Every fall, the film world turns its eyes toward Hollywood for one of the most exciting showcases of cinema: AFI Fest. This year’s edition, taking place from October 22 to 26, 2025, promises to be one of the festival’s most dynamic lineups yet. With world premieres, red carpet glamour, special screenings, and the participation of major Hollywood stars, AFI Fest 2025 is shaping up as a must-watch event for cinephiles.
From George Clooney grappling with his legacy on-screen to Emma Stone taking part in a twisted Yorgos Lanthimos tale, and Sydney Sweeney stepping into the ring as a boxer, the program blends prestige with excitement. Add in Bruce Springsteen’s live performance project and Guillermo del Toro as guest artistic director, and this year’s festival has all the ingredients for something unforgettable.
Red Carpet Premieres: Big Names, Bold Stories
The red carpet premieres section always generates the most buzz, and this year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint. Here are some of the highlights fans can expect:
- Jay Kelly (October 23) – Directed by Noah Baumbach, this drama stars George Clooney as a movie star confronting questions about his career, reputation, and personal life. With Baumbach’s sharp storytelling and Clooney’s gravitas, this one will surely draw awards attention.
- Nuremberg (October 24) – James Vanderbilt directs a sweeping historical epic starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, set against the backdrop of the post-World War II trials. The film promises both dramatic tension and historical resonance.
- Man on a Wire (October 25) – Directed by Gus Van Sant, this ripped-from-the-headlines thriller stars Bill Skarsgård in a story about risk, obsession, and the thin line between artistry and danger.
- Christy (October 25) – From director David Michôd comes this gritty sports drama starring Sydney Sweeney as a young boxer fighting to prove her worth in a male-dominated arena. Early buzz suggests Sweeney delivers a career-defining performance.
Special Screenings: A Diverse and Eclectic Mix
The festival’s special screenings section adds depth and variety, pulling from across genres and international cinema. This year’s slate is particularly eclectic:
- Bad Apples – Directed by Jonatan Etzler, the film stars Saoirse Ronan as an overworked teacher whose desperate decisions spiral out of control.
- Bugonia – Yorgos Lanthimos returns with another offbeat entry, starring Emma Stone as a high-powered CEO kidnapped by Jesse Plemons’ conspiracy-obsessed character. Expect Lanthimos’ trademark mix of dark humor and surrealism.
- The Choral – Nicholas Hytner directs Ralph Fiennes in the story of a man unexpectedly tasked with leading a choral society in Yorkshire.
- The Chronology of Water – Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with this adaptation starring Imogen Poots, marking an exciting new phase for the acclaimed actress-turned-director.
- Is This Thing On? – Directed by Bradley Cooper, this dramedy stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern as a New York couple navigating separation, reinvention, and the messy middle years of life.
- A Magnificent Life – Directed by Sylvian Chomet, known for animated masterpieces like The Triplets of Belleville.
- Merrily We Roll Along – Directed by Maria Friedman, this film brings Stephen Sondheim’s celebrated songs to life in a new cinematic interpretation.
- Nebraska Live – Directed by Thom Zimny, this unique entry features Bruce Springsteen performing songs from his 1982 album Nebraska, blending music and cinema into an intimate experience.
- Rebuilding – Directed by Max Walker-Silverman, starring Josh O’Connor and Meghann Fahy, about resilience and recovery after a devastating wildfire.
- Rental Family – Directed by Hikari and starring Brendan Fraser, this story explores themes of belonging, loneliness, and unconventional connections.
- The Testament of Ann Lee – From Mona Fastvold, this experimental musical stars Amanda Seyfried as the founder of the Shakers.
- Train Dreams – Directed by Clint Bentley, starring Joel Edgerton, adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella about survival in the American frontier.
Words from AFI Leadership
AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale explained the broader mission of the festival: “Our goal is nothing short of a global embrace – where we discover and rediscover the power of a shared story on a big screen.”
AFI Fest director Todd Hitchcock added: “The special screenings section includes some of the most buzzed-about films from the festival circuit, an eclectic mix that promises to surprise and delight film lovers.”
Festival Details
- Dates: October 22–26, 2025
- Location: TCL Chinese Theatres, Hollywood
- Special Guest Artistic Director: Guillermo del Toro
- Presenting Partner: Canva
- Official Water Sponsor: Fiji Water
The full lineup will be unveiled on September 30, 2025, including additional international cinema, documentaries, and shorts.
Opening and Other High-Profile Premieres
The festival will open with Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, starring Jeremy Allen White as a young Bruce Springsteen in a dramatic portrayal of his rise. This is only the beginning of a lineup that also includes:
- Song Sung Blue, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson
- The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants, a family-friendly animated event expected to draw crowds of all ages
Why AFI Fest 2025 Stands Out
This year’s program has something for everyone: prestige dramas, groundbreaking debuts, intimate documentaries, experimental musicals, and even a rock legend bringing his music to the screen. The combination of A-list stars, established auteurs, and bold new voices makes AFI Fest one of the most unmissable events on the film calendar.
For filmmakers, it’s a chance to debut projects in front of Hollywood insiders. For audiences, it’s an opportunity to be among the first to experience films that may later dominate award season or become cult classics.