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New York Film Festival to open with RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys”
A historical drama that promises to captivate
The New York Film Festival has announced that its opening night will feature the RaMell Ross-directed historical drama “Nickel Boys.” The screening is set for September 27 at Alice Tully Hall. Adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Nickel Boys” stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The story follows two Black teenagers who become wards of a barbaric juvenile reformatory in Jim Crow-era Florida. Herisse and Wilson play Elwood and Turner, whose close friendship helps sustain their hope even as the horrors mount around them at the Nickel Academy, which becomes a microcosm of American racism in the mid-20th century.
A new voice in filmmaking
“‘Nickel Boys’ signals the emergence of a major filmmaking voice,” said Dennis Lim, artistic director of the New York Film Festival. “RaMell Ross’s fiction debut, like his previous work in photography and documentary, searches for new ways of seeing and, in so doing, expands the possibilities of visual language. It’s the most audacious American movie I have seen in some time, and we are excited and honored to open the New York Film Festival with it.”
Ross, director of the Oscar-nominated documentary “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” also wrote the screenplay with Joslyn Barnes. Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, David Levine, and Barnes were producers of the film. Orion Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios will release “Nickel Boys” in select theaters on October 25, with plans to expand through the fall.
A dream come true
“What an absolute honor for ‘Nickel Boys’ to open the 62nd New York Film Festival… a daydream really, for the crew, the cast, and team who’ve committed so wholeheartedly to its vision,” Ross said. “The New York Film Festival in particular constellates much of what one aspires toward through filmic production. Since just after my undergrad when I was wooed by the still and moving image, it has been an extraordinary compendium for global aesthetics.”
A legacy of remarkable films
Recent NYFF opening night films have included Todd Phillips’ soapy drama “May December,” Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise” adaptation, Joel Coen’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Steve McQueen’s “Lovers Rock,” and Martin Scorsese’s crime epic “The Irishman.”
The NYFF Main Slate selection committee is chaired by Lim as well as Florence Almozini, Justin Chang, K. Austin Collins, and Rachel Rosen. Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the 62nd New York Film Festival will take place from September 27 through October 14.
Exploring the themes of “Nickel Boys”
“Nickel Boys” delves deep into the systemic racism and brutality that characterized the Jim Crow era. The film’s portrayal of the Nickel Academy serves as a stark reminder of the historical injustices faced by Black Americans. The friendship between Elwood and Turner is a testament to the resilience and hope that can emerge even in the darkest of times.
The cast’s stellar performances
Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson deliver powerful performances as Elwood and Turner, capturing the essence of their characters’ struggles and triumphs. The supporting cast, including Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, add depth and nuance to the story, making “Nickel Boys” a must-watch.
For those eager to get a glimpse of this compelling film, you can watch the trailer and find more information at https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/nickel-boys.
Reflecting on the impact
As we anticipate the release of ”Nickel Boys,” it’s essential to reflect on the broader implications of the film. It serves as a poignant reminder of the historical injustices that continue to shape our society today. By bringing these stories to the forefront, films like “Nickel Boys” play a crucial role in fostering understanding and empathy.
The New York Film Festival’s choice to open with “Nickel Boys” underscores the importance of storytelling in addressing social issues. As we look forward to the festival, we can only hope that more films will continue to challenge and inspire us.
“Nickel Boys” is not just a film; it’s a powerful narrative that urges us to confront our past and strive for a more just future.
