The filmic adaptation of In the Heights, based on the Tony-nominated musical composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, will make its debut as the opening film of the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The event will take place on June 9th at the United Palace theater in Washington Heights.

“It is such an honor to open the 20th anniversary Tribeca Film Festival with In the Heights. We’re so excited to welcome them uptown. This will be an unforgettable night at the United Palace. We can’t wait to share this musical love letter to our community, with our community, in our community” said Miranda.

In the Heights, directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Quiara Alegría Hudes, centers around Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a young bodega owner who is tirelessly working towards earning enough money to return  home to the Dominican Republic. The musical celebrates the multicultural and vibrant microcosm that is the Heights, especially the Latinx communities that call it home.   

Hudes, who also wrote the book of the stage musical, remarked on the importance of representation in In the Heights, “It was important to capture the heart and spirit of the piece — that celebration of Latino joy.” 

Warner Bros. intended to release In the Heights last year, but was delayed due to the pandemic. The musical, which stars Hamilton alums Ramos and Miranda, also includes Melissa Barrera (Vida), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, BlackkKlansman), Leslie Grace, Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Dascha Polanco (Orange is the New Black), Ariana Greenblatt (Love and Monsters, Borderlands) and Jimmy Smits (NYPD Blue, Rogue One). 

Shortly after the film’s Tribeca debut, it will head to theaters and HBO Max for a day-and-date release on June 11th.

Tribeca’s 20th-annual film festival, spanning from June 9th to 11th, will take place in five different NY locations, situated throughout the boroughs. The decision comes as an inventive solution to holding in-person events while also following Covid-19 safety guidelines. The locations included in the festival are: Brookfield Place New York, the Pier 57 Rooftop, The Battery, Hudson Yards, Empire Outlets in Staten Island and The MetroTech Commons in Brooklyn.