I really didn’t know much at all about “The Inspection” before sitting down inside the Walter Reade Theater in late June to watch it. Our friends at A24 shared a number of films with us for NYFF consideration and this one was a bit of a mystery. I’d seen Elegance Bratton’s documentary, “Pier Kids” (about black, homeless, queer folks in New York City) a few years ago, but didn’t know what to expect when the lights went down and “The Inspection” started. WOW! Elegance Bratton’s narrative directing debut, an astonishing new film about his own life, is the story of a gay man in the U.S. Marine Corps going through basic training during the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell era, after spending a decade living on the streets. Jeremy Pope, Bokeem Woodbine, Raúl Castillo, and Gabrielle Union all shine in this mesmerizing new movie. Our NYFF Selection Committee — Dennis Lim, Florence Almozini, Kam Collins, Rachel Rosen, and I — talked about this exceptional new film a lot, and were thrilled at the opportunity to invite Elegance and “The Inspection” to close this 60th edition of the New York Film Festival. “Festival galas are often occasions to celebrate filmmakers we know and love, but for this year’s closing night, we wanted to introduce audiences to someone we think will be shaping the art form for years to come,” Dennis shared in a statement today, “With The Inspection, Elegance Bratton has made an autobiographical movie of rare power and confidence, a debut film for the ages.” We’re so excited for this upcoming 60th NYFF, and we’ve got more news to unveil tomorrow. We’re also proud, moved, and honored to be able to share “The Inspection” with New York at it’s U.S. premiere on October 14th at Alice Tully Hall. “I’m so excited. Thrilled. It’s unbelievable,” Elegance shared with me in a string of messages here in Insta recently, and I responded by gushing about my love for his new films. “I’m such a believer in NYFF,” he added, “It’s crazy. It’s reciprocated. I’m just over the moon.” Congratulations, @elegancebratton can’t wait for October 14th!