NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL TURNS 50
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanIt has become more than just an annual tradition, it has become a highly anticipated event of culturally rich New York City.
The New York Film Festival has been a major event since its inception in 1963. The films are chosen by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, a prominent film presentation organization throughout the world. Its greatest mission is not competition itself but more of a recognition effort to bring American Independent and World Cinema to the forefront and introduce new filmmakers to the industry and to the public so that there continues to be variety within the cinema. It was originally established by Amos Vogel and Richard Roud.
This year it was a golden anniversary as The New York Film Festival celebrated its 50th year from September 28 through October 14, 2012. Many magical moments made this year special and we must remember that the films are an expression of the mind, soul and heart to be interpreted by the viewer.
A surprise screening took place of an unfinished version of the historical ‘Lincoln’ directed by Steven Spielberg with a Q&A session immediately following.
‘The Princess Bride’ which has become a classic favorite enjoyed some newfound fame as it was once again presented as a partnership between the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and New Wave which is the Film Society’s young patrons group. This film made history with an all-star cast comprised of Billy Crystal, Cary Elwes, Carol Kane, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Wallace Shawn and Robin Wright and directed by Rob Reiner. Most were in attendance.
An upcoming thriller, ‘Flight’, due out in theaters on November 2, 2012, and starring Denzel Washington, made its world premiere on closing night. This film will keep you on the edge of your seat. It takes a page out of a pilot’s life and the sequence of events that unfold in his personal life which have a huge effect on his professional life. The man behind the story, Robert Zemecki, returns to filmmaking after his last film ‘Cast Away’ which debuted 12 years ago. This latest film is brilliantly mastered and gives you something to think about.
So many facets of the film industry were available to audiences with some of the most accomplished works in cinema from all over the globe. Heartwarming films include ‘Life of Pi’ which is a 3D adaptation of the bestseller, ‘Not Fade Away’ starring James Gandolfini and a work from David Chase, creator of ‘The Sopranos’, ‘The Paperboy’ with Nicole Kidman like you have never seen her before and a triumphant cinematography of ‘Caesar Must Die’, ‘Hyde Park on The Hudson’, ‘Leviathan’ and more.
For those desiring to return to yesteryear, New York Film Festival 50 gave them Masterworks which brought restorations, revivals and rediscoveries from our cinema past. Audiences thrilled to ‘Heaven’s Gate’, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’.
As the week progressed, there were additional special events such as conversations with some of the filmmakers, Shorts programs and Midnight Movies to get you in that Halloween spirit.
During the festival, daily forums took place live and online with stimulating conversations featuring actors, directors, film critics and industry insiders.
If you came, you saw, you enjoyed and now you want to hold on to the memories, there is a 50th Anniversary Collector’s Book called ‘New York Film Festival Gold’ bringing you 50 years of cinematic history kept fresh in the pages of this large book. Included are over 200 photographs and behind-the-scenes shots with over 130 filmmakers, hundreds of rare stills from New York Film Festival films and a reproduction of posters from every year the festival has been held.
The cinema is an ingenious diversion from everyday life and we look forward to 50 more years of fantastic filmmaking brought to the world.
PHOTO CREDITS: New York Film Festival 50 Website
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