Robert De Niro Mafia Drama ‘The Alto Knights’ Sets U.S. Premiere for Tribeca Members

Robert De Niro’s “Goodfellas” reunion is now an official Tribeca event.

De Niro, who cofounded the festival and organization with producer Jane Rosenthal, leads the upcoming mob true story “The Alto Knights” in dual roles: De Niro portrays real-life mafia dons Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, with “Goodfellas” screenwriter Nick Pileggi penning the script.

IndieWire can announce that Tribeca members will be the among the first audiences for the feature, which will have its U.S. premiere March 15 as part of the membership program. “The Alto Knights” debuts in theaters March 21.

“The Alto Knights” is more than just a “Goodfellas” reunion for De Niro: he also is back with director Barry Levinson, who he previously collaborated with on the HBO TV movie “The Wizard of Lies” (2017) and the 1997 political satire film “Wag the Dog.” Levinson also produced “The Sopranos” and “The Wire.”

“The Alto Knights” centers on the 1950s rivalry between Genovese and Costello, both portrayed by De Niro. Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, Michael Adler, Ed Amatrudo, Joe Bacino, Anthony J. Gallo, Wallace Langham, Louis Mustillo, Frank Piccirillo, Matt Servitto, and Robert Uricola co-star.

The Tribeca Membership in March will also have special screenings of 2024 SXSW Audience Award winner “Bob Trevino Likes It” with cast members Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo in attendance, Paramount+ original series “Happy Face,” and Max’s upcoming horror-comedy film “The Parenting.”

“Tribeca Membership has become the go-to destination for New Yorkers who want to be at the forefront of all things film and entertainment,” Jane Rosenthal, Tribeca Enterprises Co-Founder and CEO, said in a press statement. “From the U.S. premiere of De Niro’s next big film ‘The Alto Knights’ to an exclusive conversation at Casa Cipriani about documentary filmmaking as art preservation, our winter and spring events represent the best of Tribeca–star-studded premieres, culturally curious conversations, and a lot of fun.”

The new program from the Tribeca Festival grants members year-round access to exclusive screenings and premieres of the most anticipated films, TV series, and more. Each Tribeca Membership event includes a special introduction or intimate talkback with the filmmakers, creators, and stars, and members receive early access to Festival tickets, badge discounts, and exclusive merchandise. An annual membership is $100.

The Tribeca Membership launched in March 2024 and has hosted numerous special screenings, such as a Larry David event with the series finale of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and an advance screening of “Ezra” with Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, and director Tony Goldwyn. Additional past events have included the “Tulsa King” Season 2 world premiere, the New York premiere of “Rosemary’s Baby” prequel “Apartment 7A,” the world premiere of “Caddo Lake,” and the world premiere of “A Quiet Place: Day One.”

Check out the full Tribeca Membership March slate, with language provided by Tribeca Festival, below.

“The Parenting” — March 11 at DGA Theatre

Written by Kent Sublette and directed by Craig Johnson, a young gay couple Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), host a meeting of their parents during a weekend at a cozy rental house in the country. Things take a turn for the horrifying and comedic when the new lodgers find it is already inhabited by a 400-year-old evil entity.

“The Alto Knights” – March 15 at AMC Lincoln Square 13 U.S. Premiere

From Warner Bros. Pictures, “The Alto Knights” stars Academy Award winner Robert De Niro in a dual role, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Barry Levinson. The film follows two of New York’s most notorious organized crime bosses, Frank Costello (De Niro) and Vito Genovese (De Niro), as they vie for control of the city’s streets. Once the best of friends, petty jealousies and a series of betrayals place them on a deadly collision course that will reshape the Mafia (and America) forever. Written by Oscar nominee Nicholas Pileggi and produced by Oscar winner Irwin Winkler, Barry Levinson, Jason Sosnoff, Charles Winkler and David Winkler, with Mike Drake executive producing.

“Happy Face” – March 18 at the Tribeca Film Center

At 15, Melissa G. Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as “Happy Face.” As an adult, she changed her name and guarded her secret while her father served life in prison. “Happy Face” for Paramount+ is inspired by Moore’s true-life story. Happy Face (Dennis Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissa Reed’s (Annaleigh Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, Keith finds a way to force himself back into his daughter’s life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victims’ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity.

After the Screening: A conversation with Annaleigh Ashford, showrunner and executive producer Jennifer Cacicio, and executive producer Melissa G. Moore.

“Bob Trevino Likes It” – March 19 at LOOK Cinemas

Inspired by the true friendship that writer/director Tracie Laymon found with a stranger when looking for her father online, “Bob Trevino Likes It” spotlights Lily and Bob’s blossoming friendship as it becomes a vital source of connection and healing in both their lives. Bob’s small acts of fatherly kindness fill a familial void in Lily’s life and hold the power to change her direction forever. In their own ways, these two must both learn they are worthy of extraordinary love exemplified through small acts of kindness.

After the Movie: A conversation with Tracie Laymon, Barbie Ferreira, and John Leguizamo.