The Social Network, director David Fincher's anticipated film about the founders of social networking site Facebook, has landed the opening night slot at the New York Film Festival.

The movie will have its world premiere on Sept. 24 at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan, ahead of its official theatrical release on Oct. 1, organizers announced Thursday.

"It's exceptionally rare to discover a film that so powerfully captures the spirit of its time," Richard Pena, selection committee chair and program director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, said in a statement.

Written by screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, the film is adapted from Ben Mezrich's book The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal.

Both director and writer "have focused their lenses on a story of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, with a multifaceted character at the center who is as complex as he is clever," said Mara Manus, executive director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center. "This is just the kind of film that our audience wants to see, and we're thrilled to be hosting the world premiere."

The 48th annual New York Film Festival runs Sept. 24 to Oct. 10.

The Social Network stars Jesse Eisenberg stars as Mark Zuckerberg, with the cast also including pop star and actor Justin Timberlake, actor Andrew Garfield (who was recently cast as Peter Parker in the forthcoming Spider-Man reboot), Rashida Jones (best known for The Office and Parks and Recreation) and Disney regular Brenda Song.

Additional programming selections for the 17-day festival remain to be announced.

With files from The Associated Press