The 59th edition of New York Film Festival is taking shape and today Film at Lincoln Center announced Pedro Almodóvar’s latest drama “Parallel Mothers“ starring Penélope Cruz, as the Closing Night selection of the festival. “Parallel Mothers” will make its North American premiere on October 8 at Alice Tully Hall. Sony Pictures Classics will release “Parallel Mothers” in theaters on December 24.
Almodovar’s latest also stars Milena Smit, Israel Elejalde, Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Julieta Serrano, Rossy de Palma and centers on the story two mothers who give birth the same day. Here’s NYFF’s synopsis:
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,” Almodóvar said in a statement. “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,” New York Film Festival Director Eugene Hernandez said. “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 NYFF Main Slate selection committee, chaired by Dennis Lim, also includes Eugene Hernandez, Florence Almozini, K. Austin Collins, and Rachel Rosen. Previously announced so far at NYFF, the opening night world premiere of Joel Coen‘s “The Tragedy Of Macbeth” starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand and Jane Campion‘s “The Power Of The Dog” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons, which will be the Centerpiece movie. The New York Film Festival runs from September 24 through October 10. Watch for all our coverage from the festival then.