Museum of the Moving Image Hosts “First Look” Festival Showcasing New and Innovative International Cinema

# First Look 2025: Museum of the Moving Image’s Annual Festival Showcases Bold, International Cinema

## A Celebration of Innovation in Filmmaking

Each year, the **[Museum of the Moving Image](https://bit.ly/3D35YNk)** presents **[First Look](https://bit.ly/43j4sB7)**—its festival of groundbreaking, international cinema, featuring an eclectic mix of premieres, work-in-progress screenings, and immersive discussions with filmmakers. Now in its 14th edition, **First Look 2025** runs from **March 12–16**, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with bold and visionary storytelling from around the world.

This year’s festival features an exciting lineup of **38 films** from **21 countries**, comprising **20 feature-length films and 18 short films**. With **four world premieres** and **23 U.S. or North American premieres**, First Look 2025 once again cements its status as a must-attend event for cinema enthusiasts eager to experience the forefront of contemporary filmmaking.

## Opening & Closing Highlights

The festival opens and closes with two striking directorial debuts:

– **”Bonjour Tristesse”** – Directed by **Durga Chew-Bose**, this visually resplendent and emotionally poignant film promises to set a compelling tone for the festival’s start.
– **”Diciannove”** – Giovanni Tortorici’s stylish and exhilarating feature will provide a spirited conclusion to the event.

## Centerpiece Films: A Diverse Showcase

First Look 2025 continues its tradition of highlighting dynamic and provocative works with three showcase centerpieces:

– **”Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958–1989″** – The latest archival-driven film by **Göran Hugo Olsson** (*The Black Power Mixtape*), offering an essential deep dive into media portrayals of ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.
– **”When the Phone Rang”** – Serbian filmmaker **Iva Radivojević** presents a poetic autofiction that captivates with its dreamlike narrative and mesmerizing visuals.
– **”Zodiac Killer Project”** – The festival screens the controversial and inventive work by **Charlie Shackleton**, which recently won the **Next Innovator Award** at the **2025 Sundance Film Festival**.

### Live Filmmaker Discussions

As a festival dedicated to fostering conversations about the filmmaking process, First Look 2025 will host in-person appearances by all the filmmakers behind these centerpiece films. These discussions allow audiences exclusive insights into the creative and technical elements behind their craft.

## Celebrating International Award Winners

Film lovers can also experience selections from notable international festivals, including:

– **”Chronicles of the Absurd”** – Directed by **Miguel Coyula**, an IDFA 2024 Best Picture winner.
– **”A Frown Gone Mad”** – Omar Mismar’s film, awarded **Outstanding Artistic Contribution** at IDFA 2024.
– **”Desert of Namibia”** – A Cannes 2024 **FIPRESCI Prize** winner, from Japanese director **Yoko Yamanaka**.
– **”Park”** – Directed by **So Yo-hen**, the film took home the **Grand Prize** at the **Taiwan International Documentary Festival**.
– **”Tata”** – A collaborative work by **Lina Vdovîi and Radu Ciorniciuc**, honored for **Best Director** at the 2024 Astra Film Festival.
– **”The Fifth Shot of La Jetée”** – Dominique Cabrera’s exploration of cinematic memory and homage, which won the **Golden Dove** at **Dok Leipzig 2024**.

These films, recognized for their artistic excellence and meaningful storytelling, highlight the festival’s commitment to global cinema.

## Returning First Look Alumni

First Look 2025 is also a homecoming for **returning filmmakers**, including:

– **Claire Simon** (*Elementary*), known for her masterful documentaries.
– **Sofia Bohdanowicz** (*Measures for a Funeral*), delivering an evocative, gothic-inspired cinematic experience.
– **Ben Balcom, James Edmonds, Kevin Jerome Everson, Eva Giolo, and Ewelina Rosińska**, who present new works as part of **the Illuminations avant-garde film program**.

## Science Meets Cinema

As part of the **Museum’s Science on Screen initiative**, **Brigid McCaffrey’s “Sanctuary Station”** and **Gerard Ortín Castellví’s “Bliss Point”** will make their much-anticipated **New York debuts**.

## Explore the Full Festival Schedule

Cinephiles and film industry professionals alike can experience these premieres, events, and director Q&As by