The Hamptons, known as a summer playground for many of the Hollywood elite, will soon have their autumn reason for welcoming an influx of stars – the Hamptons International Film Festival. In its 18th year, the Hamptons International Film Festival will be held October 7th through the 11th. The area will play host to a myriad of big names in the film industry including actors, actresses, directors, producers, and screenwriters. It is also a weekend to celebrate the intricate detail that goes into a variety of filmmaking all over the world right in our own backyard...how lucky are we?
Whether your passion is dramatic film, documentaries, animation, or simply stargazing and people watching, you will not want to miss this fabulous event. Held over Columbus Day weekend once again this year, the festival promises to have a great turnout. Last year was the first year the festival was held over the holiday weekend and, says David Nugent, Director of Programming, the difference in the crowd was noticeable. "There are a lot more people in the area and it provided a really great vibe," says Nugent. "It used to be a Wednesday to Sunday festival and it was not easy for many to get out here so early in the week. Now we go Thursday through Monday and it makes a big difference to basically have an extra weekend day." Stars including James Franco, Paul Giamatti, Stanley Tucci, Ryan Gosling, Edie Falco, Isabella Rosselini, Alec Baldwin, Marcia Gay Harden, Joel and Ethan Coen, and John Turturro will all be in attendance among many, many others. (Check out the website for a more detailed list of attendees.)
While all of the films offer something special, there are definitely a few buzz-worthy notables. Made in Dagenham starring Sally Hawkins, who will be in attendance, is a true story about the group of 168 women working at the Ford Motor Company in 1960's England and their fight for equal pay. The film is directed by Nigel Cole and also stars Rosamund Pike and Miranda Richardson. Barney's Version is the opening night film which will be screened at Guild Hall and the UA East Hampton Theater on Thursday evening. The cast is incredible with Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Rosamund Pike, and Minnie Driver. With humor and insight, the film tells the story of a disagreeable yet also warmhearted television producer in Montreal who is forced to relive both the good and not-so-good moments that have shaped his life. Ceremony, starring Michael Angarano and Uma Thurman, was filmed on Long Island and is a comedy about a beach weekend getaway gone awry. The film was directed by young up-and-coming filmmaker Max Winkler who also wrote the screenplay. This year's winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize is Beneath Hill 60 which depicts the dangerous and important mission of Oliver Woodward and the 1st Australian Mining Company during World War I as they head to Belgium to dig tunnels that extend behind German lines and help advance the British troops. The Alfred P. Sloan prize is reserved for a film that portrays a gripping and realistic depiction of science and technology. Immediately following the screening on Friday evening there will be a panel discussion with the film's writer and producer, David Roach, and experts in the field of history of engineering technology.
This year due to the timing of the festival, amidst the mid-term elections, there will also be a focus on certain relevant films. One of which is the documentary Waiting for "Superman" from Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth). The film is already generating a ton of press and was recently featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Guggenheim follows five students to see how they go through our public education system. It is a riveting and eye-opening view of this very broken structure we are counting on to take care of our children. Guggenheim will lead an extended Q&A and panel discussion after the film which will show at Guild Hall on Saturday at 2:30pm.
Paying homage to the festival's geography is the 2010 View From Long Island Films. This program features pieces that are either by Long Island residents, about the area or filmed in the area. It is a great way to honor our beautiful and diverse locale. And Everything is Going Fine directed by Steven Soderbergh is a portrait of one of the Hamptons most famous and beloved longtime residents, Spalding Gray.
In conjunction with the dynamic films on tap there will be a number of programs in which attendees can take part. One of the most popular is A Conversation With...,which features some of cinemas most prominent and important contributors as they reflect on their careers in an informal setting. This year the four participants will be Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, James Franco, and Julian Schnabel. There will also be a focus on animation with the director and producer of Toy Story 3, and a Cinematography Masters Class done with Kodak which will feature cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh who has lent his talents to films such as Amelia, Bridget Jones's Diary, Runaway Bride, Kate and Leopold, and The Painted Veil, among countless others. There is also a program of Breakthrough Performers, a group of young talents who will present their performances in films at the festival. This year the list of actors include, Jessica Chaistain, Luke Grimes, Freida Pinto, Noomi Rapace, and Brittany Robertson. Every year a Mentor is named for the group, and this year's choice is Stanley Tucci. These up and coming stars will also take part in a Roundtable Discussion at the First Presbyterian Church Session House in East Hampton at 1:30 pm on Saturday October 9th which is open to the public.
The Hamptons International Film Festival has truly developed into a must-hit event. Whether you are a major film buff and want to immerse yourself in the scene, or just want to catch one or two great flicks, you will not be disappointed. For a complete list of films, schedule, events and general information visit the festival's website at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.
