Want to attend this year’s Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), but won’t be able to make it to New York City for the eighth annual event? If so, no worries, you’re in luck. For the first time ever, movie lovers from across the country have the exclusive opportunity to experience TFF without ever leaving home, thanks to new program Tribeca Film Festival Virtual.

From April 23-30, U.S. residents—by just going online—will be able to watch eight full-length TFF films from this year’s competition and 18 TFF 2010 short films; participate in live panels, Q&As and conversations with some of today’s most renowned moviemakers and actors; and experience star-studded red-carpet events as they happen live. To get started, simply visit www.tribecafilm.com/virtual and purchase a TFF Virtual Premium Pass, available to the public for $45.

The eight films available in the virtual festival include the world premiere of Ed Burns’ relationship dramedy Nice Guy Johnny (which will open TFF Virtual on Friday, April 23), the ’80s-inspired teen comedy Spork, the gripping North Pole adventure documentary Into the Cold and the quirky coming-of-age tale The Sentimental Engine Slayer (which marks the feature directorial debut of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, singer of the Grammy-winning band The Mars Volta). The films will premiere online at the same time they make their TFF debut in New York. Participants can watch them as many times as desired during the eight days of TFF Virtual.

As a TFF Virtual Premium Passholder, participants will also have exclusive access to an eclectic collection of short films premiering at the fest, as well as behind-the-scenes interviews with both established and up-and-coming moviemakers and actors. In addition, participants can interact with fellow TFF Virtual festival-goers via online chats and live Q&As with the TFF Virtual moviemakers.

For more information and to purchase passes, please visit www.tribecafilm.com/virtual.

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