Parallel Mothers named Closing Film for the 59th New York Film Festival

NEW YORK -- Film at Lincoln Center announces Pedro Almodvar's Parallel Mothers as the Closing Night selection of the 59th New York Film Festival, making its North American premiere October 8 at Alice Tully Hall. Sony Pictures Classics will release Parallel Mothers in theaters on December 24.

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Here is more about the festival's closing night film, from NYFF:

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In this muted contemporary melodrama, two women, a generation apart, find themselves inextricably linked by their brief time together in a maternity ward. The circumstances that brought them to the Madrid hospital are quite different - one accidental, the other traumatic - and a secret, hiding the truth of the bond that connects these two, is a powerful story that tackles a deep trauma in Spanish history. Penlope Cruz's Janis is a uniquely complex, flawed, but ultimately alluring lead character, who finds herself in a morally and emotionally treacherous situation. She's viewed in contrast with Ana, radiantly portrayed by newcomer Milena Smit, a discovery who brings a palpable innocence, pain, and longing to this interwoven portrait of women and motherhood. These charismatic stars inhabit characters who are singular among those drawn by Almod-var in a career defined by striking portraits of women.

"It is always a privilege and an honor to feel that I am part of the most significant films of the season," said director Pedro Almod-var. "After more than 30 years, the NYFF has become my second home. It is the best reason to visit New York and to see the best films of the year."

"Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almod-var's long relationship with the New York Film Festival spans more than three decades and a dozen films," said New York Film Festival Director Eugene Hernandez. "He returns this year with Parallel Mothers, a stirring and somber exploration of secrets and hidden histories - those sometimes found in families and often buried by societies - and how those skeletons can shape the course of individual lives and entire cultures. We're thrilled to have Pedro back at NYFF to conclude this 59th edition!"

The NYFF Main Slate selection committee, chaired by Dennis Lim, also includes Eugene Hernandez, Florence Almozini, K. Austin Collins, and Rachel Rosen.

Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the New York Film Festival highlights the best in world cinema and takes place September 24 October 10, 2021. An annual bellwether of the state of cinema that has shaped film culture since 1963, the festival continues an enduring tradition of introducing audiences to bold and remarkable works from celebrated filmmakers as well as fresh new talent.

NYFF59 will feature a combination of in-person, outdoor, and virtual screenings, with a comprehensive series of health and safety policies in coordination with state and city medical experts. Visit filmlinc.org

FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER

Film at Lincoln Center is dedicated to supporting the art and elevating the craft of cinema and enriching film culture.

Film at Lincoln Center fulfills its mission through the programming of festivals, series, retrospectives, and new releases; the publication of Film Comment; and the presentation of podcasts, talks, special events, and artist initiatives. Since its founding in 1969, this nonprofit organization has brought the celebration of American and international film to the world-renowned Lincoln Center arts complex, making the discussion and appreciation of cinema accessible to a broad audience and ensuring that it remains an essential art form for years to come.

Support for the New York Film Festival is generously provided by Official Partners HBO, Campari, and The New York Times; Benefactor Partner Netflix; Supporting Partners Topic Studios, Hearst, and Radeberger Pilsner; Contributing Partners Dolby, Turner Classic Movies, and Manhattan Portage; and Media Partners Variety, Vulture, Deadline Hollywood, The Hollywood Reporter, WABC-7, and The WNET Group. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Film at Lincoln Center.