FSLC Announces Retrospective Section of 54th New York Film Festival

The Film Society of Lincoln Center announces the Retrospective section of the 54th New York Film Festival (September 30 - October 16), a two-part lineup headlined and inspired by Bertrand Tavernier's magnificent epic documentary My Journey Through French Cinema: in addition to that film, NYFF will screen a selection of French classics featured in the documentary and a 12-film exploration of one of Tavernier's favorite American directors, Henry Hathaway.

Tavernier is truly one of the grand old men of the movies: his experience is vast, his knowledge is voluminous, and his love is inexhaustible. Tavernier knows his native cinema inside and out, from the giants to now overlooked and forgotten figures, and in My Journey Through French Cinema, which will be released early next year by Cohen Media Group, his observations and reminiscences are never less than penetrating and always deeply personal.

The 2016 NYFF Retrospective complements screenings of Tavernier's documentary with five rarely-screened titles featured within it: Jean Renoir's glorious revolutionary epic La Marseillaise; Robert Bresson's first film, Angels of Sin; Jacques Becker's post-World War II comedy Antoine and Antoinette; Julien Duvivier's final collaboration with Jean Gabin, Deadlier Than the Male; Jean-Pierre Melville's Cocteau adaptation Les enfants terribles; as well as Tavernier's own 2002 film about Occupation-era filmmaking, Safe Conduct.

Additionally, in line with Tavernier's passionate devotion to American cinema throughout his career, the Retrospective section will feature a selection of films by a director he has always greatly admired and championed, Henry Hathaway. Born near the turn of the last century, Hathaway started during the silent era as an assistant to directors like Josef von Sternberg and Victor Fleming, and he directed the first of his 52 films at the dawn of the sound era. He developed into one of Hollywood's greatest craftsmen and most respected artists, taking on every genre from western to film noir, adventure stories to rural melodramas; pioneering the docudrama and the practice of shooting on location; creating technically complex visual effects that are still surprising; and building one of the most satisfying bodies of work in American movies, from the celebrated Kiss of Death and Niagara, starring Marilyn Monroe, to the relatively UNSUNG From Hell to Texas and Down to the Sea in Ships (all of which are screening in the series).

The Film Society of Lincoln Center would like to thank Jim Gianopulos and Schawn Belston from Fox, and Paul Ginsburg at NBC-Universal.

The 17-day New York Film Festival highlights the best in world cinema, featuring works from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent. The selection committee, chaired by Jones, also includes Dennis Lim, FSLC Director of Programming; Florence Almozini, FSLC Associate Director of Programming; Amy Taubin, Contributing Editor, Artforum and Film Comment; and Gavin Smith, who serves as a consultant.

NYFF previously announced Ava DuVernay's documentary The 13th as the Opening Night selection, Mike Mills's 20th Century Women as Centerpiece, and James Gray's The Lost City of Zas Closing Night. The complete Main Slate lineup can be found here, along with the complete programs for Convergence, Revivals, and Projections.

Tickets for the 54th New York Film Festival will go on sale September 11. BECOMING a Film Society Member at the Film Buff Level or above provides early ticket access to festival screenings and events ahead of the general public, along with the exclusive member ticket discount. Learn more at filmlinc.org/membership.

For even more access, VIP passes and subscription packages offer the earliest opportunities to purchase tickets and secure seats at some of the festival's biggest events including Opening and Closing Nights, and Centerpiece. VIP passes also provide access to many exciting events, including the invitation-only Opening Night party, "An Evening With..." dinner, Filmmaker Brunch, and VIP Lounge. Benefits vary based on the pass or package type purchased. VIP passes and subscription packages are on sale now. Learn more at filmlinc.org/NYFF.