New York Film Festival 2024: Must-See Movies in the First Week

New York Film Festival 2024: Must-See Movies in the First Week

The New York Film Festival, running from September 27th to October 14th, is packed with exciting premieres and captivating stories. This year's festival reflects a broadening of the cinematic landscape, with a diverse range of films vying for attention.

“Eephus”

Carson Lund's debut feature, “Eephus”, is a charming and eccentric tale about a group of adults who find solace and camaraderie in their shared passion for baseball. Set in a quaint New Hampshire town, the film follows two local teams as they play their final game before their beloved ball field is demolished to make way for a new school. The film is a celebration of the game, capturing the joy, humor, and bittersweet nostalgia of playing ball.

<figure> <img src="https://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/22/NYFF-EEPUS-CARSON-LUND.jpg" alt="A group of men in baseball uniforms playing a game in a field"> <figcaption>Photograph courtesy New York Film Festival</figcaption> </figure>

“Misericordia”

Alain Guiraudie's “Misericordia” is a captivating thriller exploring themes of desire, repression, and the dark undercurrents of small-town life. Set in a rural village, the film follows the investigation into the death of a local baker, uncovering secrets and hidden passions that threaten to unravel the community’s fragile facade.

<figure> <img src="https://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/22/NYFF-MISERICORDIA-ALAIN-GUIRAUDIE.jpg" alt="A man sitting on a couch looking towards the camera"> <figcaption>Photograph by Xavier Lambouirs / Courtesy New York Film Festival</figcaption> </figure>

“Dahomey”

Mati Diop's “Dahomey” is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that explores the repatriation of twenty-six works of art from France to Benin. The film examines the complex history of colonialism and its lasting impact, capturing the perspectives of museum employees, curators, and students in Benin. Diop's film is a testament to the power of art and the importance of historical memory.

“A Traveler’s Needs”

Hong Sangsoo's “A Traveler’s Needs” is a poetic and insightful character study starring Isabelle Huppert as a French teacher in South Korea. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and the power of language, with Huppert's presence serving as a catalyst for reflection and introspection among her students.

<figure> <img src="https://www.newyorker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/22/NYFF-A-TRAVELERS-NEEDS-HONG-SANSOO.jpg" alt="Isabelle Huppert looking towards the camera"> <figcaption>Photograph courtesy New York Film Festival</figcaption> </figure>

“It’s Not Me”

Leos Carax's “It’s Not Me” is a powerful and introspective self-portrait that explores the filmmaker's own anxieties, passions, and struggles. This 41-minute film packs a punch, using a blend of fiction and reality, archival footage, and personal reflections to create a profound meditation on the nature of art and the complexities of identity.

“Scénarios” and “Exposé du Film annonce du film ‘Scénario’ ”

These two posthumously completed short films by the late Jean-Luc Godard are a testament to the enduring power of cinema and the artistic legacy of one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. “Scénarios” is a retrospective journey through Godard's career, while “Exposé du Film annonce du film ‘Scénario’ ” offers a glimpse into his creative process and his unfinished project. The two films serve as a poignant and insightful tribute to a visionary director.

Don't Miss These Films

These are just a few of the highlights of the New York Film Festival’s first week. With so many remarkable films on offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your tickets, and prepare to be transported to new worlds and challenged by new ideas.