MIDTOWN — The 49th New York Film Festival kicks off this Friday, bringing 17 days of cinema to Lincoln Center.
The festival gathers the best in world cinema, as well as a new segment of forums giving the audience intimate access to filmmakers. Moviegoers can experience everything from the New York Philharmonic accompanying a Charlie Chaplin classic to an apocalyptic film based on the Lower East Side.
“...the NYFF remains the place where casual moviegoers and die-hard cinephiles alike can, in the course of two weeks, experience a carefully curated selection of highlights from the year in world cinema,” said Scott Foundas, associate program director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, which runs the festival.
While the main films of the event will always draw a crowd, Foundas pointed to the sidebar events of documentaries, the Avant Garde program, anniversary screenings and panel discussions as a must see for festival goers.
Tickets can be purchased from the NYFF website. Tickets can also be purchased from the Alice Tully Hall Box Office at Lincoln Center. The festival runs from Sept. 30th until Oct. 16.
Some Festival Highlights
The Gold Rush - Mon Oct 10
This screening of Charlie Chaplin’s personal favourite from his own work will be accompanied by a live performance from members of the New York Philharmonic. A great event for families.
4:44 Last Day on Earth - Wed Oct 5 & Sat Oct 8
Directed by Abel Ferrara, this movie is an “apocalyptic trance” capturing a Lower East Side couple as they say goodbye to a planet on the edge of extinction.
10th Anniversary Screening of the Royal Tenenbaums - Thu Oct 13th
This American original, which had its world premiere at the 2001 NYFF, was directed by Wes Anderson and tells the tale of an eccentric family of geniuses living in a parallel New York.
George Harrison: Living in the Material World - Tue Oct 4
Directed by native New Yorker Martin Scorsese, this documentary details the personal and professional life of the "Quiet Beatle."
Ben-Hur - Sat Oct 1
The son of lead actor Charlton Heston, Fraser, will introduce the 1959 Hollywood epic that was directed by William Wyler. The film has been digitally restored and will be seen on the big screen in its original 2.79 aspect ratio.
