Sam Esmail’s ‘Leave the World Behind’ with Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali to open 2023 AFI FEST

Today, the American Film Institute (AFI) announced that the World Premiere of Leave the World Behind, written and directed by AFI Conservatory Alum Sam Esmail (AFI Class of 2004), will open the 37th edition of AFI FEST on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

AFI FEST will take place on October 25-29, 2023, at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood.

“Sam Esmail is a commanding voice in the new generation of cinematic storytellers, and we are proud to present the World Premiere of his new film at AFI FEST,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “That he is a graduate of the AFI Conservatory only adds to the pride we feel in celebrating this accomplishment – which is both powerful and profound.”

Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam, Leave the World Behind apocalyptic thriller from award-winning writer and director Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), Amanda (Academy Award winner Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Academy Award nominee Ethan Hawke), rent a luxurious home for the weekend with their kids, Archie (Charlie Evans) and Rose (Farrah Mackenzie). Their vacation is soon upended when two strangers — G.H. (two-time Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la) — arrive in the night, bearing news of a mysterious cyberattack and seeking refuge in the house they claim is theirs. The two families reckon with a looming disaster that grows more terrifying by the minute, forcing everyone to come to terms with their places in a collapsing world.

Leave the World Behind is produced by Esmail Corp, Red Om Films and Higher Ground Productions from Netflix Studios.

Photo: JoJo Whilden