Cameron Crowe doc to open Tribeca fest

NEW YORK, March 2 (UPI) -- Cameron Crowe's documentary "The Union" is to open the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival in New York, organizers said Wednesday.

A performance by the film's subject -- Elton John -- will follow the free outdoor screening to kick off the festival's 10th edition.

"The Union" is to have its world premiere April 20 at the North Cove at the World Financial Plaza in Manhattan.

The 10th annual Tribeca Film Festival is to take place April 20 to May 1.

"The Union" is described as "an unprecedented and personal look at the creative life of Elton John and the remarkable collaborative album (he recorded) with Leon Russell, produced by T-Bone Burnett."

"It's a special opportunity to open our 10th festival in this distinct and unique way -- not only are we inviting the community to join us for the world premiere of Cameron Crowe's film 'The Union,' but to have Elton, whose music transcends generations, perform after is an extraordinary gift to our festival and more specifically the downtown community," festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal said in a statement.

"As a longtime fan of both artists, it was a pleasure to spend a year filming their collaboration," added Crowe. "We can't wait to show it to one of the greatest audiences in the world, the Tribeca Film Festival."