Lincoln Continues Support of Arts as Signature Sponsor of Tribeca Film Festival

NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 

• The Lincoln Motor Company demonstrates commitment to the arts as signature sponsor of the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival^®, a diverse, international event
• Lincoln's involvement extends the festival experience with a new initiative: Tribeca Interactive & Interlude: A Music Film Challenge, in collaboration with The Lincoln Motor Company
• Lincoln will co-sponsor the 2014 festival's Spotlight film section, which showcases a mix of big names, bold talents on the rise, highly anticipated new releases and festival favorites
• Lincoln is official vehicle of the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival

The Lincoln Motor Company announces today signature sponsorship of the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival^® in New York City, April 16-27.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140128/DE53361)

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, the festival helps emerging and established filmmakers reach a broad, diverse and international audience.

"The creative and visionary participants of the Tribeca Film Festival mirror Lincoln," said Matt VanDyke, director, global Lincoln. "Just as they are driving film in new and exciting ways, Lincoln offers a fresh alternative with its vehicles and client experience.

"We continue to support and encourage innovative ideas and projects that echo the Lincoln brand's passion for the arts, design and thought leadership," VanDyke added. "With signature sponsorship of the Tribeca Film Festival, Lincoln celebrates achievements in filmmaking."

New for 2014 is Tribeca Interactive & Interlude: A Music Film Challenge, in collaboration with The Lincoln Motor Company, a call for filmmakers to create an interactive music film. This new initiative celebrates the growing trends in filmmaking and further extends the festival experience online.

The Lincoln Motor Company will co-sponsor Tribeca Film Festival's popular Spotlight film section, which showcases a mix of big names, bold talents on the rise, highly anticipated new releases and festival favorites.

"We are proud to be partnering with an iconic global brand like Lincoln," said Jon Patricof, president, Tribeca Enterprises. "Its involvement will help us further our mission of supporting filmmakers and bringing audiences the best in new independent storytelling."

Lincoln's support of Tribeca Film Festival builds upon its leadership in recent initiatives involving the film industry; in September, Lincoln worked with Vanity Fair and Film Independent to create a series of original short films reimagining classic Hollywood themes with emerging filmmakers.

Lincoln's history in film
Lincoln has a longstanding relationship with films and stars. In 1939, the first 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet, the top of the line for the Lincoln Zephyr range, was presented by Edsel Ford to Mickey Rooney. Rooney had played the title role in "Young Tom Edison," which was filmed at Greenfield Village.

The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II – widely acclaimed as a milestone in American automotive design – was the choice of such stars as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.

A notable example of the marque's ties to Hollywood could be seen at Lincoln's stand at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show. A Lincoln built especially for Elizabeth Taylor included bespoke paint and interior that matched the color of the movie star's eyes.

Lincoln Futura served as the basis for the Batmobile for the 1960s movie and TV show, while a 1964 Lincoln Continental played a key role at the end of the iconic fraternity movie "Animal House."

As official vehicle of the 12-day Tribeca Film Festival, filmmakers, VIPs and special guests from around the world will get to know the new Lincoln brand – fueled by a focus on design, quality and personal service – as they are transported in style and comfort to film premieres and events throughout Manhattan.

About The Lincoln Motor Company
The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. The Lincoln Motor Company is in the process of introducing four all-new vehicles through 2016. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.

About the Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival helps filmmakers reach the broadest possible audience, enabling the international film community and general public to experience the power of cinema and promote New York City as a major filmmaking center. It is well known for being a diverse international film festival that supports emerging and established directors.

Founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center, to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of the lower Manhattan district through an annual celebration of film, music and culture, the Festival brings the industry and community together around storytelling.

The Tribeca Film Festival has screened more than 1,500 films from more than 80 countries since its first edition in 2002. Since inception, it has attracted an international audience of more than 4.5 million attendees and has generated an estimated $850 million in economic activity for New York City.

SOURCE The Lincoln Motor Company