The AFI Fest 2016 will present the world premieres of Disney’s animated film “Moana” and the Jessica Chastain lobbyist drama “Miss Sloane,” the American Film Institute announced on Tuesday.
The films will screen in the Special Screenings section of the festival, along with screenings of “Lion,” “Paterson,” “Toni Erdmann” and the documentary “Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds,” as well as the previously announced world premiere of the Robert De Niro film “The Comedian.”
“Moana,” directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, includes songs by “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“Miss Sloane,” directed by John Madden, stars Chastain as a ruthless and high-powered lobbyist hired to push a gun-control bill through Congress.
Garth Davis‘ “Lion” stirred up awards talk at the recent Toronto International Film Festival, while Jim Jarmusch‘s “Paterson” and Maren Ade’s “Toni Erdmann” were two of the most acclaimed films at Cannes earlier this year.
While the AFI Fest, which is sponsored by Audi, presents an extensive lineup of indie and foreign films, it is also used as a prime showcase early in awards season. The festival will open on Thursday, November 10 with Warren Beatty‘s “Rules Don’t Apply,” and will also include gala screenings of the contenders “Elle,” “Jackie,” “La La Land” and “20th Century Women.”
Screenings will take place in Hollywood at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 multiplex, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The festival will end on November 17, with the schedule to be announced shortly at afi.com.