Lee Daniels’ “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” is the first gala presentation to be announced as part of AFI Fest 2009, which runs Oct. 30-Nov. 7.
Werner Herzog’s “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” and Bong Joon-ho’s “Mother” also are in the lineup, announced Wednesday, as are two French/Italian co-productions: Jacques Audiard’s “A Prophet” and Marco Bellocchio’s “Vincere,” both of which debuted at this year’s Festival de Cannes.
As part of its new “See a Film on Us” initiative, the fest will offer complementary tickets to all films including a limited number of seats to each gala presentation.
