Don Cheadle’s Directorial Debut ‘Miles Ahead’ to Close 53rd New York Film Festival
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The Film Society of Lincoln Center has lined up “Miles Ahead,” Don Cheadle’s highly-anticipated directorial debut, as the Closing Night Film for the upcoming 53rd New York Film Festival (NYFF). The screening will mark the film’s world premiere.
The Oscar-nominated actor (“Hotel Rwanda”) also stars in the biopic as Miles Davis, one of the 20th century’s greatest and most fascinating artists. Cheadle’s film will focus on the legendary jazz musician’s crazed years in the late 1970s, during which he struggled with a variety of ailments while also contending with memories of past triumphs and falls. His years with Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi), the love of his life, are also explored.
NYFF Director and Selection Committee Chair Kent Jones said, “I admire Don’s film because of all the intelligent decisions he’s made about how to deal with Miles, but I was moved—deeply moved—by ‘Miles Ahead’ for other reasons. Don knows, as an actor, a writer, a director, and a lover of Miles’ music, that intelligent decisions and well-planned strategies only get you so far, that finally it’s your own commitment and attention to every moment and every detail that brings a movie to life…”
Don Cheadle added, “I am happy that the selection committee saw fit to invite us to the dance. It’s very gratifying that all the hard work that went into the making of this film, from every person on the team, has brought us here. Miles’ music is all-encompassing, forward-leaning, and expansive. He changed the game time after time, and New York is really where it all took off for him. Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center… feels very ‘right place, right time.’ Very exciting.”
The 53rd NYFF runs from September 25 to October 11. Check out the “Miles Ahead” NYFF promotional still below.
