Online video is beginning to enhance the film festival experience, bringing even greater exposure to the movies being showcased. The Tribeca Film Festival, for example, hosts a simultaneous Online Film Festival, showcasing a few features and several short films during the run of the festival. Established in 2002 by Robert De Niro and two partners, the Tribeca Film Festival has quickly become one of the most prestigious festivals in the country. The fact that some films are made available online during the event is a boon for movie buffs.

This year the Tribeca Film Festival will be held April 17 – 28, but you don’t have to fly to New York to get a front-row seat. Just create a Tribeca Film Festival account online and reserve a screening time for the films you select. Also, you only have a 24-hour window to watch a movie after you check-in to your screening. Despite all the hoops you’ll need to jump through, it’s a good way to get a piece of the Tribeca Film Festival experience