You don’t have to be a dedicated cinephile to understand that 70mm film transforms movies into crisper, bigger, and brighter images that will transcend your cinematic experience. This summer, the Museum of the Moving Image’s (MoMI) annual festival “See It Big: 70mm,” is back in Astoria, Queens to bring you yet another series of big-screen classic and contemporary showings.
“See It Big: 70mm” is New York City’s only annual festival of 70mm films, with this year’s lineup taking place from July 18 through to August 18, at the Sumner M. Redstone Theater. The festival, sponsored by MUBI, kicks off with the East Coast Premiere of a new 70mm print of John Ford’s 1965 masterpiece The Searchers, Jacques Tati’s large-scale comedy Playtime, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odessey, Christopher Nolan’s action thriller Tenet, and Ron Howard’s epic Far and Away starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
MoMI tackles the intersection of art, technology, enjoyment, and social impact of film, television, and digital art media. “See It Big: 70mm” is one of many past and present exhibitions, screenings, and discussion and education programs, many of which include actors, directors, and creative leaders.
70mm film has become increasingly rare, with filmmakers like Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer keeping the large-format film strip alive. “It is the ideal film format for ambitious cinematic spectacles and panoramic vistas, while also offering incredible intimacy,” said MoMI in a press release. Secure yourself a ticket before it’s too late, and experience film the way it’s truly meant to be viewed.
The festival is also taking place during MoMI’s Open Worlds initiative, which transforms the museum into one of the largest free community hubs in Queens.