The 49th film written and directed by Woody Allen is out now to the public…of Spain. Filmed and produced in Spain, Rifkin’s Festival recently premiered at the San Sebastián Film Festival. European critics loved it, and even American ones gave it the usual begrudging respect.
The film stars Wallace Shawn as Mort Rifkin, who goes to the San Sebastián Film Festival with his wife, played by Gina Gershon. The couple’s relationship is falling apart, and they both find new loves – and new fantasies – in Spain. The film also stars Elena Anaya, Louis Garrel, Sergi Lopez and Christoph Waltz.
According to Variety, the film opens in the largest screen count ever for an Allen film in Spain. Although that has to do with how cinemas are working at reduced capacity at the moment.
The film has also set an Italian release. It’s coming out 5 November.
“Rafkin’s Festival”, il #nuovo #film di @WoodyAllenPages @WoodyAllenDaily Allen arriva al cinema dal 5 novembre. Prime immagini https://t.co/j7Mt1fpyxW via @Il Profumo della Dolce Vita
— ProfumoDiDolceVita (@RossellaSmira) October 1, 2020
No word on the film opening in other countries, mainly due to the pandemic. International sales are in place, but no real release date has been announced. No doubt it will open throughout Europe, but it remains to be see if distributors will delay until next summer, when Allen’s films do really well, or put it out straight away.
Meanwhile, Allen’s 48th film, A Rainy Day In New York, opens in the US later this month. It seems likely that Rifkin’s Festival will see a US release in 2021.
5 Comments
I watched the film a couple of weeks ago in San Sebastian festival. Very special movie for me, since San Sebastian is the city where I was born and live, and the movie takes place in that same festival I often attend. Enjoyed it a lot, I really liked it, with the exception of a couple of things. Much better than Rainy Day in NY, in my opinion. Also better than Wonder Wheel. But maybe not better than Cafe Society. Just to compare with his recent films, because obviously I will not compare with his classic movies.
Watching it tonight!
The movie is a masterpiece! I just saw it! (went to the matinée session at Cinema Verdi, in Madrid). This film touched my heart! Rifkin’s Festival is a homage to cinema and existentialism. So so so beautiful! And meaningful! (even if Woody wouldn’t agree). Nobody makes movies like Woody any more. A real gem. I laughed, cried, and enjoyed. One of Woody’s best films! A marvelous script, an spectacular cast, an exquisite cinematography and great music. Delicious and indispensable! Bravo, Woody! And thanks a lot! ❤️
Great review. I share your enthusiasm & Love for Woody’s work.
Kudos to Woody and the whole team for getting #49 in the books!!! Bravo!!! As an aside, does anyone know if the old black and white interview footage of Woody at his Manhattan apartment in the what looks like the late 60’s doing an interview for I think it’s the Canadian Broadcast Company talking about how he can’t draw a horse, and he also does the pool cue bit where he can’t hit the cue ball playing pool. It’s great stuff. Does anyone know if this film footage is available in the internet? YouTube perhaps and what is the title? I’d like to see it.
GO WOODY!!!