Tribeca Festival 2025: ‘Take Me Home’ Wins AT&T Untold Stories Prize!

The Rise of a New Voice in Filmmaking

At the heart of the 2025 Tribeca Festival, a new star emerged in the film industry. IndieWire has reported that Liz Sargent, a visionary filmmaker, clinched the prestigious AT&T Untold Stories grant, an accolade accompanied by a whopping $1 million to produce her narrative feature, “Take Me Home.” This triumph makes Sargent the eighth recipient of what is heralded as the world’s most substantial film production prize.

The origins of Sargent’s acclaimed project trace back to her 2023 short film also titled “Take Me Home,” which not only premiered at Sundance but also graced the screens at SXSW, Desertscape, and Slamdance Unstoppable. The short film delicately explores the dynamics between two estranged sisters who are drawn together following their mother’s demise, with one sister navigating life with a cognitive disability.

From Vision to Reality: The Journey of “Take Me Home”

The feature adaptation of “Take Me Home” promises to be a poignant narrative focusing on Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee with cognitive challenges who cares for her aging parents. Amidst a shattering Florida heat wave, Anna’s routine life is thrown into chaos, prompting her to carve out a new world where she can flourish despite uncertainties.

The 2025 Untold Stories Greenlight Committee, consisting of luminaries like Stephanie Hsu, Andrew Ahn, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Gina Rodriguez, and AT&T marketing chief Kellyn Kenny, alongside previous winner David Fortune, recognized the potential of Sargent’s heartfelt narrative. The committee, struck by the rich, textured worlds presented by all the finalists, found the decision tough but saw in “Take Me Home” a story that could resonate beautifully on screen.

A Platform for Emerging Talents

Jane Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca, described the Untold Stories initiative as far more than a mere competition. It’s a launchpad that not only propels filmmakers into the limelight but also supports them every step of the way towards realizing their vision. Rosenthal expressed eagerness to see the unique stories the finalists would bring to life, highlighting the festival’s role in nurturing groundbreaking cinema.

Liz Sargent, infused with enthusiasm and gratitude, shared her excitement about bringing to life a story so personal and universally resonant. “Take Me Home” is not just about her character Anna’s journey but also mirrors experiences that touch many lives, making the narrative both intimate and relatable.

Meanwhile, the spotlight also returned to the previous year’s winner, “Honeyjoon,” as it made its premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. Director Lilian T. Mehrel recounted the invaluable support from Tribeca AT&T Untold Stories, praising the mentorship that respected her creative freedom and vision, which greatly influenced her directorial debut.

As “Take Me Home” gears up for its grand unveiling at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, the film industry watches with anticipation, ready to welcome a new, compelling voice to the world of cinema. Sargent’s journey from a short film to a feature under the Tribeca AT&T Untold Stories banner marks yet another chapter in the festival’s mission to elevate unique, powerful stories that might otherwise remain untold.

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Claude Merritt

Claude Merritt explores the world of entertainment with a keen eye. From music to film, TV series, and popular culture, he covers celebrity news and American cultural trends with a lively and critical approach.