Why it is worth attending
The New York Film Festival has been a central part of the city's film culture since 1963. Produced by Film at Lincoln Center, it is a tightly curated festival rather than a competition, presenting significant new work from established directors alongside emerging voices and discoveries from international cinema.
What to expect
Its program is organized into distinct strands. The Main Slate anchors the festival, Spotlight gathers prominent films from the season, Currents focuses on adventurous contemporary work, and Revivals returns restored or rediscovered films to the screen. Talks and filmmaker appearances extend the program beyond screenings.
Before you go
The sixty-fourth edition runs from 25 September to 12 October 2026 at Lincoln Center. Walter Reade Theater, Alice Tully Hall and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center place the festival within a concentrated Upper West Side cultural campus, while its selections connect New York audiences with filmmaking from around the world.
