Dennis Lim on NYFF: Cinema as Vital Art Form, Not Commerce
Dennis Lim, the artistic director of the New York Film Festival (NYFF), emphasizes the festival's commitment to the artistry of filmmaking rather than commercial success. The main slate for 2025, set to commence on September 25, showcases titles such as 'Paper Tiger' by James Gray, 'Behemoth!' from Tony Gilroy, and Ava DuVernay's '14th'. Since joining Lincoln Center in 2013 and becoming the lead programmer in 2020, Lim has worked alongside Justin Chang, Rachel Rosen, and K. Austin Collins. Planning begins in January, with Lim dedicating up to 12 hours daily to film viewing, ultimately curating around 60 features and 30-40 shorts. This year's selection spotlights local films, including Ira Sachs's 'The Man I Love', prioritizing smaller projects over major studio releases.
Key facts
- NYFF has no prizes and no marketplace, distinguishing it from other festivals.
- The 2025 NYFF main slate opens September 25.
- Films include James Gray's 'Paper Tiger', Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth!', and Ava DuVernay's '14th'.
- Dennis Lim became artistic director in 2020, joined Lincoln Center in 2013.
- Lim watches up to 12 hours of films daily by May to select the lineup.
- Selection committee includes Justin Chang, Rachel Rosen, and K. Austin Collins.
- NYFF includes sections: shorts, Currents (experimental), and Revivals (restorations).
- Lim wrote essays for Criterion releases including 'Safe', 'Opening Night', 'Anora', and the 'Before' trilogy.
Entities
Artists
- Dennis Lim
- James Gray
- Tony Gilroy
- Ava DuVernay
- Ira Sachs
- Jordan Firstman
- Charlotte Wells
- Kathryn Bigelow
- Hou Hsiao-hsien
- Andrew Sarris
- Susan Sontag
- Justin Chang
- Rachel Rosen
- K. Austin Collins
- Todd Haynes
- John Cassavetes
- Sean Baker
- David Lynch
- Matt Damon
Institutions
- New York Film Festival
- Film at Lincoln Center
- Village Voice
- New York Times
- Criterion Collection
- Berlinale
- Cannes Film Festival
- Il Cinema Ritrovato
- Walter Reade Theater
- Sundance Film Festival
- Rotterdam Film Festival
- CULTURED
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Bologna
- Italy
- Berlin
- Germany
- Cannes
- France
- Sundance
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands