The 25th edition of the New York City festival kicks off June 3 with “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World).”

Tribeca Film Festival opening night getting funky with debut of Questlove’s Earth, Wind & Fire documentary (exclusive)

The 25th edition of the New York City festival kicks off June 3 with “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World)."

By Gerrad Hall

Gerrad Hall

Gerrad Hall is an editorial director at **, overseeing movie, awards, and music coverage. He is also host of The Awardist podcast, and has cohosted EW’s live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows. He has appeared on Good Morning America, The Talk, Access Hollywood, Extra!, and other talk shows, delivering the latest news on pop culture and entertainment.

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April 14, 2026 10:30 a.m. ET

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Earth, Wind & Fire perform in 2025 at the Kia Forum. Credit:

Timothy Norris / Kia Forum Photos

Famed soul-funk-pop band Earth, Wind & Fire is kicking off the opening night of the 25th Tribeca Film Festival in a big way: as the subject of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson's new documentary, *Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World).*

The HBO Original will have its world premiere on June 3 at the Beacon Theatre, followed by a live performance by the band, whose many hits include "September," "Boogie Wonderland," "Shining Star," and “Got to Get You Into My Life," alongside Questlove's the Roots — an extension of what has become a tradition for the festival's music programming.

According to the festival's official synopsis, the documentary— produced by Dave Sirulnick, Sam Grogin, KB White, and Arron Saxe—spans decades as director Questlove examines the iconic American band and its founder, Maurice White. "From humble beginnings to the epic, celestial, pyrotechnical stadium shows of their height," the description continues, "Questlove's celebratory doc showcases this iconic group's out-of-this-world music, visuals, metaphysics, and joy."

“It is an absolute honor to bring this project to the Tribeca Festival, ” Questlove said in a statement. “The past two years of deep research and creative magic surrounding Earth, Wind & Fire have been nothing short of transformative. They remain one of the most culturally significant bands in history, and this project finally illustrates exactly why their legacy is so vital.”

Earth, Wind & Fire circa mid-1970s.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Tribeca Festival Director and SVP of Programming Cara Cusumano said in a statement that Questlove's film (which will debut in the U.S. on HBO Max later this year) represents "everything Tribeca stands for: creative pioneers at the top of their game in front of and behind the camera, showcasing the joy and community that great art manifests,” she said. “Opening Night will be a once-in-a-lifetime New York event that reflects the energy, creativity, and communal experience that has defined Tribeca for 25 years.”

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Tribeca Festival passes and ticket packages are on sale now at TribecaFilm.com; the premier festival experience is available via the Hudson Pass.

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Source: “EW Film”