The World-Famous New York Film Festival, September 23 – October 9

The Film Society of Lincoln Center was founded in 1969 to celebrate the diversity of cinema from around the world, to recognize and offer support to new filmmakers, and to further the awareness and understanding of the art of filmmaking. The Film Society’s reputation is matched by its popularity, primarily due to its two world-class international festivals, the New Directors/New Films festival that celebrates new cinematic artists, and the most famous and prestigious film festival in the country, the New York Film Festival.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center delivers to a broad and diverse film-going audience a 363-day season that includes premiers of new films from established and emerging directors all over the world; major retrospectives of film genres, actors, and directors; in-depth symposia and conferences; and high-profile events spotlighting cinematic events and legends. The Society runs a year-round cinema, the Walter Reade Theater, which seats 268 and features state-of-the-art films. It also publishes the most respected cinematic journal in the country, Film Comment. Each year the Society puts on an annual Gala Tribute honoring legendary celebrities and industry leaders, televised from Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. The Society also hosts an annual Young Friends of Film Honors celebration paying tribute to a notable artist midway through their career. At various times of the year Hollywood studios partner with the Lincoln Center to present special live appearances, concerts, and gala premieres.

Each year the Film Society welcomes an audience of more than 200,000 moviegoers, filmmakers, and industry leaders from around the world, representing every age, nationality, and economic and ethnic group. Because of its reputation as a pioneer among film institutions, the Society has become one of the film world’s most respected and influential purveyor of cinematic discoveries and trends. Since its inception, virtually every major director in the world—including the likes of Martin Scorsese, Francois Truffaut, Jen-Luc Godard, and Pedro Almodovar—has been introduced to American audiences by the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

This year the New York Film Fesitval will be celebrating its 43rd year of showing the newest and most important cinematic works by directors from around the world. The festival begins on September 23 and runs for 17 days, showcasing an impressive array of inspiring and provocative cinema created by first-rank international artists and emerging talents. This year's extraordinary program presents George Clooney's "Good Night, and Good Luck" as well as Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote, and lots of other gems. The festival is being sponsored by HSBC Private Bank, the New York Times, and Audi, and ticket sales to the general public will be available from now until the first day of the festival.