by Debbie Tuma
The 33rd Annual Hamptons International Film Festival was bigger and better than ever, with eleven days of world-class films across the East End, in theaters in East Hampton, Sag Harbor, and the new Southampton IMAX Theater. Films were also shown in Guild Hall and East Hampton Middle School. From October 3 to 13, the streets of the East End were filled with eager theater goers, major celebrities, local filmmakers, directors, and others coming from around the world.
What’s exciting about this fall festival is that people out here get to be the first to see many movies that go on to win Oscar awards, and meet famous stars such as Ethan Hawke, with his new movie “Blue Moon,” and Elizabeth Olsen, with her new film, “Eternity.” Both did the “Conversation With,” where they appeared on stage to be interviewed about their movies and careers. Other highlights this year were actress Sidney Sweeney’s performance in the Centerpiece Film “Christy,” and UBS Breakthrough Performer “Tonatiuh’s performance in “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” And lines were around the block for Jodie Foster’s appearance at her new movie, “A Private Life.” What is really fascinating about this festival is the amount of short, and feature-length films from all different venues, from World Cinema, to Films of Conflict and Resolution, to Films of Air, Land and Sea, Views From Long Island, Animal Rights, Spotlight Films, and Documentaries. Thanks to HIFF’s David Nugent for selecting all these films, and to HIFF Board Co-Chairs Randy Mastro and Alec Baldwin. Also to board member Regina K. Scully and her Artemis Rising Foundation for returning as the Presenting Sponsor.
It’s also so exciting to see films made right here on Long Island. One of them this year, “On the End,” was about Montauk. Director and screenwriter Ari Selinger, of Brooklyn and Sag Harbor, did a very entertaining film based on a true story of a down on his luck mechanic living on Navy Road. For years, the Town of East Hampton had been trying to get him to clean up his property, strewn with cars, garbage, and tried to evict him claiming it was an environmental hazard. But he claimed his property was grandfathered in, and refused to leave. The case went to court, and eventually he won, with the help of his girlfriend Cathy Ann Tobin, or “Freckles” and attorney friend. This film is also a wonderful love story of Tom Ferrreira, the main character, and Freckles, who meet under extraordinary circumstances, as both are down and out, in bad health and suffering. This movie also shows the rural beauty of Navy Road in Montauk, along the bay, and how Hamptons realtors are trying to get them to move out and sell their beachfront “shacks” for millions.
Hundreds of Montaukers and other locals packed the East Hampton and Sag Harbor theaters to see “On the End” for two nights. Selinger and his cast members later greeted the crowds. He has so far taken this film to festivals in Woodstock, Newport Beach, California and others.
Another important film in this festival was “Trade Secret,” an expose that examines how we protect threatened species on a global level. Filmed over six years across nine countries, it follows the investigation into the black-market fur trade and finds out that certain companies claiming to protect endangered wildlife, like polar bears, are also involved in the hunting of them.
‘Polar bears are one of the most beloved animals in the world, but they’re not protected,” said Joffe, who grew up in Australia and now lives in England. “For over 100 years they’ve been shot by trophy hunters. Because of this, 70% of the world’s wildlife has disappeared. We need to end international commercial trade.”
The cinematic photography in this film is amazing, showing wildlife around the world, and especially in the harsh areas of Alaska, where the thinning ice caps have already caused a huge problem for the polar bears, trying desperately to survive. “All species are important, but if we can’t protect the polar bears, how can we protect the smaller animals?” said Joffe, who has been a wildlife photographer for 20 years, and also worked on “Our Oceans,” narrated by former President Barack Obama.
Showing the great diversity of films in the Hamptons International Film Festival, another popular and fun movie was “Newport and the Great Folk Dream,” about the famous Newport Folk Festival, how it started and how it grew. This was the North American Premiere, in the Documentary Feature category. It was done by local Hamptons musician Joe Lauro and also Robert Gordon. It shows the time from 1963 to 1966, with Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Howlin’ Wolf, and other great folkies. This heartfelt film shows rare and previously unseen archival footage and was filled with protest spirit.
Get your tickets early for the 34th annual Hamptons Filmfest next October and get a great education from the many world-wide movies you can see right here on the East End! https://hamptonsfilmfest.org/