Highlights of the 64th New York Film Festival

The 64th New York Film Festival kicks off as one of the most prestigious cinema events worldwide. The festival runs from September 25 to October 12, showcasing over 70 fiction features and documentaries premiering across all five New York City boroughs. This year’s lineup features stars like Pedro Pascal, Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Julianne Moore.

Documentaries

Among the documentaries scheduled to premiere, “You Can See Everything” provides insight into the life of Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Nathan Fielder, co-director, moved into Holmes’ house before she started her prison sentence, engaging her in revealing discussions. Julia Loktev’s sequel “My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile” follows Russian journalists fleeing the country due to censorship and arrests after reporting on the Ukraine invasion.

“Making Marie Antoinette” is a narrative by Eleanor Coppola captured during Sofia Coppola’s period drama production, completed by Sofia. “Bardi” explores the lives of horse riders in Morocco, while “NAZA” faces criticism from the Israeli government concerning allegations of AI abuses in Gaza.

World Premieres

Among fiction films premiering globally, “Behemoth!” stars Pedro Pascal as a troubled cellist in Tony Gilroy’s latest. “Artificial,” directed by Luca Guadagnino, explores the artificial intelligence industry featuring Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov. The festival also sees the return of Godzilla in “Godzilla Minus Zero,” led by Takashi Yamazaki.

U.S. and N.Y. Premieres

The gala opening night highlights James Gray’s thriller “Paper Tiger,” featuring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, and Miles Teller. Sandra Hüller stars in “Rose,” portraying independence in 17th-century Germany, and “Fatherland,” directed by Paweł Pawlikowski.

Cristian Mungiu’s “Fjord” showcases Pentecostal Romanian immigrants facing suspected child abuse in Norway. “Misty Green” directed by Chris Rock reveals the story of an actress seeking redemption in Hollywood.

Revivals and Restorations

This year’s festival revives Ken Russell’s controversial “The Devils,” now restored in its original form. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s “Gone to Earth” receives restoration from Martin Scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker. Other revivals include “The Drift,” “Yesterday Girl,” “Nitrate Kisses,” and Luchino Visconti’s “L’innocente.”

Talks and Roundtables

Film enthusiasts can engage in discussions with celebrated filmmakers. Conversations include Jim Jarmusch on September 26, and Ava DuVernay on October 8. For more information, visit the New York Film Festival website.