New Directors/New Films Reveals 2025 Program

      After presenting works by notable filmmakers such as Ryûsuke Hamaguchi, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Kelly Reichardt, Pedro Almodóvar, Souleymane Cissé, Jia Zhangke, Spike Lee, Lynne Ramsay, Michael Haneke, Wong Kar-wai, Agnieszka Holland, Denis Villeneuve, Luca Guadagnino, and others, New Directors/New Films returns for its 54th edition, scheduled to run from April 2 to 13 at Film at Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art. The lineup for 2025 has been revealed, featuring Sarah Friedland’s Opening Night film Familiar Touch, Alex Russell’s Closing Night title Lurker, along with notable entries like Invention, Drowning Dry, Fiume o morte!, No Sleep Till, Two Times João Liberada, Timestamp, and more.

      Dan Sullivan, Co-Chair of 2025 ND/NF and FLC Programmer, states, “This year's New Directors/New Films lineup inevitably mirrors the uncertainties and tragedies of our global landscape in 2025, while also highlighting the resilience of cinema and the ongoing rise of significant new talents. Several films this year tackle the challenge of redefining and recovering human connection as a vital value, with Sarah Friedland’s Familiar Touch serving as a notably poignant example. It presents a sophisticated and profoundly sensitive twist on the coming-of-age narrative, questioning preconceived notions about the elderly's subjectivity. Similarly, Alex Russell’s stylish thriller Lurker centers on Gen Z, addressing difficult inquiries about ambition, fame, and friendship within a culture that prioritizes selfish pursuits to the detriment of essential connections that enrich our lives.”

      La Frances Hui, Co-Chair of 2025 ND/NF and Curator of the Department of Film at MoMA, remarks, “This extraordinary group of new directors brings remarkable creativity to the exploration of the vast array of human experiences. Their films are filled with surprising and magical elements, weaving narratives about love, family, and sorrow while also examining themes of identity, history, and conflict. These filmmakers demonstrate the limitless potential of moving images to rejuvenate, create meaning, and broaden our perspectives. Get ready to be entranced by this outstanding selection of new films.”

      Refer to the lineup below.

      **Opening Night**

      **Familiar Touch**

      Sarah Friedland, 2024, U.S., 91m

      New York Premiere

      Octogenarian Ruth (Kathleen Chalfant) has been living on her own, but signs of struggle have begun to surface: toast left to dry in the dish rack, confusion on her face, and the deceased referenced in present tense while the living (including a son right before her) go entirely unrecognized. Her entry into an assisted-living facility marks the start of a strange, transcendental journey in Familiar Touch, Sarah Friedland’s feature debut, which received three awards in the 2024 Venice Film Festival Orizzonti Competition, including the Lion of the Future, Best Director, and Best Actress for Chalfant’s remarkable performance. Friedland crafts her drama with stark honesty; even though the subject matter is challenging, few films are so adaptable in tone, capable of shifting dramatically: unexpected moments of tenderness, humility, and even absurdity emerge, showcasing a love and care for Ruth from both characters and creators. Familiar Touch signals the emergence of significant directorial talent. A Music Box Films release.

      **Wednesday, April 2**

      6:00 pm at FLC, Walter Reade Theater – Q&A with Sarah Friedland and Kathleen Chalfant

      8:30 pm at FLC, Walter Reade Theater – Q&A with Sarah Friedland and Kathleen Chalfant

      **Friday, April 4**

      6:00 pm at MoMA, Titus Theater 2 – Q&A with Sarah Friedland and Kathleen Chalfant

      **Closing Night**

      **Lurker**

      Alex Russell, 2025, U.S./Italy, 100m

      New York Premiere

      In Alex Russell’s captivating thriller for the digital age, Los Angeles clothing store employee Matthew (Théodore Pellerin, Genesis) cunningly integrates himself into the circle of aspiring musician Oliver (Archie Madekwe, Saltburn)—and once he's in, he’s determined to hold onto his position fiercely. Lurker flourishes thanks to Pellerin’s amazing performance—rarely do actors convey such depth of character through mere glimpses of their eyes or a smile—and Madekwe’s adept navigation of charm and emotional reserve. A writer/producer on the acclaimed series The Bear and Beef, Russell makes a confident directorial debut that encapsulates the whirlwind excitement of fame and the unsettling chill of obsession as the lines between friendship and fandom dissolve. A MUBI release.

      **Saturday, April 12**

      7:00 pm at MoMA, Titus Theater 1 – Q&A