First Look is not just a festival of new films, it is a festival about new approaches to filmmaking, with works that defy convention, experiment in form, blend fiction and reality, and allow us to see the art form—and the world—in a new way. Whether by emerging artists or established masters, the films in First Look are deeply engaged, not only with the medium but with such essential subjects as work, revolution, romantic obsession, aging, and the clash between tradition and modern life. Distinctly idiosyncratic, the films share an artisan approach; they feel intimate and hand-crafted. Now in its fourth year, First Look is now officially a festival, with an expanded lineup, two theaters (including free screenings in the Bartos Screening Room), and a digital-media component, with specially commissioned GIFs and a large-scale lobby installation. This year, First Look also starts a programming partnership with FIDMarseille, the innovative, like-minded French festival that takes place in July in Marseille and is programmed by a team led by Jean-Pierre Rehm.

Tickets for First Look films are available for advance purchase online and are $12 per screening and free for Museum members at the Film Lover level and above, with the exception of opening night on January 9 and the free screenings in the Bartos Screening Room. Museum members (Film Lover and above) may reserve tickets in advance by emailing [email protected].

A First Look Festival pass, good for admission to all films, is available for $40.

First Look films were organized by Chief Curator David Schwartz and Assistant Film Curator Aliza Ma. First Look digital-media works were organized by Associate Curator of Digital Media Jason Eppink.