Paper Tiger Will Screen in 35mm at New York Film Festival
The New York Film Festival will host 35mm screenings of James Gray’s Paper Tiger on September 25, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Director James Gray’s new film, Paper Tiger, will debut with 35mm screenings at Alice Tully Hall and the Walter Reade Theatre on September 25, 2026. The film will subsequently arrive in theaters nationwide on November 13, 2026, through distributor Neon.
Why it matters
The festival presentation highlights a rare opportunity for local cinephiles to experience the work in a traditional analog format before its wider commercial rollout. The project serves as a key showcase for Gray’s vision, featuring cinematography by Joaquin Baca-Asay and production design by Happy Massee.
The production utilizes 35mm film prints for its festival debut, with four total screenings scheduled across two venues. Neon is set to manage the wide theatrical release starting November 13, 2026.
The players
James Gray
He is an acclaimed American filmmaker who wrote and directed Paper Tiger.
Neon
This independent film production and distribution company is responsible for bringing Paper Tiger to theaters.
Joaquin Baca-Asay
He is a professional cinematographer who served as the director of photography for this production.
Happy Massee
He is a production designer tasked with creating the visual environments for the film.
The details
The film features creative work from director of photography Joaquin Baca-Asay and production designer Happy Massee. Audiences in New York City will be the first to view the project in its original 35mm format during the festival’s opening night events.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: 35mm screenings of Paper Tiger at NYFF
October 22, 2026: Live Q&A with James Gray at Virginia Film Festival
November 13, 2026: Theatrical release of Paper Tiger
Industry Dynamics
The festival use of 35mm film projection marks a deliberate aesthetic choice by the filmmakers that contrasts with the industry-wide shift toward digital-only distribution. This move reflects a broader trend among auteur directors to preserve celluloid exhibition as a premium viewing experience.
Local film enthusiasts can catch the limited 35mm screenings at Alice Tully Hall and Walter Reade Theatre before the general theatrical release. General audiences will gain access to the film in theaters beginning November 13, 2026.
The takeaway
James Gray continues to prioritize traditional filmmaking techniques by emphasizing analog 35mm prints for his latest project. Fans looking to see the film in its intended format should plan to attend the festival screenings in New York City this September.
Further reading
For more on upcoming genre releases, visit the Science Fiction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IndieWire.
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