Monty Python Will Celebrate 40 Years of Holy Grail at Tribeca Film Fest

Four decades have passed since Monty Python first farted in the general direction of moviegoers with Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and now the pioneering comedy absurdists are planning on commemorating the occasion at the Tribeca Film Festival. All five surviving members of the troupe will be in attendance to say Ni! at a special screening of the movie at New York Citys Beacon Theatre on April 24th.

The festival, which takes place April 15th 26th, will also premiere a new Python documentary, Monty Python: The Meaning of Live, which will offer a backstage look at the groups 2014 reunion. Directed by Roger Graef and James Rogan, the film promises an unprecedented look at how the shows came together and insight into the individual members personalities and intra-group relationship. The screening is scheduled for April 25th.

As part of their Python celebrations, TFF will also screen the troupes 1979 religious satire Monty Pythons Life of Brian on the 25th and silly look at all stages of life, Monty Pythons the Meaning of Life (whose Always Look on the Bright Side of Life remains a top funeral song), on the 26th. A Q&A with some of Pythons members will follow each screening.

The Pythons are looking forward very much to the Tribeca Film Festival and the chance to meet anyone who can remember why we made Monty Python and The Holy Grail, group member Michael Palin said in a statement. All we know is that it was a documentary about coconuts that rather lost its way. If anyone at Tribeca can explain why we made it and didnt call it Braveheart, then our visit to New York will not have been wasted.

Its amazing how lack of money saved us from mediocrity, Terry Gilliam, the groups animator and Holy Grail co-director, said. We couldnt afford real horses. Added Eric Idle:I often had the feeling the movie might make a good Broadway musical.

Tickets for the Holy Grail screening will go on sale March 23rd on the festivals website.