The 62nd New York Film Festival highlighted a diverse array of films, prominently featuring LGBTQ themes and experimental storytelling, while tackling issues of access from major distributors.
The 62nd New York Film Festival (NYFF), held from September 27th to October 14th, showcased an array of films, with a notable focus on LGBTQ-themed content and experimental cinema in its diverse sections. The festival opened with RaMell Ross’s adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s “Nickel Boys” and closed with Steve McQueen’s “Blitz.” Other significant inclusions were Alain Guiraudie’s “Misericordia” and the queer Vietnamese love story “Viet and Nam.” However, due to restricted access from major distributors, several high-profile LGBTQ films like Jacques Audiard’s trans musical “Emilia Perez,” Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ “Queer,” and a documentary on Elton John directed by his husband were not available for early viewing.
In addition to the main offerings, the Currents section drew attention with audaciously uncommercial projects. One highlight was a tribute to iconic queer author James Baldwin and a nature documentary by gay French filmmaker Pierre Creton. The Revivals section also gained notice, featuring Lino Brocka’s 1980 Filipino melodrama “Bona” and Clive Barker’s horror classic “Hellraiser.”
Pedro Almodovar’s “The Room Next Door,” adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s novel “What Are You Going Through,” gained significant acclaim. The film stars Julianne Moore as Ingrid and Tilda Swinton as Martha, two estranged friends reconnecting as Martha battles terminal cancer. Known for his mature dramas, Almodovar delivers a poignant portrayal of friendship and mortality coloured by stylish visuals. The narrative, imbued with life-affirming moments and touching performances, particularly shines in its depiction of their renewed bond and the challenges of facing life’s end.
Yashaddai Owens’ film “Jimmy” presented a unique take on a biopic, focusing on James Baldwin’s time in Istanbul and Paris. The film adopts an impressionist approach, with striking 16mm black-and-white cinematography by Owens, offering a deeply personal and visually engaging exploration of Baldwin’s escape from American racism. Benny O. Arthur plays Baldwin, whose liberation and joy in Paris are beautifully captured.
Truong Minh Quy’s “Viet and Nam” offered a contemplative and visually arresting narrative about two miners in Vietnam, exploring their hidden relationship against the backdrop of post-war pressures and societal expectations. The film’s slow pace and dark cinematography imitate the somber realities of their lives, marked by the lingering impacts of the Vietnam War and the need for clandestine love.
Matias Piñeiro’s “You Burn Me” is an imaginative blend of scholarship and visual poetry inspired by Sappho’s fragmentary works and Cesare Pavese’s novel “Dialogues with Leuco.” The film’s rich 16mm visuals and layered narrative construct a unique cinematic experience, celebrating the legacy of Sappho and the art of translation.
Pierre Creton’s “7 Walks With Mark Brown” took viewers on a gentle, visually lush journey through rural Normandy. Botanist Mark Brown’s soothing plant identifications provide an ASMR-like experience, underscoring the intimate connection between nature and human existence. Creton’s personal recollections of intimacy among the flora enhance the film’s heartfelt tribute to the natural world.
The NYFF’s varied program steered viewers through a rich tapestry of narratives, offering valuable insights into both the human condition and the importance of artistic experimentation. For more details and the full schedule of the festival, visit filmlinc.org.
Source: Noah Wire Services