America’s Preeminent Film Institution
For over five decades, Film at Lincoln Center (FLC)—known as the Film Society of Lincoln Center until 2019—has been one of North America’s most vital and influential presenters of world cinema. As one of the twelve resident organizations of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, FLC occupies a unique cultural space, championing film as an art form on par with opera, ballet, and classical music. Unlike a traditional archive or cinematheque focused primarily on preservation, FLC’s core mission is curatorial and presentational. It is dedicated to introducing diverse and challenging new works from around the world to American audiences, celebrating the oeuvres of master filmmakers, and providing a platform for emerging voices.
Through its year-round programming, festivals, and publications, the organization fosters a sophisticated dialogue around cinema. It has been instrumental in launching the careers of countless international filmmakers in the United States and has cultivated a passionate and knowledgeable community of film lovers. Its theaters, including the Walter Reade Theater and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, are considered hallowed ground for New York cinephiles, known for their state-of-the-art projection and impeccable curation.
Key Programs and Festivals
Film at Lincoln Center is perhaps best known for its prestigious festivals, which are fixtures of the international film calendar.
- New York Film Festival (NYFF): Founded in 1963, NYFF is the organization’s flagship event. It is a non-competitive festival known for its highly selective slate of films, chosen by a small committee of critics and curators. A spot in the NYFF’s Main Slate is a significant mark of prestige and often serves as the North American launchpad for major international films and awards season contenders.
- New Directors/New Films: Co-presented annually with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), this festival is a crucial showcase for emerging directorial talent. For 50 years, it has been a launching pad for filmmakers who would go on to become masters, including Pedro Almodóvar, Spike Lee, and Christopher Nolan.
- Rendez-Vous with French Cinema: An annual collaboration with UniFrance that showcases the best of contemporary French filmmaking to New York audiences.
Publications and Education
Beyond its screenings, FLC contributes to film culture through its educational initiatives and its highly respected publication, Film Comment. Published since 1962, the magazine has long been a leading voice in American film criticism, offering in-depth analysis, interviews, and essays that treat cinema with intellectual rigor. The magazine’s thoughtful and often contrarian perspective provides a vital counterpoint to more mainstream film journalism. The organization also hosts numerous free talks, lectures, and educational programs, furthering its mission to deepen the public’s understanding and appreciation of film art.