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A dozen features and documentaries from an international array of novice directors constitute the breaking news of this festival, which, like its theme, is happening for the first time. New Yorkers may take particular interest in Amy Nicholson’s “Zipper,” about the showdown over the legendary Coney Island attraction, and Seth Fisher’s brisk Manhattan comedy “Blumenthal,” starring Brian Cox as a crusty playwright whose sudden death—while laughing at his own joke—throws his family into turmoil. “Mongolian Bling,” a documentary by Australian Benj Binks, ventures further afield with a look at the far-reaching impact hip-hop has made on an ancient culture challenged by contemporary trends and rapid change. There’s also a slew of special guests promised, many on hand to screen and discuss their own directorial debuts, including Sofia Coppola, Darren Aronofsky, Nancy Savoca, Hal Hartley, Melvin Van Peebles and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

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