The Lost City of Z, written and directed by James Gray (The Immigrant, Two Lovers), will close the 54th New York Film Festival. The film, based on journalist David Grann’s nonfiction book of the same name, will make its world premiere at the festival’s final gala screening on Saturday, October 15.
James Gray’s emotionally and visually resplendent epic tells the story of Lieutenant Colonel Percy Fawcett (a remarkable Charlie Hunnam), the British military-man-turned-explorer whose search for a lost city deep in the Amazon grows into an increasingly feverish, decades-long magnificent obsession that takes a toll on his reputation, his home life with his wife (Sienna Miller) and children, and his very existence. Gray and cinematographer Darius Khondji cast quite a spell, exquisitely pitched between rapture and dizzying terror. Also starring Robert Pattinson and Tom Holland, The Lost City of Z represents a form of epic storytelling that has all but vanished from the landscape of modern cinema, and a rare level of artistry.
“James Gray is one of the finest filmmakers we have,” said New York Film Festival Director and Selection Committee Chair Kent Jones. “Each of his movies is so beautifully wrought, visually and emotionally, but The Lost City of Z represents something new. It’s a true epic, spanning two continents and three decades, and it’s a genuine vision of the search for sublimity.”
“It’s truly a dream come true for me to have The Lost City of Z selected for the closing night of the New York Film Festival,” said Gray. “I couldn’t be more honored that the film’s world premiere will be in my hometown, a city I still love above all others.”
Gray’s previous film, 2014’s The Immigrant, was an official selection of the 51st New York Film Festival.
James Gray at the Film Society in 2014. Photo by Julie Cunnah.
The Lost City of Z is produced by Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Anthony Katagas, and Dale Armin Johnson, and is executive produced by Brad Pitt and Marc Butan.
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, Film Society’s Director of Programming; Florence Almozini, Film Society’s Associate Director of Programming; Amy Taubin, Contributing Editor, Film Comment and Sight & Sound; and Gavin Smith, who serves as a consultant.
NYFF previously announced Ava DuVernay’s documentary The 13th as the Opening Night selection—the first nonfiction work ever to open the festival—and Mike Mills’s 20th Century Women as Centerpiece. For the latest news, subscribe to the festival’s newsletter and follow the festival on Facebook and Twitter.
Tickets for the 54th New York Film Festival will go on sale September 11. To learn more about NYFF tickets, including a complete list of on-sale dates, prices, discount options, and our rush and standby policies, click here.
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. Benefits vary based on the pass or package type purchased. NYFF54 passes and packages are on sale now. Click here to learn more.
