Attend the NY Film Festival from home
The 58th New York Film Festival began this week and runs through Oct. 11. Normally a haven for independent and international cinema, as well as a slew of Oscar contenders, the festival has scaled back the offerings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The changes actually benefit those of us who have never been able to attend the festival in person.
In addition to drive-in screenings and special accommodations in New York, a number of the films are available to “rent” at the Film at Lincoln Center Virtual Cinema page.
It comes with a few caveats: While you can purchase your rental now, the most notable titles are only available to watch on a single day within a four-hour viewing period (Most between 4 and 9 p.m. Pacific time). You also have to leave yourself enough time to finish the film before the block ends, so really, it’s a two hour window to start the film.
The site also claims there’s a finite number of tickets available, so some of the more notable titles may sell out.
Some of the highlights from this year’s slate:
“Nomadland” - the buzzy new film from Chloe Zhao (“The Rider”) earned raves at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month (which offered a similar “virtual rental” experience… but only for Canadian residents). It stars Frances McDormand as an out-of-work woman who hits the road in search of seasonal work and discovers a whole “nomad” culture. Limited rental: September 26. Cost: $25, sold out at press time, but watch for a restock/second viewing window.
A trio of films by Steve McQueen - The director of “12 Years a Slave” and “Widows” presents three installments of his “Small Axe” anthology series coming to Amazon Prime. The decade-spanning series focuses on different characters in London’s West Indian community. The 80s-set “Lover’s Rock” was the festival’s opening night presentation but will be offered as an encore on Oct. 3. The 60s-set “Mangrove” is offered on Sept. 25 and Oct. 3. “Red, White and Blue” with John Boyega as London police force officer Leroy Logan also plays on Oct. 3. All are $15 each.
“On the Rocks” - “Lost in Translation” director Sophia Coppola reunites with Bill Murray for a story about a struggling writer (Rashida Jones) reconnecting with her long-absent father (Murray). Sept. 23. Cost: $25. Sold out at press time, but watch for a restock/second viewing window.
“French Exit” - Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges and a cat star in the eccentric story of a near-bankrupt socialite who attempts to escape her fledgling life by heading to France. Closing night offering on Oct. 10. Cost $25.
“The Human Voice” - An English-language short film from the acclaimed Pedro Almodovar, with Tilda Swinton. Sept. 24. Cost: $12.
“Hopper/Welles” - A fascinating discussion between legends Orson Welles and Dennis Hopper, never before seen in its entirety. Sept. 28. Cost: $12.
“Undine” - The fanciful new film from German director Christian Petzold, director of two of my favorite movies in recent years, “Phoenix” and “Transit.” Oct. 9. Cost $15.
Many other options on the slate, but be sure to check out the site to see the current availability as well as the specific start and end times for the movies. Visit Virtual.Filmlinc.org
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Tyler Wilson has been writing about movies professionally since 2000. He is the co-host of Old Millennials Remember Movies, available anywhere you get podcasts. He can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com
