Every year at the beginning of the season, New Yorkers get the chance to see the hottest movies of the year at the New York Film Festival. As always, the 2024 edition of the Lincoln Center-centric fest has plenty of variety to choose from, from early awards favorites to visuals. And, unlike last year, the 62nd edition of NYFF will not be disrupted by the actor’s strike and promises to have plenty of talent Q&As, special presentations, and more.
Don’t miss the movies
The festival lineup is divided into several different sections, with Main Slate and Spotlight films being the most prominent. The Nickel Boys serves as the opening night film, having already set the Telluride Film Festival on fire with its unique vision and depiction of a haunted school. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, the film is a must-see and a great way to kick things off this Friday, September 27. Plus, the opening night shows at the dazzling Alice Tully Hall will feature appearances from the likes of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Daveed Diggs.
NYFF62 closes things out with the North American premiere of The Blitza new narrative feature from director Steve McQueen. The film takes place during the London Blitz of WWII, starring Saoirse Ronan as a single mother who is separated from her son during the mayhem.
Yes, there is a lot to see between the opening and closing nights as well. Luca Guadagnino’s second film of the year, Queerstopped at NYFF, featuring an inspired performance by Daniel Craig. A busy Maria Callas biopic Maria is also in the program, allowing cinephiles and opera fans alike to view Angelina Jolie’s rich portrayal of the legendary soprano. Other interesting articles include Mike Leigh’s Hard FactsDavid Cronenburg’s FabricsGuy Maddin’s Cate Blanchett stars Rumorsagain A friendstarring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray—all of whom will be on hand to answer questions and answers throughout the fest. A few big movies have sold out festival screenings (eg, Cannes winners Anora, Everything We Think of as Lightagain Emilia Perez), but the film’s most dedicated fans still have a chance to get rush-day tickets.
For those who might want to delve a little deeper into the offerings, the Currents and Revivals sections of the festival’s slate offer a look at where cinema is going—and where it’s coming from. This year’s updates include restored and visually enriched copies of films like these Hellraiser and Robert Bresson’s unsung A Dreamy Night. NYFF also does a great job of bringing old films from countries that don’t have a cinema infrastructure, including Senegal. Camp de Thiaroye again Closed Groundthe first surviving Iranian film directed by a woman. Meanwhile, Currents offers a series of short films, Canada’s Oscar submission for Best International Film, and a fascinating documentary about James Baldwin’s time in Paris. Truly, there is something for everyone.
Get the VIP experience
NYFF has many special offers for anyone who wants to be a patron of the cinematic arts. The highlight? Orchestra seats to the US premiere of the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late and an invitation to a private post-premiere reception for the cast and crew (Elton John is confirmed to appear). A similar testing and acceptance package is available Queerand the closing night presentation of The Blitz it boasts the same combination of paid seat reservations, a dedicated NYFF host, and photo-ops opportunities. A special VIP pass is also available, which gives patrons the opportunity to sit through the invitation-only Opening Night, Centerpiece, and Closing Night screenings—and provides a number of tickets that can be used throughout the festival.
It’s great for movie fans
One of the most exciting announcements from NYFF is that the beloved Criterion Closet is bound for the city. A small shopping area has been made available, and lovers of foreign films, classic black and white, and impressive box sets can make their choice of DVD a la Willem Dafoe or Daniels. There will be a line around the block to get into the hottest New York Film Festival merchandise.
The fest also features NYFF62’s version of Cinephile Game Night, a fun, free event for everyone with a brain geared toward movie trivia. Prizes include tickets to sold-out shows, but there’s more to play for (possibly including festival merchandise, such as this year’s poster designed by David Byrne).
The 62nd New York Film Festival runs from Friday, September 27th to Monday, October 14th and tickets are on sale now. Additional screenings will be announced as the festival progresses (the last few days are reserved for “encore” screenings of the fest’s most popular titles), so be sure to keep track of your most anticipated movies.
