Vital Stories
A new partnership empowering filmmakers to authentically weave health stories into everyday narratives.
Tribeca Studios and Lilly have partnered to create a new film program committed to prioritizing authentic portrayals of patients and disease experiences. The program addresses underrepresentation and misrepresentation of disease in media by empowering creators to tell more accurate, empathetic, and inclusive stories and bring them to audiences on a major stage. The program supports three short films from end to end through development, production, a Tribeca 2026 premiere and distribution.
THE APPROACH AND MISSION
With a strong focus on meaningful impact, the program will begin by providing creative development and mentorship to a select group of talented screenwriters dedicated to authentic portrayals of health and treatment. The Creative Summit will develop and support approximately twenty excellent screenwriters, with hands-on mentorship in-person in New York City. From this group, three projects will be selected to receive full support for short film or proof-of-concept production, a guaranteed premiere at Tribeca Festival 2026 and additional support throughout distribution. Projects will continue to work with Tribeca to find avenues to be produced in longer form.
Tribeca X and The Female Quotient Emmy Week Brunch
Tribeca X and The Female Quotient, together with Eli Lilly and Company, held a powerhouse brunch ahead of the 77th Emmy Awards, spotlighting the future of storytelling at the intersection of brands and entertainment. Taking place September 12 at Ysabel in West Hollywood, the event featured panels with leading voices across entertainment and marketing, exploring how brand storytelling is shaping culture, building community, and creating meaningful business and societal impact.
Characters Who Reflect Us: Health and Storytelling
Authentic representation of health conditions on screen is more than a creative choice; it’s a cultural responsibility. Entertainment has the power to combat stereotypes, spark empathy, and even influence public health outcomes. Moderated by Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety, the conversation brings together Lina Polimeni, Chief Corporate Brand Officer, Eli Lilly and Company; Tig Notaro, Comedian, Actor, and Writer; and Bryce Norbitz, Vice President, Tribeca Studios and Artist Development at Tribeca Enterprises. Together, these leaders will discuss how multidimensional characters and accurate portrayals of health can shift perceptions, drive social impact, and expand what audiences see reflected on screen and how writers and creators can develop better characters and storylines by accurately depicting health within their stories, helping audiences experience more authentic, compelling narratives.
The audience at the Tribeca X and The Female Quotient Panel
Lina Polimeni, Chief Corporate Brand Officer, Eli Lilly and Company;
Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety, Lina Polimeni, Chief Corporate Brand Officer, Eli Lilly and Company; Tig Notaro, Comedian, Actor, and Writer; and Bryce Norbitz, Vice President, Tribeca Studios and Artist Development at Tribeca Enterprises.
The audience at the Tribeca X and The Female Quotient Panel
Cynthia Littleton, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety, Lina Polimeni, Chief Corporate Brand Officer, Eli Lilly and Company; Tig Notaro, Comedian, Actor, and Writer; and Bryce Norbitz, Vice President, Tribeca Studios and Artist Development at Tribeca Enterprises.
Lina Polimeni, Chief Corporate Brand Officer, Eli Lilly and Company;
FOR MORE INFORMATION
EMAIL TRIBECASTUDIOS@TRIBECAFILM.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS PROGRAM.