We’ve been hinting at a big bow for this year’s American Film Institute Festival for some time now. We haven’t been able to come clean on it, but the news is official today: Edward Zwick’s World War II drama “Defiance” will drop on November 9 as the closing night gala.
From the press release:
This will mark Zwick’s second appearance at AFI FEST, having previewed scenes and discussed his work on BLOOD DIAMOND, prior to the film’s opening in 2006.
“As part of the AFI family, I am deeply honored they have chosen DEFIANCE, a ten year labor of love, as their closing night film,” stated Zwick. “As a student at the AFI, I was encouraged to tell stories with meaning and purpose and I have tried to hold onto that belief in my career.”
“AFI FEST is honored to host the World Premiere of DEFIANCE at AFI FEST. The event symbolizes the very heart of the American Film Institute – to train the next generation of filmmakers and then have them come home to premiere a film of the highest artistic ideals,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI’s President and CEO.
I’ll be covering AFI Fest here in Los Angeles for the full stretch. And also a reminder, Guy Lodge will be covering the London fest for us here next month. We’re in the thick of festival season now!
Comments
6 responses to “‘Defiance’ set for AFI Fest”
I have very high expectations for this movie. Hopes it’s as good as I think it will be.
Exactly as I predicted in a comment a while ago.
I had to hold my tongue. You understand, Dan. :)
This is one of those odd films that a lot of people are predicting big things for, yet few people I know are actually excited about seeing.
I hope Zwick can finally make a film that is the sum of its parts.
I can´t honestly believe this movie will be great. Decent perhaps, but nothing more. The performances though can be great.
[…] leading up to the fall release of “Defiance,” which was announced last month as the closing night gala of the AFI Fest here in Los Angeles. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Edward Zwick gets some ShowEast […]