James Gray’s Crime Thriller ‘Paper Tiger’ Set to Open 64th New York Film Festival on September 25

James Gray’s crime thriller Paper Tiger will open the 64th New York Film Festival on September 25, organizers said, giving the film its North American premiere at the festival’s opening-night gala. Film at Lincoln Center announced that the Cannes-premiering title, distributed by Neon, will debut at Alice Tully Hall as part of the festival’s planned opening program.

The festival’s parent organization, Film at Lincoln Center, said the screening will take place at the Lincoln Center venue and will be treated as a gala debut for the film. The announcement also said James Gray will be joined by members of the cast and crew for the opening-night event.

Neon’s Paper Tiger is the latest project from Gray, whose films have previously circulated through major international festivals. Deadline reported that the film’s U.S. arrival at the New York Film Festival marks its first North American presentation, following its Cannes run earlier this year.

Deadline’s report identified Adam Driver and Miles Teller among the film’s cast, and said additional cast members and crew will participate in the opening-night festivities. The planned appearance schedule underscores the festival’s emphasis on connecting filmmakers with audiences during major premieres.

The 64th New York Film Festival is scheduled to run under the Film at Lincoln Center banner, with the September 25 gala serving as the first high-profile event in the lineup. The opening-night framing is typically used by the festival to highlight films expected to draw attention from both critics and general audiences.

Film at Lincoln Center’s announcement ties the opening selection directly to Paper Tiger’s release path, describing it as a North American premiere following Cannes. The choice also indicates the festival’s continued focus on international titles traveling quickly into major U.S. showcases, rather than holding them for later windows.

Additional details about the festival’s complete schedule, including other screenings tied to the opening date, were not included in the announcement reported by Deadline. Organizers are expected to release further lineup information as the festival approaches.

For moviegoers, the gala opening date may concentrate ticket demand on a single evening at Alice Tully Hall, a central screen for New York Film Festival premieres. For the film’s distributors and production team, the opening slot functions as a public launch point for the domestic awards and critical conversation that follows a major festival run.