Steve McQueen’s historical drama “Blitz,” starring Saoirse Ronan, has been selected to close the 62nd New York Film Festival.
The movie will make its North American premiere on Oct. 10 at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. Apple Original Films is backing “Blitz,” which will open in theaters on Nov. 1 ahead of its global premiere on Apple TV+ on Nov. 22.
Written and directed by McQueen, the Oscar-winning filmmaker of “12 Years a Slave,” the World War II-set “Blitz” follows a group of Londoners during the events of the British capital bombing. It tells the story from the perspectives of working-class single mother Rita (Ronan) and her 9-year-old son George (newcomer Elliott Heffernan) as they become separated within the labyrinth of a city under siege.
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“It is with immense pride, gratitude, and fondness that I’m able to return to the New York Film Festival with ‘Blitz,’” said McQueen. “I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed a number of memorable experiences at the festival and with New York audiences, and I’m enormously grateful to have been invited back for closing night.”
Many of McQueen’s prior films have played at NYFF, including “12 Years a Slave,” the Michael Fassbender-led “Hunger,” anthology “Lovers Rock” and documentary “Occupied City.”
“’Blitz’ is a vivid and visceral depiction of life during wartime, a meticulous historical account that resonates unmistakably with our current age of endless war,” said Dennis Lim, New York Film Festival’s artistic director. “We are thrilled to welcome back to the festival Steve McQueen, one of the most daring artists at work today, with one of the greatest achievements of his career.”
As previously announced, RaMell Ross’s historical drama “Nickel Boys” will open the 2024 festival. Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, New York Film Festival will take place from Sept. 27 through Oct. 14.
