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NewFest Lineup Includes 'La Bola Negra' NYC Premiere, Other Notable Films
Confirmed
In Short: The 38th New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, NewFest, has unveiled its lineup, featuring the U.S. premiere of 'La Bola Negra' and other celebrated queer films.
NewFest, the 38th New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, has announced its lineup, which includes the U.S. premiere of 'La Bola Negra,' a film that has already made waves at Cannes and Toronto. The film, directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, has been selected as Spain's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. According to reports, the film was shot on 35mm and has brought in starpower with appearances by Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close.
The festival, which will open on October 15 with the NYC premiere of 'La Bola Negra,' features a lineup of 144 projects from 23 countries. The selection includes narrative features and will be available for virtual streaming from October 15-30. The film, set across three different time periods – 1932, 1937, and 2017 – explores the interconnected lives of three gay men and the persecution, desire, and love that shape their stories.
La Bola Negra, which was also met with a reported 20-minute standing ovation at its premiere, has been praised for its powerful performances and storytelling. The film stars Guitarricadelafuente, Carlos González, Miguel Bernardeau, Lola Dueñas, and Penélope Cruz, with Glenn Close also appearing in a small but pivotal role. Any other Oscar entry choice from Spain than 'La Bola Negra,' announced by Alejandro Amenábar on behalf of Spain's Academia de Cine, would have been a shock, according to Variety.
NewFest38 will also feature the New York City premiere and party of 'The Man I Love,' directed by Ira Sachs. The festival's full lineup, including its wide range of narrative features, is available on the festival's website. The final nominations for the 99th Academy Awards are set to be announced in January 2027, marking the beginning of 'La Bola Negra's' journey towards the Oscars.
What's confirmed
- Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s breakout Cannes title La Bola Negra has been selected as Spain ’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
What's still developing
- La Bola Negra is an original film by Movistar Plus+ Film and Suma Content Films in co-production with El Deseo and Le Pacte, with the participation of Atresmedia.
- The lineup of 144 projects representing 23 countries is led by many of the year’s most celebrated queer films out of Cannes and other festivals.
- Some films will stream virtually on NewFest ‘s on-demand platform from October 15-30.
- Netflix will release La Bola Negra in theaters on Oct.