NEW YORK - A documentary about the comedian and original cast member Gilda Radner will kick off the 17th Tribeca Film Festival.

The New York festival on Tuesday announced the opening-night selection of directed by first-time feature filmmaker Lisa D'Apolito.

Gilda Radner Documentary to Open Tribeca Film Festival

This will be the sixth year in a row that Tribeca opens with a documentary. The festival has previously begun with profiles of music producer Clive Davis, the Met Gala, , the rapper Nas and the indie band the National.

Gilda Radner Documentary to Open Tribeca Film Festival

Radner, who died of cancer at age 42 in 1989, was renowned for her characters, such as broadcaster Roseanne Roseannadanna. was made with the support of Radner's estate, along with audiotapes, home movies and diary entries left by Radner.

Gilda Radner Documentary to Open Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival runs April 18-29.