Museum of Moving Image to host film fest

The Museum of the Moving Image is hosting its 11th annual First Look Festival next month. Photo Courtesy of MOMI

By Rachel Vick

The Museum of the Moving Image is gearing up for the 2022 First Look Festival, scheduled to begin next month.

Starting March 16, the Astoria institution will screen a selection of diverse films they say work to redefine the art, opening with 2021 Cannes Film Festival winner “Murina.”

“Now in its 11th year, First Look has evolved into an event reflective of both the current state of the cinematic arts and MoMI’s curatorial character and curiosity,” said the museum’s Curator of Film Eric Hynes.

“We’re attracted to a wide spectrum of work, from a diversity of makers, and are ever in search of new ways of seeing and expressing,” he added. “The films and projects in the festival are indeed new to New York, but First Look also signifies an open, activated way of approaching the moving image.”

Screenings will take place in the museum's two theaters and include appearances from filmmakers both in-person and through live video.

Presentations range from full-length features and documentaries, to shorts.

The festival will close with Pawel Lozinski’s documentary “The Balcony Movie,” shot entirely from his Warsaw, Poland balcony, chronicling pandemic isolation and the yearning for connection.

The “Working on It” program, offering a workshop environment for works-in-progress screenings and discussions, will take place on March 16, 17, and 18.

Tickets for individual screenings are $15, and $20 for opening and closing nights. A full schedule is available on the MOMI website.