Death of Tammy Rosen: Communications Chief of Sundance And Tribeca Passes Away at 49

Tammie Rosen, a prominent figure in the film and entertainment world who oversaw communications for Tribeca Enterprises and the Sundance Institute, passed away early Wednesday at the age of 49 after a recent battle with cancer.

Rosen was admired throughout the industry by filmmakers, festival organizers, talent, and press alike for her warm personality, infectious energy, and unwavering positivity. Her distinctive red lipstick and hearty laugh reflected a deep enthusiasm for life and culture.

Raised in New Jersey, Rosen launched her career at Rubenstein Communications in New York, where she began managing PR for the Tribeca Film Festival in 2004, shortly after its inception. In 2007, she joined Tribeca in-house, becoming a trusted advisor to co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro as the festival expanded internationally, launched a film distribution arm, and grew into a major cultural brand. Her fashion PR background contributed to her keen sense of style, which complemented Tribeca's blend of film, music, design, technology, and urban culture in post-9/11 Lower Manhattan.

Rosen rose to Executive Vice President of Communications and Programming at Tribeca before moving to the Sundance Institute in 2019 as Chief Communications Officer. At Sundance, she guided the organization through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition of its festival location from Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado.

Tribeca co-founders De Niro and Rosenthal remembered Rosen as "an extraordinary, dynamic woman whose passion, dedication, and creativity helped build Tribeca into a global brand. Her leadership, humor, love for the arts, and friendship left an indelible mark on all who knew her."

Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough expressed profound sadness, noting, "Tammies integrity, compassion, and commitment shaped our organization. She communicated the institutes mission with heart and authenticity, inspiring everyone around her. Her warmth, generosity, and intelligence made her one of a kind, and she will be deeply missed."

Rosen is survived by her mother Sheryle, sister Stefani, brother Brian, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who admired her both professionally and personally.

Author: Riley Thompson