Uma Thurman, Spike Lee and Robert De Niro yesterday at the  official opening of 2009 Tribeca Film Festival.

This year Festival (founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center) will present 85 features and 46 short film from 36 different countries.

"it's great to see how much the Festival has grown since we began in 2002 and how it has impacted the neighborhood" said Mr. De Niro. "We invite everyone to come to Tribeca to enjoy all that our Festival has to offer- from great film to industry gatherings to free community events."

Tonight- the newest  film of Woody Allen "Whatever Works" with Larry David and Patricia Clarkson opens the TFF at the Ziegfeld Theater.