New York City, September 6, 2025
News Summary
This month marks the limited U.S. theatrical release of Roman Polanski’s film ‘An Officer and a Spy’ through Vitagraph Films. The film, which won the 2019 Venice Grand Jury Prize and focuses on the controversial Dreyfus Affair, has previously been unavailable in the U.S. The rollout starts in New York City and will expand to other markets starting September 5, with widespread screening hopes despite its historical controversies.
New York City
Roman Polanski’s film “An Officer and a Spy” is opening in a limited U.S. theatrical run this month through distributor Vitagraph Films, marking the first widely publicized North American release for the 2019 Venice Grand Jury Prize winner after years of stalled plans and controversy. The historical drama, based on the Dreyfus Affair and starring Jean Dujardin and Louis Garrel, had been largely unavailable in the U.S. until this rollout.
Key release and screenings
The film began showing at select venues in New York City and is scheduled to expand to additional U.S. markets beginning September 5. Initial screenings were staged at multiple New York locations, including the Angelika Film Center, Cinemas 1, 2, 3 at 1001 3rd Avenue, Look Cinemas on W. 57th Street, and a single engagement at the New Plaza Cinema on the Upper West Side.
Beginning September 5, the run is slated to expand to additional cities and venues, including Angelika theaters in Dallas, TX and Fairfax, VA, an Angelika pop-up in Washington, DC, Cinema Arts in Huntington, NY, Montgomery Cinemas in Skillman, NJ, Reading Cinemas at Cal Oaks in Murrieta, CA, Tower Theatre in Sacramento, CA, and a UA Regal location in East Hampton, NY.
Controversy and exhibition history
The film’s U.S. availability has been limited for years amid controversy surrounding its director. A previous limited theatrical showing occurred at New York’s Film Forum; that screening drew internal objections from Film Forum staff. American distributors historically avoided screening the film at industry markets, contributing to stalled release plans despite favorable reception in parts of Europe.
Vitagraph Films is taking the step of distributing the title in U.S. markets after years of uncertainty. There are currently no confirmed bookings in Los Angeles, the largest U.S. market for arthouse films, and some observers expect the film may not receive theatrical bookings in that market.
Critical reception and awards
“An Officer and a Spy” won the 2019 Venice Grand Jury Prize and received critical attention in European venues. Despite festival recognition, commercial release in North America did not follow immediately, leading to a prolonged period in which the film was effectively unavailable to many American audiences.
Distribution, availability and next steps
Vitagraph Films is publicly tracking screening updates, and interested viewers have been following the distributor’s social media for schedule information. Cinephiles and some distributors indicate hope that the theatrical run could lead to an official home video release in North America, potentially including a Blu-ray with English subtitles, though no such release has been announced.
Background: the film and the historical subject
“An Officer and a Spy” dramatizes the Dreyfus Affair, a late 19th-century political and legal scandal in France involving the wrongful conviction of a Jewish army officer for treason. The story has been the subject of numerous books, plays, and films due to its implications for justice, institutional bias, and national politics. Roman Polanski’s adaptation attracted attention for its artistic approach and for reviving debate around both the historical episode and the director’s personal controversies.
Where and when to see it
Current screenings and limited runs include:
- Angelika Film Center (18 W. Houston, NYC)
- Cinemas 1, 2, 3 (1001 3rd Ave at 59th, NYC) — Ends Sept. 6
- Look Cinemas (W. 57th St at Westside Hwy., NYC) — Ends Sept. 4
- New Plaza Cinema (Upper West Side, NYC) — One show on Sept. 27
The expansion list beginning Sept. 5 includes Angelika locations in Dallas and Fairfax, an Angelika pop-up in Washington, DC, Cinema Arts in Huntington, Montgomery Cinemas in Skillman, Reading Cinemas at Cal Oaks in Murrieta, Tower Theatre in Sacramento, and UA Regal in East Hampton.
FAQ
Is “An Officer and a Spy” now playing in U.S. theaters?
Yes. The film has begun a limited theatrical run in select U.S. venues, with initial screenings in New York and scheduled expansions to other cities starting September 5.
Who is distributing the film in the United States?
Vitagraph Films is handling the current limited U.S. distribution and tracking screening updates publicly.
Why was the film not released in North America earlier?
American distribution plans stalled for years amid controversy surrounding the director and reluctance among some distributors to handle the title at industry markets, despite the film receiving festival awards and European attention.
Will the film be shown in Los Angeles?
There are no confirmed Los Angeles bookings at this time, and it remains unclear whether the film will be programmed in that major arthouse market.
Is a home video release planned?
No official Blu-ray or home video release for North America has been announced. Some cinephiles hope the theatrical run could lead to an eventual Blu-ray with English subtitles.
Where can I find schedule updates?
Vitagraph Films has been providing updates about screening locations and dates on its public channels where schedules are posted and revised.
Release at a glance
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Film title | An Officer and a Spy |
| Director | Roman Polanski |
| Main cast | Jean Dujardin, Louis Garrel |
| Award | 2019 Venice Grand Jury Prize |
| Initial U.S. screenings | Multiple New York venues (Angelika, Cinemas 1-3, Look Cinemas, New Plaza Cinema) |
| Planned expansion | Additional cities from Sept. 5 (Dallas, Fairfax, Washington DC pop-up, Murrieta, Sacramento, etc.) |
| Los Angeles booking | No confirmed bookings; status uncertain |
| Home video | No announced Blu-ray or North American release; potential interest for one |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Vulture: Best Horror Movies on Netflix
- The New York Times: Kathryn Bigelow at Venice Film Festival
- Creepy Catalog: New Fears Eve NYC Debut
- Time Out New York: Scary Movies XIII at Film at Lincoln Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dreyfus Affair
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
