The NYC Film Festival has been showcasing exciting cinema to the world since 1963. However, some of the city’s most iconic contributions to the film industry come from even earlier in time. Think King Kong atop the Empire State building in 1933. Or Marilyn Monroe’s billowing skirt over the subway grate in 1954. Film and cinema is woven into the fabric of NYC’s intoxicating streets.
Whether you’re attending the NYC film festival or simply fascinated by the city’s cinematic past, our interactive museum is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of NYC film.
Did the film industry start in New York?
Although New York is where the film industry really started to bloom, the birth of cinema in America can actually be traced to New Jersey. The film industry began with Thomas Edison and William Kennedy Laurie Dickson’s invention of the Kinetoscope. The Kinetoscope was the first motion picture camera and it was made in Edison’s laboratories in New Jersey.
It didn’t take long for the invention to spread to New York and it was here that the film industry evolved. NYC was ideal for early filmmakers. It had actors, it had theater props and most importantly, it had wealth.
What was the first movie in New York city?
The first movie shot in NYC was What Happened on 23rd Street, New York City. The silent film was shot in 1901 on (you guessed it) 23rd Street! Why not take a stroll down 23rd street yourself before visiting RiseNY to learn more about film in NYC.
What movies have been filmed in NYC?
So many movies have been filmed in NYC it would take the duration of Avatar to list them all! Some of the most famous movies shot in the Big Apple include:
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
- The Godfather (1972)
- Saturday Night Fever (1977)
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
- The Avengers (2012)
What are the 3 most popular film locations in NYC?
There are many iconic film locations in NYC that have been used time and time again. Perhaps the most popular three are:
1. Times Square
With its brightly lit billboards and bustling streets, Times Square is world famous and instantly recognizable. It’s no wonder that this setting is one of the most popular film locations in NYC. Spider-Man (2002), Vanilla Sky (2001), and Enchanted (2007) all include scenes filmed in Times Square.
2. Empire State Building
Offering spellbinding views of the city, the Empire State Building is a particularly popular film setting for grand romantic gestures. Some of the most famous films shot here include An Affair to Remember (1957) and Sleepless in Seattle (1993).
3. The Plaza Hotel
This majestic hotel is a popular NYC filming location for a reason. Not only is it a gorgeous backdrop, but it instantly transports audiences into a world of glamor and luxury. The Plaza Hotel features in movies such as North by Northwest (1959), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and The Great Gatsby (2013).
NYC Film Festival
The NYC Film Festival is one of the most prestigious celebrations of cinema in the world. Showing work from big names and emerging artists, this festival is a sensation to attend.
Does New York have a film festival?
Yes, New York does have a film festival. In fact, there are several film festivals throughout the year. While the New York Film Festival is perhaps the biggest, there is also the Tribeca Film Festival and the Brooklyn Film Festival.
When is the New York film festival?
The New York Film Festival is held every fall and runs for 18 days. This year, the New York Film Festival will take place between Friday September 27th 2024 and Monday October 14th 2024.
Where is the New York film festival?
The New York film Festival is held in the Lincoln Center. It’s walking distance from RiseNY which makes our museum a perfect accompaniment if you’re attending the festival.
Film at RiseNY
Discover more about the history of NYC film with us at RiseNY. Whether you’re a certified cinephile or a casual viewer, our three-part attraction is sure to impress. Take a ride through NYC history in our immersive film experience, watch clips from more than 50 films set in NYC in our interactive museum, and discover the wonders of Edison’s Kinetoscope for yourself.
