Will Smith’s controversial NFL drama ‘Concussion’ to make its world premiere at AFI Fest

The American Film Institute announced Wednesday that the Centerpiece Gala at this year’s AFI Fest will be Sony Pictures’ drama “Concussion,” which takes on the hot-button issue of traumatic brain injury in the National Football League.

The film, which is directed by Peter Landesman and stars Will Smith, will screen on Nov. 10 at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Months before its Christmas release, “Concussion” has already stirred controversy. Earlier this month, a New York Times report, citing emails leaked in the 2014 Sony hack, raised questions over whether the film had been softened to appease the NFL, which has been widely criticized for being slow to respond to the concussion issue.

SIGN UP for the free Indie Focus movies newsletter >>

Landesman and Sony pushed back strongly against suggestions it soft-pedaled the issue, saying that the film -- in which Smith plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, a pathologist who identified the first case of chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the brains of NFL players -- was made entirely without the NFL’s involvement and pulls no punches.

In screening the film more than a month before it hits theaters, Sony is clearly aiming to stay on offense and get out in front of any lingering questions surrounding it.

“Although the film doesn’t open until Christmas, with all of the recent debate about it, we are excited to show it sooner so that the discussion can be more informed,” Sony Pictures Chairman Tom Rothman said in a statement. “‘Concussion’ is a great American immigrant story. An outsider, whose greatest aspiration is to belong, takes on an American corporate Goliath at incredible personal risk. His only weapon is the knowledge that he is right and his belief that in America, truth will prevail. We are so grateful to AFI Fest for giving us this opportunity.”

The 29th edition of AFI Fest will take place Nov. 5-12 at various theaters in Hollywood. The full lineup and schedule will be announced in October. More information is available at AFI’s website.

Twitter: @joshrottenberg