The American Film Institute (AFI) announced today that AFI FEST 2016 presented by Audi will close with the Special Closing Night Gala Presentation of CBS Films and Lionsgate’s “Patriots Day.” Directed by Peter Berg and starring Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg, the Closing Night Gala will take place on November 17th 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 Jacqueline Lyanga, Director, AFI FEST. “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.”
An account of the Boston Marathon bombing, “Patriots Day” is the powerful story of a community’s courage in the face of terror. In the aftermath of an unspeakable attack, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Wahlberg) joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Weaving together the stories of Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon), Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman), Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons) and nurse Carol Saunders (Michelle Monaghan), this visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and celebrates the strength of the people of Boston. The film will open in Boston, New York and Los Angeles on December 21st and will open in theaters nationwide on January 13th, 2017.
Free tickets to AFI FEST will be available on AFI.com beginning today. For the full slate of previously announced titles screening at the festival, visit this year’s Film Guide, now online here.
