The American Film Institute (AFI) has made an exciting announcement for film enthusiasts worldwide. The 37th edition of AFI FEST is set to begin with the World Premiere of Leave the World Behind a highly anticipated apocalyptic thriller written and directed by AFI Conservatory Alum Sam Esmail, who graduated from AFI in 2004.
This cinematic event, taking place at the renowned TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on October 25, 2023, promises to be a significant highlight of this year’s AFI FEST.
Based on the book of the same name by Rumaan Alam, the film stars an ensemble cast that includes Academy Award winner Julia Roberts, Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke, and emerging talent Myha’la, along with Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans, and Kevin Bacon, Leave the World Behind is already generating immense buzz.
The film is produced by Esmail Corp, Red Om Films, and Higher Ground Productions, in collaboration with Netflix Studios.
REELated:
Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, expressed his pride in presenting the World Premiere of Sam Esmail’s latest work. “Sam Esmail is a commanding voice in the new generation of cinematic storytellers, and we are proud to present the World Premiere of his new film at AFI FEST,” said Gazzale. “That he is a graduate of the AFI Conservatory only adds to the pride we feel in celebrating this accomplishment – which is both powerful and profound.”
Leave the World Behind is an apocalyptic thriller that delves into the lives of Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke). The couple embarks on a weekend getaway with their children, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie), by renting a luxurious home. However, their idyllic vacation takes an ominous turn when two strangers, G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la), arrive unexpectedly in the dead of night.
They bring chilling news of a mysterious cyberattack and lay claim to the very house Amanda and Clay are occupying. The film explores how these two families grapple with an impending disaster that intensifies with every passing moment, compelling them to confront their places in a crumbling world.
Highlights from AFI FEST 2022 serve as a reminder of the caliber of films and experiences the festival consistently offers. These include the World Premiere of Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me starring Selena Gomez, the U.S. premiere of Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans featuring Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, and Academy Award nominee Judd Hirsch.
AFI FEST 2023 is scheduled to run from October 25 to October 29, 2023, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood. The five-day festival will once again feature a carefully curated selection of cinematic experiences, including Red Carpet Premieres, Special Screenings, World Cinema showcases, thought-provoking Documentaries, and compelling Short Films.
Festival passes are now available.
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