Lisbon Becomes the First Host of Tribeca Outside the United States

In October 2024, the iconic Tribeca Festival, co-founded by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal, made history with its first-ever international edition, held in Lisbon, Portugal. The event, known as Tribeca Festival Lisboa, took place from October 17 to 19 in the Beato Innovation District, a vibrant area reflecting the city’s modern cultural and technological aspirations.

This milestone event not only marked the globalization of a festival that helped revitalize New York City post-9/11 but also highlighted Lisbon's rising status as a global cultural hub.

A First in Tribeca’s History
Since its inception in 2002, the Tribeca Festival has been synonymous with artistic innovation and storytelling, becoming a cornerstone of New York City’s cultural identity. By expanding to Lisbon, Tribeca demonstrated a commitment to fostering international creative communities. This move underscores the global appeal of the festival and Lisbon’s readiness to host an event of this scale and prestige.

"Lisbon is a city bursting with renewed cultural and economic promise," said Robert De Niro during the event. His attendance, along with other Hollywood luminaries like Whoopi Goldberg and Patty Jenkins, underscored the significance of this international debut.

Tony Gonçalves: The Man Behind the Lisbon Edition
A key figure in making Tribeca Festival Lisboa a reality was Tony Gonçalves, founder of The Evrose Group. As Executive Producer, Gonçalves played a crucial role in orchestrating the collaboration between Tribeca Enterprises, Grupo Impresa, and Lisbon’s municipal government.

Drawing on his extensive experience in media and technology, including leadership roles at WarnerMedia, Gonçalves ensured that the Lisbon edition retained the essence of Tribeca while integrating local culture. "This festival is about more than just films; it’s about community, innovation, and cultural exchange," he remarked.

Lisbon’s Transformation into a Cultural Epicenter
Lisbon’s selection as the host city was no accident. In recent years, the Portuguese capital has emerged as a hub for innovation and culture, attracting international events and businesses. The Beato Innovation District, where the festival was held, symbolizes this transformation. Its blend of historical architecture and cutting-edge facilities provided a fitting backdrop for an event that bridges tradition and modernity.

The economic and cultural impact of the festival was significant. Local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, reported increased activity, and the festival positioned Lisbon as a city capable of hosting world-class events.

A Broader Perspective: Entertainment as a Driver of Urban Growth
Tribeca Festival Lisboa exemplifies the transformative power of entertainment on urban dynamics. Events of this magnitude stimulate economic growth, enhance cultural dialogue, and demand robust urban infrastructure, particularly in mobility and hospitality. From public transit to luxury accommodations, Lisbon demonstrated its capacity to support a large-scale cultural event.

For cities like Lisbon, the benefits extend beyond immediate economic gains. Hosting Tribeca reinforces its brand as a global destination for culture and creativity, attracting future investments and international attention.

A New Chapter for Tribeca
The success of Tribeca Festival Lisboa marks a new chapter for the festival and for Lisbon. By stepping onto the international stage, Tribeca not only expanded its reach but also underscored the universal language of storytelling. Meanwhile, Lisbon solidified its position as a city that bridges tradition and innovation.

As the festival concluded, attendees reflected on the significance of this partnership. "Tribeca Lisboa is more than a festival; it’s a testament to the power of art to connect people and transform cities," said Jane Rosenthal.

For Lisbon, the story is just beginning. And for Tribeca, the world is now the stage.