Guillermo del Toro, appointed as this year’s artistic director for AFI Fest, has unveiled the lineup of classic films he will showcase during the event. The curated selection will be screened on October 25 at The Egyptian Theatre, featuring iconic works by renowned filmmakers including Stanley Kubrick, Federico Fellini, Pupi Avati, and Ridley Scott, highlighting del Toro’s deep passion for cinema and his unique artistic vision.
Overview of Films Selected by del Toro
The program includes Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon,” celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new 4K restoration. Federico Fellini’s “Casanova,” known for its surreal and opulent depiction of the Venetian seducer’s life, is another highlight. The lineup also features Pupi Avati’s atmospheric horror film “Arcane Sorcerer,” and Ridley Scott’s visually rich debut, “The Duellists,” presented in a classic 35mm print.
Stanley Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon”: A Visual Masterpiece
“Barry Lyndon” is a painstakingly crafted portrayal of 18th-century life, famed for its use of natural lighting and candlelit scenes. The narrative follows Redmond Barry, portrayed by Ryan O’Neal, an ambitious Irishman navigating military desertion, palace intrigue, and high-stakes gambling. The film garnered seven Academy Award nominations, winning four, including Best Cinematography and Art Direction, underscoring its enduring cinematic excellence.
Federico Fellini’s Hallucinatory “Casanova”
“Casanova” offers a baroque, dreamlike interpretation of the life of Giacomo Casanova, filtered through Fellini’s distinctive surreal style. Donald Sutherland stars as the tragic figure, moving through a grotesque and highly stylized world constructed on Cinecittà Studios’ grand sets in Rome. The film diverges from traditional biographical storytelling, focusing instead on themes of artifice, desire, and the absurdity of human relationships, with a memorable score by Nino Rota that enhances its spectral atmosphere.
Pupi Avati’s “Arcane Sorcerer”: A Cult Horror Classic
“Arcane Sorcerer” follows Giacomo, a young man expelled from seminary school, who becomes the apprentice to an excommunicated monsignor with occult inclinations. Directed by Pupi Avati, this eerie and atmospheric horror film delves into macabre rituals and supernatural events amid a haunting countryside villa. Described by filmmaker Edgar Wright as
“the ‘Barry Lyndon’ of horror films,”
it remains a rare gem that appeals to enthusiasts of imaginative and richly crafted cinema.
Ridley Scott’s Debut “The Duellists” Explores Honor and Obsession
Set during the Napoleonic wars, “The Duellists” tells the story of a 16-year conflict between two French officers, Armand d’Hubert (Keith Carradine) and Gabriel Feraud (Harvey Keitel), triggered by a personal insult that escalates into a prolonged series of duels. Adapted from Joseph Conrad’s novella, the film examines the destructive nature of rigid masculine codes of honor, set against meticulously rendered battlefields and interiors illuminated with candlelight, drawing visual comparisons to Kubrick’s “Barry Lyndon.”
Acknowledging Previous AFI Fest Artistic Directors
Guillermo del Toro joins a distinguished list of past guest artistic directors for AFI Fest, which includes prominent filmmakers such as Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, David Lynch, and Agnès Varda. His appointment continues AFI’s tradition of inviting visionary artists to shape the festival’s cinematic experience.
Additional Highlights and Festival Openers
This year’s AFI Fest will open on October 22 with the documentary “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.” Following del Toro’s curated screenings, the world premiere of “Song Sung Blue,” starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, will take place on October 26. The festival will also feature red carpet premieres for films including “Jay Kelly,” “Nuremberg,” “Dead Man’s Wire,” “Christy,” and the world premiere of
“The Spongebob Movie: Search For Squarepants.”
Significance of del Toro’s Role and Festival Impact
Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, praised Guillermo del Toro as
“one of the great champions of the art form — a visionary filmmaker, a passionate cinephile, and a tireless advocate for bold, original storytelling.”
He added,
“As Guest Artistic Director of AFI FEST, he brings a singular perspective that will inspire audiences of all generations.”
Del Toro’s carefully chosen program not only honors cinematic craftsmanship but also reaffirms AFI Fest’s commitment to celebrating diverse and influential voices in film. His selections are expected to engage cinephiles deeply, fostering appreciation for film history alongside contemporary storytelling.
