The 64th New York Film Festival, a prestigious cinema event, opens with over 70 fiction features and documentaries premiering globally or in the U.S. Notable stars including Pedro Pascal, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Julianne Moore are featured in these premieres. The festival runs through October 12 and offers short film programs, revivals, and filmmaker talks across all five city boroughs.
Documentaries
Among the documentaries, “You Can See Everything” explores Elizabeth Holmes’ days before starting her prison sentence. “My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile” follows Russian journalists fleeing Russia due to censorship following the Ukraine invasion. “Making Marie Antoinette” is a posthumous creation completed by Sofia Coppola after Eleanor Coppola’s death, narrated by Diane Lane.
“NAZA” addresses alleged AI-powered targeting against Palestinians, drawing controversy due to anonymous sources and criticism from the Israeli government. Ava DuVernay’s “14th” examines current threats to the 14th Amendment’s protections.
Other documentaries include “Bardi,” showcasing equestrian life in Morocco; “For the Moon,” focused on blind youth artists; profiles on Edward Said and Jorge Luis Borges; and the completion of “Once Upon a Time in Harlem,” documenting the Harlem Renaissance.
World Premieres
Among the fictional films debuting are “Behemoth!” featuring Pedro Pascal as a cellist dealing with a fractured life. “Artificial,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, highlights AI industry developments, starring Andrew Garfield and others.
Tom McCarthy’s “A Statement” portrays a critical 1980 meeting on climate change data with a star-studded cast. “Godzilla Minus Zero” marks its arrival with a giant stomp into Alice Tully Hall.
U.S. and N.Y. Premieres
Opening night presents James Gray’s thriller “Paper Tiger” starring Adam Driver, about a former cop linked to the Russian mob. Two premieres feature Sandra Hüller, “Rose” and “Fatherland,” addressing themes of gender disguise and post-war tensions.
Cristian Mungiu’s “Fjord” tackles abuse suspicions among Romanian immigrants. “Misty Green,” directed by Chris Rock, highlights an actress facing hostile Hollywood, starring a dynamic cast.
Noteworthy international features include Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard,” Pedro Almodóvar’s “Bitter Christmas,” Mike Leigh’s “Tender Loving Care,” and Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s “All of a Sudden.” Nicolás Pereda’s “Everything Else Is Noise” uses absurdity to explore a musical family.
Revivals and Restorations
Restored classics feature Ken Russell’s controversial “The Devils” and Powell-Pressburger’s “Gone to Earth.” Festival revivals include works like “The Drift,” “Yesterday Girl,” “Nitrate Kisses,” and Luchino Visconti’s “L’innocente.”
Talks and Roundtables
Talks with filmmakers include sessions with James Gray, Jim Jarmusch, Mike Leigh, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Pedro Almodovar, Sofia Coppola, and Ava DuVernay.
For more information on screenings, talks, and tickets, visit the New York Film Festival website.