The AFI Fest, which annually comes to Los Angeles just as awards season is heating up, will showcase a pair of contenders with its opening and closing galas. The festival announced on Thursday that Edward Zwick’s “Love & Other Drugs” (photo below), which features what is reportedly a remarkable lead performance from Anne Hathaway, will serve as the opening-night film on November 4. Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan,” which has received wild praise at previous festivals, will close the fest on November 11.
Both Aronofsly and Zwick are graduates of the AFI Conservatory, as is David Lynch, who will serve at the festival’s Guest Artistic Director.
AFI Fest 2010 – or as it’s properly known, AFI Fest 2010 presented by Audi – will take place in Hollywod at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Mann Chinese 6 multiplex, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
“AFI is where it began for me, and where I return as often as possible, to teach and to learn,” Zwick said in the press release announcing the selections. “I’m honored to open the festival, and to join Darren, David, and so many alumni for whom this marks a kind of coming home.”
Added Aronofsky, ”As an alumnus of the AFI Conservatory, it's always a thrill to partake in the wonderful festival AFI puts on. The fact that we get to show at my favorite theater in the world, the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, adds to the honor.”
