Director Richard Press Took Over a Decade to Complete

For over 50 years, Bill Cunningham has captured fashion trends daily on the streets of New York. For many years, he was also a popular fashion photographer and columnist for The New York Times.

At 84, he remains active, photographing the city and influencing countless people, from celebrities to ordinary citizens. Yet, much about him remains a mystery. Even those close to him in the industry know little of his private life. Director Richard Press, making his feature-length directorial debut, spent eight years negotiating to film Cunningham. The project, including filming and editing, took a total of ten years from conception to completion.

A Humorous and Warm Gaze on Bill and the Beloved People Around Him

Bill Cunningham continues to photograph, rain or shine, clad in his signature blue work clothes. His studio apartment above Carnegie Hall, where he has lived for over 50 years, is filled with film, with only a simple bed for furniture. He is utterly indifferent to anything outside of his work, his mind perpetually occupied with fashion.

Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue, famously said, "We all dress for Bill every morning." Yet, Bill himself is always seen in his customary blue work attire. He doesn't bother replacing his cheap poncho when it tears on rainy days, opting instead to repair it with tape. He believes, "The cheaper the coffee, the better it tastes." This film finally reveals his little-known private life and work ethic.—.

The film, which captures Bill and the beloved people around him in New York with a humorous and warm perspective, quickly gained popularity upon its release in a New York cinema. We invite you to glimpse the true face of a "real celebrity" who commands the respect of fashionistas worldwide.

Win Tickets to 'Bill Cunningham & New York' for 5 Pairs of 10!

And for OPENERS readers, we have exciting news. We are giving away screening tickets for this film to 5 pairs of 10 people. If you wish to enter, please apply via the button below.

Application Deadline | Wednesday, May 1st, Noon

Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.

Winners will be notified via email. Please reply to the email, keeping the subject line as is, and include all necessary information. Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.

Win Tickets to 'Bill Cunningham & New York' for 5 Pairs of 10!
Date | Tuesday, May 14th
Time | Doors open 6:00 PM, Screening starts 6:30 PM
Venue | Shinjuku Wald 9
3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Shinjuku East Building 9F

'Bill Cunningham & New York'
Nationwide release starting Saturday, May 18th, at Shinjuku Wald 9 and other theaters.
Director | Richard Press
Starring | Bill Cunningham, Anna Wintour, Tom Wolfe. Distribution | Star Sands, Doma.
2010 | USA | 84 min

© The New York Times and First Thought Films.