2025 New York Film Festival Unveils First Week Lineup, Featuring Bronstein and Reichardt Premieres

New York, NY – The 63rd New York Film Festival (NYFF), presented by Film at Lincoln Center, has announced its initial programming for the first week, highlighting two anticipated films: Mary Bronstein’s "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" and Kelly Reichardt’s "The Mastermind." The New Yorker's "tnyfrontrow" section broke the news, providing an early look at the festival's diverse offerings. The festival is scheduled to run from September 26 to October 13, 2025, across various New York City venues.

Both "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" and "The Mastermind" are featured in the festival’s prestigious Main Slate, signaling their significance in this year's lineup. Mary Bronstein, known for her distinctive independent voice, brings her latest work to the festival, continuing her exploration of complex human relationships and societal observations. Her film is expected to resonate with audiences seeking introspective and raw cinematic experiences.

Kelly Reichardt, an acclaimed director celebrated for her minimalist and character-driven narratives, presents "The Mastermind." This film, set against a Nixon-era backdrop, stars Josh O’Connor as a taciturn family man who orchestrates a heist at a local art museum. Early descriptions from Film at Lincoln Center describe it as a "restrained and often funny anti-thriller," showcasing Reichardt’s signature style of subtle storytelling and atmospheric tension, with Q&A sessions featuring the director planned for its October 17 opening.

The New Yorker's "Front Row" section, a dedicated platform for cultural coverage, provided the initial scoop on these selections, underscoring its role in pre-festival buzz. This early announcement allows cinephiles to plan their schedules for the highly anticipated event. The festival promises a robust selection of films, including Luca Guadagnino's "After the Hunt" as the opening night film and Bradley Cooper's "Is This Thing On?" as the closing night feature.

The 63rd NYFF continues its tradition of showcasing a blend of groundbreaking international cinema and independent works. With both established masters and emerging voices, the festival aims to provide a comprehensive look at the current landscape of global filmmaking. Tickets for the festival went on sale to the general public on September 18, 2025, with screenings scheduled at Film at Lincoln Center’s venues, including Alice Tully Hall, and other locations across the boroughs.