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New York Film Festival: A Cinematic Journey Through Reality
A celebration of global cinema
The New York Film Festival (NYFF) is back, promising a rich tapestry of films that reflect the current state of cinema and the world. This year’s lineup, announced by Film at Lincoln Center, features 33 films in the main slate of its 62nd edition. The festival, running from September 27 to October 14, will showcase works from both seasoned directors and fresh voices, offering a diverse array of narratives and styles.
Highlights and premieres
Opening night: ‘Nickel Boys’
Kicking off the festival is RaMell Ross’s historical drama, Nickel Boys. This film, which delves into the harrowing experiences of boys at a reform school, sets a powerful tone for the festival.
Centerpiece: ‘The Room Next Door’
Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door takes the spotlight as the centerpiece. Known for his vibrant storytelling and complex characters, Almodóvar’s latest work is highly anticipated.
Closing night: ‘Blitz’
Steve McQueen’s historical drama, Blitz, starring Saoirse Ronan, will close the festival. McQueen’s ability to capture intense human experiences makes this a fitting end to the cinematic journey.
Notable entries and world premieres
‘Anora’ by Sean Baker
Sean Baker’s Anora, a dramedy that won the Palme d’Or, is among the standout films. Baker’s unique approach to storytelling and his focus on marginalized communities make this a must-watch.
‘All We Imagine as Light’ by Payal Kapadia
Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light is another highlight. This film, which has already garnered attention at other major festivals, explores themes of memory and identity.
‘The Damned’ by Roberto Minervini
Roberto Minervini’s The Damned promises to be a gripping exploration of societal issues. Minervini’s documentary style brings a raw and unfiltered look at the world.
World premieres
NYFF will host the world premieres of Robinson Devor’s Suburban Fury, a nonfiction portrait of would-be presidential assassin Sara Jane Moore, and Julia Loktev’s My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow, a documentary on independent journalism in Russia.
Reflecting reality through cinema
Dennis Lim, the artistic director of NYFF, emphasizes the festival’s ambition to mirror the state of the world through cinema. The films selected for this year’s main slate highlight the relationship between cinema and reality, showcasing the medium’s power to engage with and reimagine the world.
Venues across New York
This year, NYFF screenings will be held at multiple venues across the city, including Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Staten Island, BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in Brooklyn, The Bronx Museum in the Bronx, and the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens. This expansion allows more New Yorkers to experience the festival’s offerings.
A diverse lineup of films
The main slate includes a variety of films from different genres and regions. Here are some notable entries:
- April by Dea Kulumbegashvili
- The Brutalist by Brady Corbet
- By the Stream by Hong Sangsoo
- Caught by the Tides by Jia Zhangke
- Dahomey by Mati Diop
- Eephus by Carson Lund
- Grand Tour by Miguel Gomes
- Happyend by Neo Sora
- Hard Truths by Mike Leigh
- Harvest by Athina Rachel Tsangari
- Misericordia by Alain Guiraudie
- No Other Land by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor
- Oh, Canada by Paul Schrader
- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl by Rungano Nyoni
- Pepe by Nelson Carlos de los Santos Arias
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig by Mohammad Rasoulof
- The Shrouds by David Cronenberg
- Stranger Eyes by Yeo Siew Hua
- Transamazonia by Pia Marais
- A Traveler’s Needs by Hong Sangsoo
- Việt and Nam by Trương Minh Quý
- Who by Fire by Philippe Lesage
- Youth (Hard Times) by Wang Bing
- Youth (Homecoming) by Wang Bing
A cinematic reflection of our times
The New York Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for filmmakers to present their work and for audiences to engage with thought-provoking cinema. This year’s selection underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing films that not only entertain but also challenge and inspire viewers to see the world through different lenses. Whether you’re a cinephile or a casual moviegoer, the NYFF offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of contemporary cinema.
