Another awards season hopeful has slotted into the calendar after it emerged on Monday [29] that the world premiere of Paul Greengrass’ Somali hijacking thriller starring Tom Hanks will open the 51st New York Film Festival on Sept 27.

The story is based on the 2009 incident in which Somali pirates took control of the US container ship Maersk Alabama. Somali newcomers Barkhad Abdi, Faysal Ahmed, Barkhad Abdirahman and Mahat M Ali star alongside Hanks.

Billy Ray adapted the screenplay from Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, And Dangerous Days At Sea by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty. 

Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti and Mike De Luca produced. Sony Pictures has set an Oct 11 release date.

Captain Phillips will mark Greengrass’ return to NYFF following the 2002 screening of Bloody Sunday.

The NYFF is set to run from Sept 27-Oct 13.

Topics