New York City's annual Tribeca Film Festival has announced that it will be kicking-off its ninth year on April 21 with the premiere of the fourth installment of DreamWorks Animation's beloved animated series Shrek Forever After. Said to be the final chapter of the story, it will also be the first one to be screened in 3D.

The official press release includes a number of quotes on the decision including the festival's co-founder Jane Rosenthal who said, "We have always sought to open our Festival with films that are captivating and strike an emotional chord with movie-goers. 'Shrek Forever After' combines the very best in storytelling and artistry while showcasing the wonders of innovative 3D filmmaking, [making it] one of the most anticipated new movies of 2010."

CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg added: "DreamWorks Animation is honored to bring the world premiere of 'Shrek Forever After' to New York City for the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival. It is a great privilege and tribute to our entire cast and crew to have been chosen as this year's opening night selection."

Director Mike Mitchell, who has worked on previous DreamWorks Animation projects, says this about his first foray into the world of Shrek: "The final chapter of Shrek's personal journey brings all of our beloved characters full circle in a way that pays creative homage to each of the previous films and the stories they told, while taking Shrek and his family and friends on a fantastic, emotion-filled journey that is funny at every turn."

Shrek Forever After opens nationwide on May 21. You can look for ComingSoon.net's full coverage of the Tribeca Film Festival as it runs from April 21 to May 2.