Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated sci-fi film, Megalopolis, is making its debut at the New York Film Festival with a special advanced screening set for September 23. This exclusive event will be held at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater in Manhattan.
In a unique twist, Imax will broadcast a live Q&A session with Coppola to 66 Imax theaters across the country, allowing fans nationwide to engage with the iconic filmmaker. This screening is a prelude to the film’s official release on September 27, and follows its earlier presentations at both the Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals.
Adam Fogelson, Chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Working with the legendary Francis Ford Coppola has been a complete privilege. We are proud to have his groundbreaking film featured at the 62nd New York Film Festival.”
Megalopolis has had its share of ups and downs leading up to its release. Earlier this summer, Lionsgate pulled the film’s initial trailer after discovering that the critics’ quotes it featured were fabricated. A new trailer was swiftly introduced, this time devoid of any quotes, alongside the announcement of the Imax screening.
Coppola, known for his epic storytelling, has poured his own resources into the $120 million project, a venture he has been developing for several decades. The film stars Adam Driver in a lead role as a visionary determined to build a utopian metropolis. The impressive cast also includes Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito.
Megalopolis promises to be a visually spectacular experience, particularly in Imax format. The film’s ambitious scope is highlighted by grand scenes such as the transformation of Madison Square Garden into a colossal Colosseum, featuring gladiatorial battles and chariot races.
Lionsgate, which has a longstanding relationship with Coppola and his American Zoetrope company, previously distributed notable projects like Apocalypse Now Final Cut and The Cotton Club Encore. As such, the release of Megalopolis is highly anticipated by both fans and critics alike.
