born out of one of New York City's darkest chapters, reaching a 25-year milestone is no small feat. Over the years, the festival has evolved from a community-driven initiative into one of the world's leading showcases for film, television, music, and storytelling.

As the festival celebrated its landmark anniversary, the opening night offered a reminder of how far it has come. With industry veterans, artists, and longtime supporters gathering to mark the occasion, the event blended reflection with celebration. That spirit was especially evident as a highly anticipated music documentary helped launch the festivities.

The 25th Tribeca Festival opened with the world premiere of Questlove's documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World), followed by a lively performance from the legendary band alongside The Roots. The screening served as a fitting centerpiece for an anniversary year focused on legacy, creativity, and cultural impact. Looking back on the festival's beginnings, Tribeca Enterprises executive chair Jane Rosenthal reflected on how uncertain the future once seemed.

"I never thought we would be doing it again. Bob did," Rosenthal told Deadline. "We just wanted to give our community a new memory, and to give them something to look forward to." She added that it was around the festival's tenth year that she realized it had lasting power. Jane Rosenthal also described how the annual event gradually became a constant part of life.

"You start to get into this rhythm where you're preparing for the next festival during the current festival, so it feels like it just kept rolling and rolling, and here we are."

The opening-night celebration carried added significance as Tribeca marked a quarter century since its founding in the aftermath of 9/11. What began as an effort to bring people together and revitalize Lower Manhattan has since evolved into one of the world's most recognized cultural festivals.

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As excitement around the documentary continues to build, many viewers are now wondering when they can watch it for themselves.

Fans eager to watch the Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World) documentary will not have to wait much longer. The film is set to premiere on HBO on June 7, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET/PT. The documentary chronicles the decades-long journey of Earth, Wind & Fire and explores the legacy of founder Maurice White through interviews, archival footage, and stories from those who witnessed the band's remarkable influence firsthand.

The documentary will also be available to stream on Max, allowing subscribers to watch online at their convenience. While HBO cable subscribers can tune in through the network's linear broadcast, Max will serve as the primary streaming home for the project. The film recently screened at festivals ahead of its television debut, helping generate anticipation among longtime fans and music lovers.

As Tribeca celebrates 25 years of championing storytelling, Questlove's tribute to one of music's most influential groups stands as a fitting reminder of the power of art to connect generations. The documentary's opening-night spotlight also underscored the festival's continued commitment to honoring cultural icons while introducing audiences to meaningful stories from across the creative world.

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What are your thoughts on Tribeca Festival's 25th anniversary and Questlove's Earth, Wind & Fire documentary? Let us know in the comments!