11 Films (And TV Shows) Starring Black Leads You Need To Add To Your Tribeca 2025 Watch List

The Sixth Borough

Genre: Hip-Hop Documentary | World Premiere

Through rich archival performance footage, news clips, and compelling interviews with scene originators, the film crafts an engaging and informative exploration of how this “sixth borough” created space for new voices within hip-hop culture.

The documentary skillfully balances its celebration of Long Island’s musical contributions with an unflinching examination of the false promises of suburban life for Black families, providing essential historical context for understanding both the scene’s formation and its enduring influence.

For music lovers, cultural historians, and New York aficionados alike, The Sixth Borough offers an enlightening journey through a crucial chapter in hip-hop’s evolution, demonstrating that the genre would not be what it is today without the voices emerging from these suburban communities. The film not only preserves an important musical legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder of how art can transcend geographical and societal limitations.

Why you should go: This vibrant documentary explores Long Island’s indelible yet often overlooked impact on hip-hop’s evolution, presented through the voices of the pioneering artists who shaped the genre’s expansion beyond its urban roots. The film reveals how the suburban landscape of Long Island — characterized by single-family homes, expansive greenery, and diverse schools — provides a striking contrast to city life, inspiring a unique sound that broadened hip-hop’s boundaries and appeal.

While Black families could relocate to what seemed like a suburban utopia, they were not immune to the persistent challenges of racism, drugs, and violence, resulting in art that both celebrated and critiqued their surroundings. Oh, and De La Soul and Rakim are performing after the film’s premiere. Enough said.

Smoke

Genre: Thriller | Season Premiere

Inspired by true events, Smoke follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists. Hailing from Apple Studios, “Smoke” is created by Dennis Lehane, who also serves as writer and executive producer.

Why you should go: This new Apple TV+ series dives into the dark, obsessive world of serial arsonists through the eyes of a haunted detective and a mysterious fire investigator. Based on the Firebug podcast, it’s part true crime, part psychological thriller. And our girl Jurnee Smollett is in it! (Duh!)

Still Free TC

Genre: Documentary | World Premiere

With its dreamy aesthetic and deliberately subdued approach, Still Free TC stands apart from conventional music documentaries by prioritizing emotional truth over spectacle. The film’s most powerful moments arise from Ty’s candid reflections on his relationship with his incarcerated brother, revealing how this family trauma has shaped both his life and art. Viewers witness not just the professional evolution of one of music’s most versatile and respected talents but also the personal journey of a man processing complex feelings through artistic expression.

Through its thoughtful interweaving of family history, artistic process, and social commentary, the documentary offers a moving meditation on creativity as a response to pain and separation. For music fans and those interested in the intersection of art, family, and social justice, this revelatory film provides an intimate window into the life of an artist whose work transcends genre classifications while carrying profound personal meaning.

Why you should go: As filming began, Ty Dolla $ign was working on a new album while his brother Gabriel continued to serve a 67-year murder sentence with little hope for release. Over two years, filmmakers gained unprecedented access to the influential producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist’s creative process and personal life, creating an intimate portrait that goes far beyond the typical music documentary.

The film follows Ty through the creation of his album, capturing behind-the-scenes moments and rare glimpses into his creative approach while simultaneously exploring the profound bond between two brothers whose lives took dramatically different paths.  Plus, there’s a post-screening convo with Ty Dolla $ign himself, so you know it’s gonna get deep.

K-POPS!

Genre: Musical Comedy | U.S. Premiere

Musician BJ (Anderson .Paak) dreams of superstardom, but first he needs a new job. After his friend Cash (Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park) calls in a favor, BJ is on a one-way flight to South Korea to play drums for the popular singing competition show Wildcard.

Armed with a few words of Korean and unshakeable charisma, BJ sets out on a mission to impress presumed frontrunner Kang (Kevin Woo) in order to revive his career. But when he learns that his long-lost son (Soul Rasheed) is a fellow contestant, will BJ choose family over fame?

Why you should go: With the electric and effervescent K-Pops!, multi-hyphenate Paak adds a few more titles to his laundry list of talents as the film’s director, co-writer, and lead actor. Starring alongside his real-life son, Paak and Rasheed light up the screen with charm, ease, and a deeply felt bond. Featuring a star-studded cast including Yvette Nicole Brown and cameos by iShowSpeed, The Rose, Diplo, Jaden Smith, and Earth, Wind & Fire among others, K-Pops! is a love letter to music, family, and the undeniable impact of Black culture across genres and borders. Whether you’re a K-Pop stan or someone who’s never even heard of BTS, Paak’s film is sure to make you smile.

Paradise Records

Genre: Comedy | World Premiere

Cooper, a well-meaning record store owner, is trying to keep the doors of Paradise Records open. He’s facing foreclosure, the bank won’t give him a loan, someone keeps offering to buy the property, and then the robbery. He’s not having a great day. Thankfully, he’s got his motley crew of entertaining employees and a lot of weed to help him figure out how to get himself out of this mess.

Why you should go: This hilarious debut film from multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated musician Logic, executive produced by Kevin Smith, is a spiritual successor to films like Barbershop, Friday After Next, Empire Records, and, of course, Clerks. Logic pulls double duty, also starring as the endearing Cooper, in what proves to be a rowdy good time of a watch. With cameos galore, a fantastic soundtrack, and crunchy pancakes, this riotously funny good time of a film is a star-making vehicle for Logic as a filmmaker.

Tow

Genre: Drama | World Premiere

Inspired by the true story of Amanda Ogle, this inspiring drama follows Amanda (Rose Byrne), an unhoused woman living in her blue 1991 Toyota Corolla as she seeks employment in Seattle. Her precarious situation escalates when her car is stolen and later impounded, with the towing company demanding exorbitant fees she can’t afford.

Refusing to accept this injustice, Amanda confronts the broken system, engaging in a year-long legal battle to reclaim not only her vehicle but also her dignity. Along the way, she forms meaningful connections with other women in similar circumstances, gradually rebuilding her life and sobriety through community and persistence.

Why you should go: Director Stephanie Laing crafts a stirring testament to resilience through an authentic portrayal of the systemic barriers that unhoused individuals face. Byrne delivers a transformative performance that captures Amanda’s vulnerability, determination, and quiet strength, while Octavia Spencer, Dominic Sessa, and Demi Lovato provide excellent support.

The film’s emotional impact arises from its refusal to offer easy solutions or heartwarming shortcuts, instead honoring the genuine struggle and small victories that characterize real-life battles against entrenched systems. Its exploration of how community becomes essential for survival in the face of systemic indifference resonates far beyond its specific narrative, touching on universal themes of justice, dignity and human connection.

A Tree Fell in the Woods

Genre: Dramedy | World Premiere

Mitch (Josh Gad) and Debs (Alexandra Daddario) are childhood friends who go on a New Year’s Eve trip to a cabin in the woods with their respective spouses (Ashley Park and Daveed Diggs), but things are clearly not all great for both couples.

As the titular tree falls, nearly killing Mitch and Debs, things are seen that were not meant to be seen, and truth-telling enters the picture when an unidentifiable and slightly psychedelic drink is drunk in this entertaining dramedy about the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves and how to untangle them all.

Why you should go: In her feature film directorial debut, writer-director Nora Kirkpatrick offers a humorous and poignant examination of how relationships unravel under the weight of secrets left unspoken. Still, there is always a way back with a bit of magic and possibly some hallucinogens. With great performances from this all-star cast, A Tree Fell in the Woods is a delight that answers the question: what happens when a tree falls in the woods and someone does hear it?

Bird in Hand

Genre: Drama | World Premiere

Bird Rowe (Alisha Wainwright) takes a trip to visit her hippie mom, Carlotta (Christine Lahti), at her lush, rural house with exciting news of upcoming nuptials. Eager to find a venue, the two scour the area for a potential home for the wedding. But all isn’t as it seems as the young bride-to-be is actually on the hunt for something else entirely.

Enter mom’s new neighbors: beguiling couple Dennis (James Le Gros) and Leigh (Annabelle Dexter-Jones). As Bird and Dennis hit it off, the trip leads to hijinks and lustful decisions that upend the lives of all involved.

Why you should go: Melody C. Roscher takes the helm for her directorial feature debut, bringing vibrance and depth to a film that equally balances farcical entanglements with nuanced conversations about history and legacy. The relationship between Wainwright and Lahti leaps off the screen, inviting the audience into a space ripe for meaningful excavation of the sometimes frayed but indescribable bonds between parents and children.