FIRST OFF . . .

On another “Last Temptation” front: The executive director of the New York Film Festival confirmed Tuesday that the Scorsese film will be shown at that festival as well, adding that possible cancellations by other directors will not affect the festival’s decision to show the movie. Joanne Koch, executive director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center--the New York festival’s organizers--said the festival, scheduled to open Sept. 26, would screen “Last Temptation” despite the controversy or possible protests, providing that Universal Pictures goes ahead and releases the film. “Our committee saw the film, and we feel that it’s important,” Koch said. There will likely be protests, said Koch, “but we’ve been through all that before.” Koch’s statements contradicted a report by syndicated columnist Liz Smith, who said festival organizers would not show the film at all out of fear of protests.