World Premiere of The Apple Feature Film The Banker To Close AFI Fest 2019 Presented By Audi

Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that AFI FEST 2019 presented by Audi will close with the World Premiere of Apple's THE BANKER.  The Closing Night Gala will take place on Thursday, November 21 at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

Said Michael Lumpkin, Director of AFI Festivals, "THE BANKER joins a remarkable group of films being released this year that openly confront centuries of racism and injustice in our country, while celebrating the brave individuals whose activism has created real change."


QUEEN & SLIM World Premiere to Open AFI FEST 2019 Presented by Audi

Based on a true story, THE BANKER centers on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racist establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream.  Along with Garret's wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working-class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire – while Garrett and Morris pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. 

Their success ultimately draws the attention of the federal government, which threatens everything the four have built.  The drama is directed by George Nolfi (THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU) and produced by Joe Viertel.  Brad Feinstein produced under his Romulus Entertainment banner, along producers Nolfi, Nnamdi Asomugha, Jonathan Baker, David Lewis Smith and Anthony Mackie.  The executive producers are Joseph F. Ingrassia, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Greenfield, David Gendron and Ali Jazayeri.  THE BANKER is written by Niceole Levy, George Nolfi, David Lewis Smith and Stan Younger from a story by David Lewis Smith, Stan Younger and Brad Caleb Kane.

THE BANKER opens in theaters on December 6, 2019, before it debuts on Apple TV+, a new home for the world's most creative storytellers, in January 2020. 


AFI Fest 2019 Presented by Audi Announces Galas, Tribute and Special Screenings

AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED

AFI FEST 2019 takes place November 14-21, 2019, at historic theaters in Los Angeles.  Screenings, Galas, and other events will be held at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres and the Hollywood Roosevelt and will open with the World Premiere of AFI Conservatory alumna Melina Matsoukas's QUEEN & SLIM.  The full festival lineup and schedule will be unveiled later this month.

Audi returns for the 16th year as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of AFI FEST, enabling the festival to host the very best of world cinema. Audi and their visionary support reflect a continuing commitment to create opportunities for equality in film and television. Audi also supports AFI through the Audi Fellowship for Women, a full-tuition scholarship created in 2017 to support promising female directors entering the AFI Conservatory. This Fellowship is part of the Audi commitment to drive progress and a landmark investment in the future of the storytelling community.


AFI Fest 2019 Presented by Audi Announces Gala Premiere of The Crown

Audi is the exclusive presenting sponsor of AFI FEST 2019.  Additional top sponsors include AT&T and American Airlines, the official airline of AFI.

Passes are available at AFI.com/AFIFEST and Individual tickets will be available for purchase for AFI members beginning October 29 and for the general public on October 30.

About the American Film Institute (AFI)

Established in 1967, the American Film Institute is the nation's non-profit organization dedicated to educating and inspiring artists and audiences through initiatives that champion the past, present and future of the moving image. AFI's pioneering programs include filmmaker training at the AFI Conservatory; year-round exhibition at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and at AFI Festivals across the nation; workshops aimed at increasing diversity in the storytelling community; honoring today's masters through the AFI Life Achievement Award and AFI AWARDS; and scholarly efforts such as the AFI Catalog of Feature Films that uphold film history for future generations.  Read about all of these programs and more at AFI.com and follow us on social media at Facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstituteyoutube.com/AFItwitter.com/American Film and Instagram.com/AmericanFilmInstitute.


World Premiere of Clint Eastwood's Richard Jewell To Bow At AFI Fest 2019 Presented By Audi

About AFI FEST presented by Audi
Now in its 33rd year, AFI FEST presented by Audi is a world-class event, showcasing the best films from across the globe to captivated audiences in Los Angeles. With a diverse and innovative slate of programming, the eight-day festival presents screenings, panels and conversations, featuring both master filmmakers and new voices. World premieres, Galas and other special events take place at iconic LA locations, such as the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and the glamorous Hollywood Roosevelt. This year's edition takes place November 14-21, 2019. Additional information about AFI FEST is available at AFI.com/AFIFEST. Connect with AFI FEST at facebook.com/AFIFESTtwitter.com/AFIFEST and youtube.com/AFI.

About Audi

Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands, delivering about 1.812 million vehicles globally in 2018. In the U.S., Audi of America sold nearly 224,000 vehicles in 2018. 2019 marks 50 years for the brand in the U.S. Visit audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.

Image courtesy of APPLE/AFI.

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