Mark Wahlberg’s Boston Marathon Bombing Drama ‘Patriots Day’ to Close AFI Fest
The American Film Institute is closing its AFI Fest with CBS Films/Lionsgate’s “Patriots Day,” starring Mark Wahlberg, on Nov. 17 at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
“‘Patriots Day’ is a moving tribute to the strength of the human spirit, the heroes of Boston, and our nation’s capacity to unify in the wake of the unimaginable,” said AFI Fest director Jacqueline Lyanga. “Peter Berg brings together a riveting ensemble cast whose emotional performances beautifully humanize and personalize the people whose lives have been forever changed. We are honored to screen this film as the special closing night gala presentation of AFI Fest.”
The AFI Fest opens on Nov. 10 with Warren Beatty’s “Rules Don’t Apply.” The festival will also host the world premiere of Robert De Niro’s “The Comedian” on the following night.
AFI Fest has also set a Nov. 13 tribute screening of Isabelle Huppert’s “Elle,” a Nov. 15 gala for “La La Land,” and a Nov. 16 gala for Annette Bening’s “20th Century Women.”
“Patriots Day,” directed by Berg, recaps the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and the search for the perpetrators. Wahlberg portrays Sgt. Tommy Saunders, who joins first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Kevin Bacon stars as Special Agent Richard DesLauriers, John Goodman portrays Police Commissioner Ed Davis, J.K. Simmons plays Sgt. Jeffrey Pugliese, and Michelle Monaghan portrays nurse Carol Saunders.
Survivors from the tragedy will attend the world premiere in Boston on Dec. 14.
The film will open in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles on Dec. 21, and will launch in theaters nationwide on Jan. 13, 2017.
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