AFI FEST 2015 presented by Audi kicks off on Thursday, November 5 at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. The Opening Night Gala, the world premiere of BY THE SEA, follows an American writer (Brad Pitt) and his wife (Angelina Jolie Pitt) who arrive in a tranquil and picturesque seaside resort in 1970s France, their marriage in apparent crisis. The film is written, directed, produced by and stars Academy Award^® winner Jolie Pitt and co-produced by and stars Academy Award^® winner Pitt.

“Time and again, Angelina Jolie Pitt has proven herself an artist of the highest caliber,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “It is an honor for AFI to celebrate her latest story with its World Premiere – and in doing so – to shine a proper light upon her boundless creative energies as actor, director, writer and producer.”

“AFI has long supported the boldness and experimentation that accompanies provocative cinema,” said Jolie Pitt. “As a filmmaker, and on behalf of our cast and crew, I am honored to launch the film at the Opening Night Gala for AFI FEST.”

“We are launching this year’s AFI FEST with a film that is fueled by the influence of both American and foreign cinema. Angelina Jolie Pitt’s intelligent artistry in BY THE SEA proves that she is one of today’s most creative and expressive filmmakers. It is a perfect way to kick off what will be eight days of incredible films from Hollywood and across the globe,” said Jacqueline Lyanga, Director, AFI FEST.

BY THE SEA will open in theaters nationwide on November 13, 2015.