The Tribeca Film Festival kicked off with a special screening of Live From New York, a warts-and-all documentary that looks at the storied 40-year history of the late-night comedy show Saturday Night Live.

Vietnamese-American film-maker Bao Nguyen’s movie, which opened the festival on Wednesday night, traces the show’s evolution into a pop-cultural touchstone from its 1975 debut when, as frequent host actor Alec Baldwin notes: “No one thought it would last.”

The film blends archival footage of some of its best-known sketches and characters with cast interviews going back to original members Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin, and reflections from many of its high-profile satirical targets.

The brainchild of producer Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live launched the careers of comedy stars ranging from Bill Murray and John Belushi to Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock and Martin Short.

The movie, Nguyen’s directorial debut, also mines subjects such as drugs, race and sexuality in a manner that were largely taboo on network television.

The 2015 Tribeca Film Festival, which runs to April 26, will showcase about 100 feature films, including 67 world premieres.