Steve McQueen’s latest film, “Blitz”, is set to make its North American premiere as the closing night selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival. The film, which re-creates the harrowing events of London during the blitzkrieg in World War II, tells the story from the perspectives of a working-class single mother, Rita (played by Saoirse Ronan), and her 9-year-old son, George (portrayed by newcomer Elliott Heffernan).
McQueen, who is an Academy Award winner known for his work on “12 Years a Slave”, not only directed the film but also wrote and produced it. “Blitz” offers audiences an unusual multicultural portrait of 1940s London, showcasing a diverse cast that includes names like Kathy Burke, Benjamin Clémentine, Harris Dickinson, Stephen Graham, Hayley Squires, and Paul Weller.
McQueen expressed his gratitude and excitement for the film’s premiere at the New York Film Festival, stating, “It is with immense pride, gratitude, and fondness that I’m able to return to the New York Film Festival with Blitz. I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed a number of memorable experiences at the festival and with New York audiences, and I’m enormously grateful to have been invited back for Closing Night.”
NYFF Artistic Director Dennis Lim praised the film, describing it as “a vivid and visceral depiction of life during wartime, a meticulous historical account that resonates unmistakably with our current age of endless war.” Lim expressed his excitement to welcome McQueen back to the festival, calling him “one of the most daring artists at work today” and highlighting “Blitz” as one of the greatest achievements of his career.
This isn’t the first time McQueen’s work has been celebrated at the New York Film Festival. His debut feature, “Hunger”, premiered at the festival in 2008, and in 2020, three of the five works in his Small Axe anthology were featured in NYFF58. McQueen has a longstanding relationship with the festival, with “Blitz” marking his eighth film to be showcased.
In addition to his film work, McQueen has also delved into television, co-directing and producing the BAFTA-winning series “Uprising” and serving as a co-producer on “Three Minutes – A Lengthening”. As a visual artist, McQueen has received numerous accolades, including the Turner Prize in 1999, and has exhibited his work in major museums around the world.
“Blitz” is an Apple Original Film set to premiere in theaters on November 1 before its global release on Apple TV+ on November 22. Prior to its North American debut at the New York Film Festival, the film will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival’s opening night on October 9.
As audiences anticipate the premiere of “Blitz” at the New York Film Festival, it is clear that Steve McQueen’s latest work promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning exploration of wartime London. With a talented cast and a director known for pushing boundaries, “Blitz” is sure to leave a lasting impression on festival attendees and audiences worldwide.