Despite not having the prestige or status of festivals like Cannes or Sundance, the New York Film Festival (NYFF) has received much-deserved recognition and notoriety. With many high-profile directors, actors and up-and-comers, NYFF is the place to be. With tickets selling out weeks in advance, it may be hard to secure a spot to see its main slate line-up, but with a variety of events and screenings at Lincoln Center and its four partner venues across the city, there are opportunities for everyone. But if you are a hardcore film fanatic and are itching to see one of the main slate screenings, you can always give the standby line a shot. This year marks the 62nd New York Film Festival, and after last year’s strike, it is sure to be one to remember. To honor this special event, Ada Holmes, FCRH ’26, offered insight into NYFF.
This year marks Holmes’ second year volunteering for the festival. So far, she only had the opportunity to work one shift because much like the screenings, shifts fill up fast. But she does have more scheduled and she cannot wait to get back at it. There are a variety of different departments to volunteer with, but Holmes is a member of the Theater Operations Department. Holmes had nothing but positive things to say about her experience: “The NYFF is a well-organized event with a family-like atmosphere amongst its volunteers. The festival hires a diverse range of volunteers, from college students and general film lovers to older volunteers of 10-plus years. It is clear that the staff members hold respect and care for the volunteers, and they often work to make sure that the volunteers are enjoying their shifts.” Her role entails guiding guests to their correct theater or to their correct spot in line, but her favorite part is running microphones to audience members during the Question and Answer segments with directors and/or actors.
The atmosphere of the event is similar for attendees, talent and staff members alike — energetic, intriguing, exciting and professional, yet casual. Holmes tells us that staff members are taught to emphasize the importance of professionalism and respect, especially in the face of talent. Oftentimes the talent will casually walk around and chat with the staff and you will not realize who they are until they later walk on stage: “It is clear that the festival’s priority is to cultivate an atmosphere where the talent, the viewers and the workers feel comfortable.” This comes in handy with this year’s star-packed guest list, including Elton John, Payal Kapadia, Selena Gomez, Luca Guadagnino, Angelina Jolie, Leos Carax and Daveed Diggs. Holmes compared her experience working the festival last year to this year saying, “Last year’s festival notably lacked the presence of most American cast members due to the ongoing strike, but we welcome tons of talent this year!”
NYFF62 has a lineup of epic proportions. Features include RaMell Ross’s “Nickel Boys,” Steve McQueen’s “Blitz,” Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light,” Sean Baker’s “Anora,” Jia Zhangke’s “Caught by the Tides,” Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” and Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez.” The majority of these also feature Q&A’s with directors and/or cast members. Like many cinephiles who were not able to secure a ticket, Holmes plans to join the ranks of the standby line to try and get a chance to see these highly anticipated films. NYFF kicked off on Friday, Sept. 27, but do not worry if you have not had the chance to attend — the final screening is not until Monday, Oct. 14. But be sure to secure your tickets or spot in line quickly, because screenings that are not sold out yet will be soon.
If you are not able to attend this year be sure to keep an eye out for next year. This year serves as a tough act to follow, but NYFF is sure to continue to up their game. Maybe consider volunteering yourself for the chance to work with a group of amazing and talented people who come together to pull off this fantastic event. Holmes tells us that for every four-hour shift completed, they not only receive meal vouchers but a film voucher that can be exchanged for a ticket to a non-sold-out screening at the festival. And be sure to keep an eye out as these amazing films begin to prepare for their upcoming public releases. Check out the NYFF62 website for more information regarding volunteering, screenings and events.
