"Parallel Mothers" Chosen As The Closing Film For NYFF59

By Matt Neglia 
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The New York Film Festival has announced its closing night film for the 59th annual film festival. Pedro Almodóvar’s "Parallel Mothers" will make its North American Premiere at this year's NYFF on October 8th. Sony Pictures Classics has already announced that they will release the film in theaters on December 24th.
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In this muted contemporary melodrama, two women, a generation apart, find themselves inextricably linked by their brief time together in a maternity ward. The circumstances that brought them to the Madrid hospital are quite different—one accidental, the other traumatic—and a secret, hiding the truth of the bond that connects these two, is a powerful story that tackles a deep trauma in Spanish history. Penélope Cruz’s Janis is a uniquely complex, flawed, but ultimately alluring lead character, who finds herself in a morally and emotionally treacherous situation. She’s viewed in contrast with Ana, radiantly portrayed by newcomer Milena Smit, a discovery who brings a palpable innocence, pain, and longing to this interwoven portrait of women and motherhood. These charismatic stars inhabit characters who are singular among those drawn by Almodóvar in a career defined by striking portraits of women.

“It is always a privilege and an honor to feel that I am part of the most significant films of the season,” said director Pedro Almodóvar. “After more than 30 years, the NYFF has become my second home. It is the best reason to visit New York and to see the best films of the year.”

“Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar’s long relationship with the New York Film Festival spans more than three decades and a dozen films,” said New York Film Festival Director Eugene Hernandez. “He returns this year with Parallel Mothers, a stirring and somber exploration of secrets and hidden histories—those sometimes found in families and often buried by societies—and how those skeletons can shape the course of individual lives and entire cultures. We’re thrilled to have Pedro back at NYFF to conclude this 59th edition!”

The New York Film Festival will run this year September 24 – October 10, 2021 and festival passes are currently on sale.

"Parallel Mothers" now joins the Opening Night Film "The Tragedy Of Macbeth" and "The Power Of The Dog" as the Centerpiece film for this year's New York Film Festival. It looks like the rumors that "Soggy Bottom" or "Tick, Tick...Boom!" would be one of three turned out to be false although, it's possible one or both of them could still land in the final lineup which Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch" has already been announced for. Also, "Parallel Mothers" being listed as a North American premiere officially rules out a screening at Telluride. The full lineup for NYFF59 will be announced in the coming days. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Twitter account.

You can follow Matt and hear more of his thoughts on the Oscars and Film on Twitter at @NextBestPicture