The 64th New York Film Festival has begun in Manhattan, offering New Yorkers and visitors an 18‑day program of 119 films representing 46 nations. Artistic director Dennis Lim says the event is the one film festival worth attending each year.

Opening night and marquee titles

Lim announced that the opening‑night feature is Paper Tiger, directed by James Gray. The drama, set in Brooklyn and Queens during the 1980s, stars Adam Driver, Miles Teller and Scarlett Johansson, who Lim believes deliver some of their best work to date.

Among the festival’s centerpiece selections is the world premiere of Behemoth, a film that puts music at the heart of its story. Pedro Pascal plays a cellist, and Lim praised the role as possibly the actor’s finest performance so far.

The lineup also includes a gala presentation of the highly anticipated sequel to the Oscar‑winning visual‑effects film Godzilla Minus One. Lim described the new Godzilla entry as a throwback, old‑fashioned monster movie that will please fans of classic blockbusters.

Ticket access and audience experience

Lim emphasized that the festival is designed to be accessible despite high demand for certain screenings. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at filmlinc.org, with holds released three days before each screening. Standby lines are available, and the festival staff works to get as many patrons in as possible.

Special events and guest appearances

Beyond film screenings, the festival will host post‑screening discussions with filmmakers and other guests. Legendary director Martin Scorsese is slated to appear at two separate events, a fact Lim highlighted as an honor for the festival.

Why the festival matters to New Yorkers

By featuring a mix of international cinema, high‑profile premieres, and local New York stories, the festival reinforces the city’s reputation as a cultural hub. The inclusion of a film set against the backdrop of the Gowanus Canal cleanup underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing stories that reflect the city’s history and ongoing revitalization efforts.

With a diverse slate that spans genres, languages, and perspectives, the New York Film Festival offers something for families, film enthusiasts, and casual moviegoers alike. Whether attending a blockbuster gala or a quiet indie screening, audiences can expect a vibrant celebration of the art of filmmaking right in the heart of Manhattan.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.