The 2014 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by AT&T, today announced the addition of two feature films, both music documentaries, to its special screenings program: Alex Gibney’s work-in-progress, Untitled James Brown Documentary, and the world premiere of Björk: Biophilia Live. 

Gibney’s documentary, defined as the definitive documentary bio on James Brown, made with the cooperation of the Brown estate, centers on how the man changed the face of American music. 

Soul Brother Number One, as he was known, pioneered the journey from rhythm and blues to funk.  More than that, this American legend—who willed himself to life after he was stillborn—was a classic embodiment of the American dream.  The son of a “turpentine man” from rural South Carolina, Brown became one the greatest live performers ever known, the “hardest working man in show business,” and a self-made millionaire.  As he often said, it was “show AND business.”  Once successful, one of his first orders of business was to launch the soundtrack for a new civil rights movement: “Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud.” 

The screening will be followed by a special conversation with the filmmaker on April 27th.

The documentary comes in the same year that the feature film on Brown’s life, starring Chadwick Boseman, is also set for release.

It was also announced that TFF’s Opening Night, the world premiere of the Nas documentary, Time is Illmatic, followed by a performance by rapper, will take place at the iconic Beacon Theatre with tickets for sale to the public.

“Music is a prominent thread throughout the Festival this year, and the Untitled James Brown Documentary and Björk: Biophilia Live are great complements to our already exciting slate,” said Genna Terranova, Director of Programming. “Nas and his work have been beloved by New Yorkers for years and we are thrilled to be celebrating his music with everyone on opening night.”

The 2014 Festival will take place from April 16 – 27 in New York City.

Tickets to Opening Night on April 16th will be available at tribecafilm.com/openingnight beginning on March 27th at 11:00 a.m. for American Express Card Members and on April 1st at 11:00 a.m. for the general public.