Telluride Film Festival: A Cinematic Extravaganza
The 51st Telluride Film Festival is set to dazzle audiences with a stellar lineup of world premieres and distinguished honorees. This year’s festival promises a rich tapestry of films, from gripping thrillers to poignant dramas, and honors some of the most influential figures in cinema.
A showcase of world premieres
This year’s festival will feature a variety of world premieres that are sure to captivate audiences. Among the highlights are:
- Conclave by Edward Berger, a religious thriller that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Nickel Boys, directed by RaMell Ross, an adaptation of a powerful novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of two boys at a reform school.
- Saturday Night by Jason Reitman, a film that explores the complexities of human relationships.
- The End, an apocalyptic musical by Joshua Oppenheimer, which offers a unique blend of music and storytelling.
- The Piano Lesson, Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play, which brings a classic story to the big screen.
Honoring cinema’s finest
The festival will also pay tribute to three luminaries in the world of cinema:
- Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Oscar nominee, who stars in and produced the drama The Outrun.
- Thelma Schoonmaker, a three-time Oscar-winning editor known for her exceptional work in film editing.
- Jacques Audiard, a French director whose film Emilia Pérez will make its U.S. debut at the festival.
U.S. debuts from Cannes
Several notable films from the Cannes Film Festival will make their U.S. debuts at Telluride, including:
- Anora by Sean Baker, a Palme d’Or winner that has garnered critical acclaim.
- All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia, a runner-up at Cannes that explores the human condition through a unique lens.
- Bird by Andrea Arnold, a film that delves into the complexities of human nature.
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig by Mohammad Rasoulof, a thought-provoking film that challenges societal norms.
Biopics and more
Music enthusiasts will be thrilled with the world premieres of two musician biopics:
- Better Man, which chronicles the life of Robbie Williams.
- Piece by Piece, an animated biopic about Pharrell Williams.
Films from Venice
The festival will also feature films from the Venice Film Festival, such as:
- Maria by Pablo Larraín, a biopic about opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie.
Notable sales titles
Among the notable sales titles are:
- September 5 by Tim Fehlbaum, which offers a unique perspective on the 1972 Munich Olympic attacks.
- Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, Embeth Davidtz’s directorial debut.
A diverse lineup
The festival will showcase nearly 60 feature films, short films, and revival programs representing 26 countries. This diverse lineup ensures that there is something for everyone, from thought-provoking dramas to light-hearted comedies.
A sense of normalcy
Julie Huntsinger, executive director of the Telluride Film Festival, expressed her excitement about this year’s lineup. “There’s a normalcy that’s starting to feel very good again,” she said. “People want to feel hopeful. Some movies are so powerful they bring you to tears, but as I always say, we reflect what these great filmmakers want to discuss. We want to find a way to move closer to the light.”
Standout films
Huntsinger highlighted a few standout films in this year’s lineup, particularly Nickel Boys. “I love all the films, but this one has a unique light of admiration that you just can’t ignore. It’s incredibly good.”
She also praised Zoe Saldaña’s performance in Emilia Perez, calling it “unbelievably good.” “I walked out of there going, fuck yeah!” she exclaimed.
The Nugget Project
Huntsinger also hinted at the ongoing renovation of the Nugget Theater, a key festival venue. The “Nugget Project” is described as a significant step forward for the festival, aimed at preserving the future of theatrical cinema and creating a year-round art cinema center for the Telluride community.
“We are beyond grateful for our treasured long-term relationships and excited to welcome exceptional new partners to our festival environment,” Huntsinger said. “As we embark on the 51st edition of the Telluride Film Festival, our corporate, institutional, and philanthropic supporters light the path ahead. Our ambitious $25 million capital campaign welcomes major gifts to take us to the finish line as construction is underway on our new forever home at Telluride’s historic Nugget Building.”
Festival dates
The 51st Telluride Film Festival runs from Friday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 2.
Main slate highlights
Here are some of the films to look forward to in the main slate:
- All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia
- Anora by Sean Baker
- Better Man by Michael Gracey
- Bird by Andrea Arnold
- Conclave by Edward Berger
- Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard
- Maria by Pablo Larraín
- Nickel Boys by RaMell Ross
- Saturday Night by Jason Reitman
- The End by Joshua Oppenheimer
- The Piano Lesson by Malcolm Washington
Silver Medallion Awards
This year’s Silver Medallion Awards will honor:
- Jacques Audiard
- Saoirse Ronan
- Thelma Schoonmaker
Guest director selections
Kenneth Lonergan, this year’s guest director, has selected a few classic films for the festival:
- Arch of Triumph (1948) by Lewis Milestone
- Barry Lyndon (1975) by Stanley Kubrick
- Doctor Zhivago (1965) by David Lean
- Grand Hotel (1932) by Edmund Goulding
- My Darling Clementine (1946) by John Ford
Special medallion award
The French film company Les Films du Losange will receive a special medallion award for their contributions to cinema.
Backlot highlights
The Backlot section will feature a variety of documentaries and special screenings, including:
- A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things by Mark Cousins
- ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor! by Arthur Bradford
- Chain Reactions by Alexandre O. Philippe
- Her Name Was Moviola by Howard Berry
- Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger by David Hinton
- Nobu by Matt Tyrnauer
- Riefenstahl by Andres Veiel
- The Easy Kind by Katy Chevigny
- The Hexagonal Hive and a Mouse in a Maze by Tilda Swinton and Bartek Dziadosz
- The Swallow by Tadhg O’Sullivan
Special screenings and festivities
The festival will also feature special screenings and festivities, including:
- Beauty and the Beast (1946) by Jean Cocteau
- Charles, Dead or Alive (1969) by Alain Tanner, presented by Alfonso Cuarón
- Fly (2024) by Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz
- Hindle Wakes (1927) by Maurice Elvey, with live musical accompaniment by Donald Sosin
- Prince of Broadway (2008) by Sean Baker
- The SHOW Poster Gallery, a collection of curated posters representing the rich history of films screened at TFF, curated by MUBI and Posteritati
- A solo performance by Elizabeth Cook
- Poster signing with Luke Dorman
- Audi Drive Experiences and The SHOW App, sponsored by CRITERION
The Telluride Film Festival continues to be a beacon of cinematic excellence, offering a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to experience the magic of cinema. Whether you’re a film aficionado or a casual moviegoer, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.