New York Film Festival 2026: Cinema Takes Over New York
New York City is getting ready for one of the biggest celebrations of international cinema. The 64th New York Film Festival (NYFF64) returns from September 25 through October 12, 2026, bringing filmmakers, actors, critics, and movie lovers together for nearly three weeks of screenings, premieres, and special events.
Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the festival continues a tradition that dates back to 1963, showcasing major films from established directors as well as exciting new voices from around the world.
A Major Event for Film Lovers
The New York Film Festival has become an important fixture on the international film calendar. Rather than focusing only on commercial releases, NYFF is known for presenting ambitious films from filmmakers working across different styles, countries, and cinematic traditions.
The 2026 Main Slate features 34 films from 31 countries, including world premieres, North American premieres, and U.S. premieres. The program also includes 17 directors making their Main Slate debut. This year's festival promises a particularly diverse cinematic journey, with dramas, documentaries, thrillers, experimental films, and stories exploring contemporary life from very different perspectives.
Featured Galas & Headliners
| Selection | Film Title | Director | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Night | Paper Tiger | James Gray | Set in 1986 Queens and Brooklyn; starring Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson. |
| Centerpiece | Behemoth! | Tony Gilroy | High-profile central premiere addition to this year's lineup. |
| Closing Night | 14th | Ava DuVernay | Concludes the 64th edition on October 12. |
A Lineup Filled With International Cinema
One of the defining features of NYFF64 is the range of filmmakers represented. The Main Slate includes returning festival favorites such as Pedro Almodóvar, Luca Guadagnino, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Mike Leigh, Lee Chang-dong, Paweł Pawlikowski, Ira Sachs, and Andrew Haigh.
Featured Main Slate Titles:
- Artificial — Luca Guadagnino
- All of a Sudden — Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
- Bitter Christmas — Pedro Almodóvar
- Dao — Alain Gomis
- Fatherland — Paweł Pawlikowski
- The Man I Love — Ira Sachs
- Minotaur — Andrey Zvyagintsev
- Possible Love — Lee Chang-dong
- Tender Loving Care — Mike Leigh
- The Unknown — Arthur Harari
- My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile — Julia Loktev
- Once Upon a Time in Harlem — William & David Greaves
One of the most anticipated titles is Artificial, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film will have its world premiere at NYFF64 and explores the history of machine-learning research through a dramatic story involving figures connected to the development of artificial intelligence. The cast includes Andrew Garfield, Yura Borisov, and Mark Rylance, alongside a larger ensemble featuring Monica Barbaro and Cooper Hoffman.
Cinema Across New York City & Special Events
Although Film at Lincoln Center remains at the heart of the festival, NYFF64 is expanding its screening locations across all five boroughs. Festival films will be presented at Lincoln Center as well as premier venues including:
- BAM — Brooklyn Academy of Music
- Museum of the Moving Image (Queens)
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Staten Island
- AMC Bay Plaza Cinema in the Bronx
More than just movie screenings, NYFF64 gives audiences opportunities to meet the people behind the films through Q&As, panel talks, and director appearances featuring major names from international cinema.
September 25–October 12: New York Becomes a Cinema City
For nearly three weeks, movie theaters throughout New York will become meeting points for filmmakers and audiences from around the world.
Explore Streaming OptionsNYFF64 Festival Quick Summary
- Dates: September 25 – October 12, 2026
- Main Slate: 34 Films from 31 Countries (17 Debut Directors)
- Core Hub: Film at Lincoln Center
- Citywide Venues: BAM, MoMI, Alamo Drafthouse Staten Island, AMC Bay Plaza