Polanski's return to NYFF

John C. Reilly and Jodie FosterMichael Barker and Tom Bernard flank Richard Pena and Rose Kuo. Anjelica Huston and Yasmina RezaShanyn Leigh and Abel Ferrara When "Carnage" opened the 49th annual NY Film Festival on a rainy Friday, it was only the second film from helmer Roman Polanski to get a showcase in the fest -- the first being "Knife in the Water" in NYFF's very first outing, in 1963. Sony Pictures Classics, on the other hand, has been a far more regular presence. Along with "Carnage," SPC has four other films in this year's fest, and "Carnage" reps the distributor's eighth pic to open the annual event. SPC's Michael Barker reminisced about some of those memorable screenings, including the 2000 bow of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." "The screening was like the shot heard round the world," he said. In addition to Alice Tully Hall, where "Carnage" unspooled, the fest also has the Film Society of Lincoln Center's newly completed, multi-venue Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center to show pics. "The fest turns 50 next year, but in many ways it feels like we're just getting started," said the Society's Ann Tenenbaum. "I turned 50 this year, and can't say the same myself, unfortunately." Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com

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