One film that I think a number of us are underestimating in our awards predictions so far is the Robert Zemeckis/Denzel Washington flick ‘Flight’. I’m guilty of this too, but I might have to change my thinking a bit as news hit today that the film has been selected to play as the Closing Night Film at the upcoming New York Film Festival (you can find the article at the festival’s website here). This is about a month early debut for the movie, and that usually indicates some level of confidence in the project. After the jump you can find the press release.
Here’s the press release:
With the 50th New York Film Festival just 50 days away, the Film Society of Lincoln Center has made the first major announcement about the festival’s highly anticipated lineup: the festival will close with Flight by Robert Zemeckis. The director’s long-awaited return to live-action filmmaking (since Cast Away 12 years ago) stars Denzel Washington as a pilot who saves nearly all his passengers after a nearly miraculous crash landing, unravelling a complex and thrilling mystery. With supporting turns by distinguished actors John Goodman, Don Cheadle, Melissa Leo, and Kelly Reilly, the film will make its World Premiere on October 14 at Alice Tully Hall.
“We’re delighted to welcome Robert Zemeckis to the New York Film Festival for the first time. A director equally known for delighting audiences as well as for pushing the technological limits of filmmaking, Zemeckis has created with Flight a remarkable film about one man’s journey to some of the darkest parts of his soul.” —Richard Peña, NYFF Selection Committee Chair & Film Society Program Director
More announcements about the program of the 50th New York Film Festival, which takes place from September 28 – October 14 at Lincoln Center, are just around the corner. Ticketsto NYFF will go on sale to the General Public on Sunday, September 9. Film Society Members and Patrons will receive a pre-sale period prior to this date.
Be sure to follow the Film Society on Facebook and Twitter for the latest NYFF news!
-Thoughts? Discuss in the comments!
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Tags: Denzel Washington, Entertainment/Culture, Film Society, Flight, New York Film Festival, Oscar hopeful, Robert Zemeckis, the 50th New York Film Festival, the Film Society of Lincoln Center
10 Comments












I’ve heard both Denzel and John Goodman have potential to pick up some awards notice this season…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
The last time a major city festival closed with a movie, it was ‘Magic Mike’ at the LA Film Festival, and we all know how that turned out. I wonder if ‘Flight’ will have the same success following the New York Film Fest. The trailer made me unsure of what type of genre the film really is, but I guess I’ll wait and see. This is the same director who gave us Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, and Cast Away, so let’s hope Zemeckis won’t let us down on this one. I loved Denzel’s acting in Safe House. In fact, I was surprised by how solid the film was overall, and so my enthusiasm for the next DW project is higher than I ever expected it to be.
Joseph Braverman(Quote) (Reply)
I think this will be our hit or miss film this year.
John Rivera(Quote) (Reply)
Joseph- I can only hope this is far superior than Safe House…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
John- Quite possibly…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I hope he makes a comeback here. Washington is a great actor.
omfgitsrohit(Quote) (Reply)
I enjoy his work too, so I’d prefer him in things like this as opposed to mediocre action flicks…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Is that the only film you know is playing at the festival so far?
Jessie Makowski(Quote) (Reply)
For now, but more will be coming out soon-ish…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I аppreciаtе, cauѕe I fοund eхactly what I was looking fοr.
You have ended my four daу lοng hunt! Gοd Blеss you man.
Hаve a great day. Bуe
fiskars shop(Quote) (Reply)