The Walk opens the New York Film Festival

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The Walk by one man between the twin towers was the perfect way to begin the New York Film Festival, so says the man in charge of the event.

"We have a quintessential New York story opening the New York Film Festival. That's a great thing," Kent Jones, director of programming for the NYFF, said.

Joseph Gordon Levitt plays Frenchman Philippe Petit, who snuck up to the top of the World Trade Center in 1974 for a moment of glory.

"This movie is many ways a love letter to New York City, and the two towers of the World Trade Center," Levitt said.

Also, a way to remember all that was lost decades later on 9/11.

"When you're grieving over a lost loved one, you don't only focus on their death, you celebrate their life, and that's what this movie does for the Towers," Levitt said.

For movies Like 'The Walk', the New York Film Festival is being called a launching pad: a springboard right into the Oscar conversation.

A conversation that almost surely will include "Steve Jobs" and two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett as "Carol" - a lesbian in the 1950's.

The hopes of Tom Hanks rest with "Bridge of Spies" directed by Steven Spielberg.

Prestige pictures and passion projects will all compete for our attention at this festival.

The festival closes with Don Cheadle starring as jazz great Miles Davis in "Miles Ahead".

The festival is sponsored in part by ABC 7 and you can find more information at abc7ny.com/nyff.