AFI Fest has set the world premiere of J.C. Chandor’s “A Most Violent Year,” starring Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, as its opening night film on November 6 at the TCL Chinese Theater.
”J.C. Chandor has put together a remarkable crime drama, which is also an immersive period piece and morality tale that resonates on an emotional level,” said festival director Jacqueline Lyanga. “Chandor is a talented director who takes risks with every film that he makes and ‘A Most Violent Year’ is no exception.”
A24 announced that it had given the Participant Media thriller an awards season release date of December 31. The film, written and directed by Chandor (“All is Lost”), will open in Los Angeles and New York on New Year’s Eve before expanding during January.
“A Most Violent Year” is set in New York City during the winter of 1981 — one of the most violent years in the city’s history. The film follows the lives of an immigrant family trying to expand their business and capitalize on opportunities amid violence, decay and corruption.
A24 acquired the rights early this year. Image Nation Abu Dhabi are co-financing “A Most Violent Year,” which is produced by Before The Door’s Neal Dodson and Washington Square Films’ Anna Gerb, along with Chandor.
The AFI Fest will run through November 13 at the Chinese, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. As previously announced, Sophia Loren will be honored with a tribute on November 12.
The rest of the lineup will be announced in October.
