Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan/patrickmcmullan.com

The Tribeca Film Festival "Drive In" Movie Experience (Photo: Tribeca Film Festival)

In what has become an annual rite of passage for aspiring indie filmmakers, the Tribeca Film Festival – founded by Robert Di Nero, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in an effort to re-vitalize a Tribeca community that had been shaken by the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001 returns for its 11th incarnation. Playing host to Hollywood A-Listers and philanthropists and celebrities from across the globe, this year’s festival will feature 90 feature film selections (documentaries and narrative) as well as 60 shorts from 45 countries. Additionally, the festival will play host to a plethora of public programs aimed at engaging the New York and International community in a celebration of art and culture.

With so much to do and see, it’s worth considering how the festival is seen by the average Downtown New Yorker. There will be plenty of fodder for the pretentious crowd, but for the “average” New Yorker, there’s still plenty to do and see that’ll keep you both interested and involved in the festival’s happenings without things seeming foreign.

Thurs. 4/19 – FREE Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screening: JAWS

Tribeca Drive-In, World Financial Center, 200 Vesey St. #11 (off North End Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 8 p.m.

One of the best parts of the Tribeca Film Festival has to be the “drive in” shows. They’re a throwback to a time when movies and people weren’t so stuck on special effects and HD. More then that, though, they’re a reminder that people used to actually like being entertained together. Jaws is a classic by any standard, and the perfect ice-breaker for a date or spot to unwind with your friends on a cool April night.

Fri. 4/20 – FREE Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screening: The Goonies

World Financial Center Upper & Lower Plaza, 200 Vesey St. #11 (off North End Ave.), 6 p.m.

“Heyyyy you guys!” come and celebrate one of the most beloved 80’s movies of all time under the stars. The Goonies chronicles the child-gang of Data, Chunk, Mikey and Mouth seek to reclaim their home, “The Goon Docks” from Real Estate tycoons by following an ancient map to “One Eyed Willie” and his treasure. With early performances by afro-jazz pioneers NOMO, and a “truffle shuffle” contest, you won’t want to be left behind!

Sat. 4/21 – ESPN Films: Beyond the Playing Field 

SVA Theatre 2 Beatrice, 333 W. 23rd St (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), tribecafilm.com; 2:30 p.m.,  $16.

ESPN has been an industry leader in sports television, and has helped to re-define the genre of sports film. It should be no surprise, therefore, that on the heels of their highly successful 30 for 30 series, ESPN continues to venture “outside the lines” bringing into focus the trials and triumphs of some of the world’s greatest female athletes.

FREE “KICK IT”: 2nd Annual NYFest Soccer Day

Pier 40, Hudson River Park, 353 West St. (off Houston St.), tribecafilm.com; 9 a.m.)

It doesn’t matter what your age is. Whether you call it futbal, soccer, or ‘the most popular sport on Earth’ – all that matters is that you love the game. This day long event, sponsored by NYFEST and the Tribeca Film Festival, will feature celebrities, film and media professionals, and pro. athletes as they celebrate soccer with skills clinics, games and competitions, and street team soccer demonstrations.

Sun. 4/22 FREE Pen to Paper

Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. Broadway & Park Ave. S.), tribecafilms.com; 1 p.m.

This discussion carries an enormous amount of relevance today: with the tremendous success of book-to-film adaptations like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, this expert panel will discuss the art of turning a successful book into a blockbuster film. You’ll learn what translates successfully, what won’t carry over, and where the industry as a whole is headed in the future.

Mon. 4/23 Jackpot

We’ve all wondered what would happen if we won it big. But what about winning it just big enough? In this film, it’s a wakeup call as Oscar Svendsen comes to over a dead body and a room full of corpses in what used to be a respectable strip club. Naturally, he’s taken in, and when questioned, reveals how a winning soccer lottery prize that was supposed to be shared wound up destroying everything.

Tues. 4/24 Deadfall

Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 5, 260 W. 23rd St. (at 8th Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 6:30 p.m., $16.

What happens when casino-robbing siblings on the run forCanadacross paths with a troubled boxer just released from prison? It’s a classic tale of morality and redemption, and Deadfall promises to provide all of the action and suspense without any of theHollywoodclichés we’re all so used to.

Wed. 4/25 FREE Short Films, Big Ideas

Tribeca Cinemas Theatre 2, 54 Varick St. (at Laight St.), tribecafilms.com; 3 p.m.

Three short films might change your perspective on the capabilities of people. It may not seem miraculous to discover a facility that harvests garbage for energy. But what about a man who lives without a beating hart, or a paraplegic who sailed the English Channel alone? Leave your pessimism at the door and let these films inspire you.

Thurs. 4/26 FREE Tribeca Talks Industry: Does the Cloud have a Silver (Screen) Lining?

Listen in on the panel discussion as experts weigh in on the impact and evolution of “the Cloud” – the almost imaginary space that was created as a response to consumer demand and usage pattern shifts. Coupled with the emergence of the tablet as a serious “screen”, filmmakers and distributors are hoping to take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with audiences in new ways.

Fri. 4/27 2 Days in New York

Apple Store, 401 W. 14th St. (at 9th Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 7 p.m., $16.

2 Days in New York, the sequal to the critically-acclaimed 2 Days inParis, to the screen. The film’s writer, director, and lead actress, Julie Delpy will discuss the film, and the inspiration behind the movie’s plot: cultural differences between her new American boyfriend (Chris Rock) and her family as she attempts to deal with the stresses of her career.

Sat. 4/28 FREE Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day

N. Moore Street (from Greenwich St to West St), tribecafilm.com; 10 a.m.

It’s a hands-on afternoon when some of the most iconic mascots and athletes in the city turn up for an afternoon of sports. You can learn how to throw a perfect pitch, pick up a sword and take your first fencing lesson, shoot hoops with some of the borough’s best ballers, or just come for the outdoor atmosphere in a celebration of the spring!

Sun. 4/29 Death of a Superhero

AMC Loews Village VII-2,66 Third Ave. (betw. E. 11th & 12th Sts.), tribecafilm.com; 1 p.m., $16.

While the rest of the avant-garde New Yorkpopulous gear up for “Awards Day” – you might better spend the final day of the Tribeca film festival catching one last foreign film. After all, you won’t see one for the next twelve months. Death of a Superhero, which is a German film, follows Donald, a typical teenager with an exceptional talent with art and imagination. But he’s put to the test when he’s diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and must learn to live in reality if he’s going to have a chance at living.