Questlove to Open 2026 Tribeca Festival with Earth, Wind & Fire Documentary

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson is continuing his streak as the preeminent historian of Black American music. The Tribeca Festival has announced that its 2026 edition will open with the world premiere of Thompson’s latest documentary, 'Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World)'. The screening, held at the Beacon Theatre on June 3, will be followed by a collaborative live performance featuring the legendary funk outfit alongside The Roots. Following his Oscar-winning work on 'Summer of Soul', Thompson’s lens moves from the cultural vacuum of the Harlem Cultural Festival to the cosmic, meticulously arranged legacy of Maurice White’s collective. While many music documentaries settle for hagiography, Thompson has proven a unique ability to map the technical brilliance and spiritual intent of his subjects, positioning them within the broader socio-political landscape of their era. This project cements his transition from the industry's most reliable drummer to its most essential archivist.