It's that time of year again--time for the Tribeca Film Festival, which was established as a means to help rebuild and rejuvenate downtown Manhattan in the wake of 9/11. Since then, it has become an institution of New York arts and culture, set apart from things like Sundance because it offers regular people, not just celebrities, the opportunity to participate. But while the average New Yorker can purchase tickets to any of the 100-odd screenings to be held this year, don't worry about the death of elitism. Thankfully, Graydon Carter and Vanity Fair still understand the value of keeping things exclusive, and they prove it tonight at their annual opening gala, a dinner traditionally held at the NY County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street. Needless to say, we were not invited.

But according to a tipster inside the courthouse, we're not the only ones.

All employees at 60 Centre Street--including all NY State Supreme Court judges--received an email earlier today, politely reminding them to slink out the back door when they leave the building tonight. After all, Vanity Fair would be none too pleased if any of their A-list guests were forced to brush shoulders with commoners ...

April 22, 2008

To:   All Justices
        All Users, 60 Centre Street

Re:  Vanity Fair/Tribeca Film Festival, Seventh Annual Dinner - Today, Tuesday April 22, 2008

 

The City of New York and the Unified Court System have authorized the use of the County Courthouse Rotunda for the Tuesday, April 22nd Annual Dinner of the Tribeca Film Festival. The dinner and festival offer the opportunity to "showcase" Lower Manhattan and promote artistic and commercial enterprise following the traumatic events of September 11th, 2001.

The dinner, sponsored by Vanity Fair, is for festival participants only. We are cooperating with Vanity Fair, which is providing equipment, decorations, meals, etc.  During this evening, the Rotunda, front entrance and the Hamill Place side door will be devoted exclusively to the dinner program. Therefore, court personnel are requested to exit the rear of the building or Pearl Street side door.

We regret any inconvenience occasioned by this worthy cause. Thank you for your cooperation.

We'll leave it to those who did make the guest list to report on tonight's gala, but for your daily dose of the Tribeca Film Festival, check back here starting tomorrow. We'll be on-hand at the opening press conference in the morning--along with Governor Spitzer Paterson, Mayor Bloomberg and others--and tomorrow night we'll be checking out the Baby Mama world premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater and the official after party at the MoMA. 

(Image borrowed from the Unified Court System)