Yorgos Lanthimos' 'The Favourite' to open New York Film Festival

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos' next feature "The Favourite", starring Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, will open the New York Film Festival.

According to a statement released by the organisers, Lanthimos's film will premiere at the Alice Tully Hall on September 28 during the 56th edition of the festival.

The film, which also stars "The Night Manager" actor Olivia Colman, is set in 18th century England and being described as a "wildly intricate and very darkly funny" movie.

The story follows Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough (Weisz), and her servant Abigail Hill (Stone) who engage in a sexually charged fight to the death for the body and soul of Queen Anne (Colman) at the height of the War of the Spanish Succession.

"It's a great privilege to be showing 'The Favourite' for the opening night of the New York Film Festival, which is a very special place for the film," said Lanthimos.

"I had a wonderful experience screening 'The Lobster' at this distinct festival and I'm looking forward to sharing 'The Favourite' with audiences in New York. I was envisioning this film for many years and eventually had a lot of fun making it," he added.

The director is best known for films like "The Lobster" and "The Killing of a Sacred Deer".

Previously, film such as "Last Flag Flying" (2017), "13TH" (2016), "The Walk" (2015) "Gone Girl" (2014) "Captain Phillips" (2013), "Life of Pi" (2012) and others have served as the opening films at the festival.

This year, the 17-day cinema extravaganza will run from September 28 to October 14.