The 58th New York Film Festival is right around the corner. Early next week, the virtual press screenings begin, while the fest officially starts up on September 17th (running from then all the way until October 11th). Obviously, the festival is a lot different than in years past, what with the coronavirus pandemic still raging, but it’s going on, nonetheless. So, COVID-19 be damned, New York City will still (in a virtual and/or socially distanced form) play host to some of the year’s most interesting movies. Below, I’ve come up with a list of what to really look forward to at NYFF this time around. It’s hardly an exhaustive one, but there are twelve titles that caught my eye. Your mileage may vary… Here are a dozen films to look forward to at NYFF: 12. The Salt of Tears – Coming off of Lover for a Day three years ago at the festival, Philippe Garrel has another depiction of young French love to share with audiences. A small character study, it’s the sort of international work that NYFF always champions. If The Salt of Tears is on par with Garrel’s recent work, it’ll be something to keep an eye on. 11. Hopper/Welles – Cinephiles no doubt have this one earmarked, as how can you not be fascinated by an extended conversation from 1970 between screen legends Dennis Hopper and Orson Welles? The documentary could prove to be one of the most interesting of the fest, that’s for sure. Hopper and Welles fans will surely be down for this one, at the very least. 10. The Calming – Song Fang’s story of a young filmmaker traveling through Asia after a break-up may prove to be one of the best under the radar flicks at the New York Film Festival this year. Described as non-judgmental and observational, we may be in for a treat here, just following a compelling character as she finds her way. Count me in. 9. Undine – Christian Petzold’s latest is, wait for it…a supernatural melodrama, which is certainly something new from the director. This one has already been picked up by IFC Films, so there’s a bit of a pedigree here. Petzold is due a big breakout festival smash, so while the year has certainly conspired against him, maybe this is the one? 8. MLK/FBI – One of the more timely movies playing at the fest is […]