The New York Film Festival raises the curtain tonight on its 50th year. The gala event kicks off with the screening of Ang Lee’s latest movie, Life of Pi.

In all, 32 movies will be screened featuring a mix of major directors and indie fare.

David Chase of The Sopranos fame, makes his feature film debut directing Not Fade Away. Watch for a supporting role by James Gandolfini. Chase’s movie is named the Centerpiece Gala Selection. Robert Zemeckis‘ Flight, starring Denzel Washington closes the festival.

Another film being shown is the New York debut of Hyde Park on Hudson. The film stars Bill Murray as F.D.R. and Laura Linney, already generating Oscar buzz, as a distant cousin having an affair with the only four-term president. Also garnering plenty of attention, and available for viewing at the NYFF, is Brian De Palma‘s Passion.

The New York Film Festival runs through October 14.

Photo credit: blogs.indiewire.com