The Barbie phenomenon continues to make waves, this time extending its reach to AFI Fest. Greta Gerwig, the director and co-writer of the billion-dollar blockbuster starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been chosen as the guest artistic director for the Los Angeles-based festival. In this role, Gerwig will curate a selection of films to be added to the festival lineup and will also present one or more of these films, depending on her schedule. Esteemed filmmakers such as Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, David Lynch, and Agnès Varda have previously held this position at the festival.
This appointment brings Gerwig back to the AFI Fest following the screenings of her previous films, “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” in previous years. Additionally, Gerwig served on the shorts jury in 2010. The President and CEO of AFI, Bob Gazzale, expressed his excitement about having Gerwig as guest artistic director, stating that AFI is honored to welcome her home, as Gerwig is devoted to cinema, and AFI is devoted to her.
Gerwig’s role as guest artistic director comes on the heels of the release of “Barbie” in July, in which she collaborated with Warner Bros. The film has achieved remarkable success, becoming the highest-grossing release of the year with a global box office gross of over $1.4 billion. Gerwig made her directorial debut in 2017 with “Lady Bird,” earning Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. She followed this up with an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, “Little Women,” which received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. As an actor, Gerwig most recently appeared in her partner Noah Baumbach’s film, “White Noise.”
The AFI Fest, headquartered at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, is scheduled to take place from October 25th to 29th. The festival recently unveiled its full lineup, which includes the world premiere of Sam Esmail’s apocalyptic thriller “Leave the World Behind” as the opening night film. This star-studded movie features Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, Myha’la Herrold, Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans, and Kevin Bacon. The festival will conclude with a closing night screening of Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” in which he stars alongside Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer, Maya Hawke, Sarah Silverman, and others. Additionally, Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz’s “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” has been chosen as a centerpiece selection.
AFI Fest remains one of the most prestigious film festivals, attracting high-profile filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the world. With Greta Gerwig as the guest artistic director, the festival is sure to offer an exceptional lineup of films that showcase the diverse talent and creative storytelling within the industry. Gerwig’s passion for cinema and her experience as a director and writer will undoubtedly contribute to the selection of thought-provoking and entertaining films. Festival attendees can look forward to a curated program that encompasses a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives.
The inclusion of Gerwig as the guest artistic director highlights the ongoing recognition of women filmmakers in the industry. Gerwig’s achievements as a director and screenwriter have garnered critical acclaim, and her involvement in AFI Fest reinforces the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in cinema. With her experience and expertise, Gerwig will not only introduce audiences to remarkable films but also contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding gender equity and representation in the film industry.
Overall, the selection of Greta Gerwig as the guest artistic director for AFI Fest brings added excitement to the festival’s already impressive lineup. Her artistic vision and dedication to cinema make her the perfect choice for this prestigious position. As AFI Fest approaches, film lovers and industry professionals eagerly anticipate the curated films that Gerwig will present, cementing her status as a prominent figure within the world of filmmaking.
