48th New York Film Festival opens the conversation with ‘The Social Network’

48th NY Film Festival opens with ‘Social Network’

NEW YORK — The New York Film Festival is opening with the premiere of “The Social Network” at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall.

The film was directed by David Fincher and was written by Aaron Sorkin. It’s one of the most anticipated films of the year. It’s also a big get for the New York Film Festival, which is renowned for its tastefully curated selection of films but often loses out to the Cannes and Toronto film festivals in glitzy premieres.

The 48th New York festival begins Friday. It has 28 films this year.

Serving as the festival’s centerpiece is “The Tempest,” a rendition of the Shakespeare play by Julie Taymor. Clint Eastwood’s “Hereafter” stars Matt Damon and will close the festival.