Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF)

I, TONYA to Close Hamptons International Film Festival + Fest Announces Full Lineup

[caption id="attachment_24703" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] I, TONYA[/caption] Craig Gillespie’s I, TONYA, the film that tells the history of Olympic ice skater Tonya Harding and her fall from grace, will be the Closing Night Film of this year’s Hamptons International Film Festival. The film stars Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan and Allison Janney. The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) announced the full slate for the 25th Anniversary festival, including the selections for Spotlight Films, World Cinema and Shorts Programs, as well as Signature Programs including Views from Long Island; Air, Land & Sea; Compassion, Justice & Animal Rights; and Conflict & Resolution. The 2017 festival will take place October 5 to 9, Columbus Day Weekend, with over 65 features and 50 shorts representing a total of 40 countries across the globe. New additions to the Spotlight section include Joe Wright’s DARKEST HOUR, starring Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Mendelsohn; Paul McGuigan’s FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL, starring Annette Bening and Jamie Bell; Reginald Hudlin’s MARSHALL, starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown and Kate Hudson; Noah Baumbach’s THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED), starring Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson; and Todd Haynes’ WONDERSTRUCK, starring Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams. The section will also feature the previously announced Vincent Gagliostro’s AFTER LOUIE, Luca Guadagnino’s CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, Fatih Akin’s IN THE FADE, Rob Reiner’s LBJ, Guillermo del Toro’s THE SHAPE OF WATER, Alexandre Moors’ THE YELLOW BIRDS, and Brendan Malloy and Emmett Malloy’s THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES. This year’s World Cinema Documentary titles include the East Coast Premiere of Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s LOVE, CECIL; the U.S. Premiere of Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s ONE OF US; the New York Premiere of Stefan Avalos’ STRAD STYLE; the U.S. Premiere of Radu Jude’s THE DEAD NATION; and the World Premiere’s of previously announced Coodie & Chike’s THE FIRST TO DO IT and Tiffany Bartok’s LARGER THAN LIFE: THE KEVYN AUCOIN STORY. Other films in this section include Tony Zierra’s FILMWORKER; Trish Adlesic and Geeta Gandbhir’s I AM EVIDENCE; Susan Lacy’s SPIELBERG; Katie Green and Carlye Rubin’s THE FAMILY I HAD; Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous’ THE WORK; and Myles Kane and Josh Koury’s VOYEUR. The World Cinema Narrative films include the U.S. Premiere of Jonas Carpignano’s A CIAMBRA; the East Coast Premiere of Sebastián Lelio’s A FANTASTIC WOMAN; the U.S. Premiere of Boris Khlebnikov’s ARRHYTHMIA; the U.S. Premiere of Michael Haneke’s HAPPY END; the East Coast Premiere of Andrey Zvyagintsev’s LOVELESS; the East Coast Premiere of Maggie Betts’ NOVITIATE; the U.S. Premiere of Paolo Virzì’s THE LEISURE SEEKER; and the previously announced World Premiere of Onur Tukel’s THE MISOGYNISTS. Other films in this section include Jim McKay’s EN EL SÉPTIMO DÍA; Nicolas Bedos’ MR AND MRS ADELMAN; Petra Volpe’s THE DIVINE ORDER; Sean Baker’s THE FLORIDA PROJECT; and Ruben Östlund’s THE SQUARE, winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. As part of their Signature Programs, in the Views From Long Island section the festival will screen Yance Ford’s STRONG ISLAND, a deep and emotional investigation into the senseless death of Ford’s brother in 1992 and the judicial system that failed his family. This section will also screen the previously announced World Premiere of Ben Cummings and Orson Cummings’ KILLER BEES and the World Premiere of Josh Klausner’s WANDERLAND. The Air, Land & Sea program will present the North American premiere of Richard Dale, Lixin Fan, and Peter Webber’s EARTH: ONE AMAZING DAY, a documentary narrated by Robert Redford exploring the natural wonders and creatures of the world over the course of one day. This section will also include Michael Bonfiglio’s FROM THE ASHES, a look at the coal and mining industry and how it will continue to affect the current state of economy, health, and climate. The Compassion, Justice, & Animal Rights program will include a presentation of Brett Morgan’s JANE, profiling the life and work of Jane Goodall at the beginning of her career, including archival footage recently discovered on 16mm. This section will also include the previously announced Allison Argo’s THE LAST PIG. The Conflict & Resolution program will consist of Rina Castelnuovo and Tamir Elterman’s MUHI—GENERALLY TEMPORARY, a story of Muhi, a young boy in Gaza taken to an Israeli hospital for emergency surgery and the political, cultural limbo Muhi and his grandfather face, as well as Aki Kaurismäki’s THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE, about two individuals starting a new chapter of their life and how their lives intertwine. This section will also include the previously announced East Coast Premiere of Ai Weiwei’s HUMAN FLOW and Greg Campbell’s HONDROS. HIFF also announced nine programs of short films this year, including Narrative and Documentary Short Film Competitions; New York Women In Film and Television: Women Calling the Shots; Soar! Shorts For All Ages; Student Short Films Showcase; Twist and Shout; I’ll Be On My Way; Come Together; and two short films that will play before features. The festival will present a special screening of Bryan Fogel’s ICARUS, winner of the 2017 SummerDocs Audience Award. This year the festival will honor Academy Award®-winning actress Julie Andrews with a Lifetime Achievement Award, including a special presentation of VICTOR/VICTORIA co-presented with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Saturday, October 7, in East Hampton. The event will feature a post-screening conversation between Julie Andrews and Alec Baldwin. The festival previously announced that Allison Chernick’s ITZHAK will open the festival on Thursday, October 5; Simon Curtis’ GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON will serve as the Friday Centerpiece; Martin McDonagh’s THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI will serve as the Saturday Centerpiece; and Andy Serkis’ BREATHE will serve as the Sunday Centerpiece. In addition, Emmy® Award-winning actor and Oscar®-nominated director Rob Reiner will participate in the “A Conversation With…” series.
OPENING NIGHT FILM
ITZHAK (USA) World Premiere Director: Allison Chernick Alison Chernick’s documentary ITZHAK examines the life and music of Itzhak Perlman, widely considered one of the world’s greatest living violinists. Exploring the ways in which Perlman’s passion for music allowed him to find a platform for personal expression against tremendous circumstances, Chernick creates a portrait of man whose remarkable will to survive is never removed from his tremendous generosity and humor. Through it all, the discipline we see at work is starkly contrasted with the world we see at home, as a modern Jewish family continues to embrace their heritage against a world of changing expectations. A co-production of American Masters Pictures for WNET.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
I, TONYA (USA) U.S. Premiere Director: Craig Gillespie For many, the revelations following the attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan in the lead-up to the 1994 Winter Olympics cemented the legacy of Tonya Harding as one of the most iconic villains in sports history. Craig Gillespie’s at turns hilarious and tragic look at the life of Harding (astonishingly realized by Margot Robbie) flips the script on this sensational narrative—following her from the tumultuous relationship with her abusive mother (Allison Janney) to the absurd moments that led to that fateful night in Cobo Arena. Fueled by a razor-sharp script that doesn’t let anyone in Harding’s orbit out of its sights, I, TONYA is an outrageous and surprising look at the players behind the notorious scandal.
FRIDAY CENTERPIECE
GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (UK) North American Premiere Director: Simon Curtis Simon Curtis, director of MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (HIFF 2011), presents a heartfelt look into the complicated relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin (newcomer Will Tilston), whose collection of toys and unbridled imagination inspired the enchanting world of Winnie the Pooh. As the whimsical adventures of this honey-loving bear quickly capture the attention of a traumatized, post-war England, the family suddenly finds themselves swept up in the international success—though not without paying the price that often accompanies such fame. While his mother (Margot Robbie) revels in the spotlight, her son struggles with the abrupt loss of his childhood. With great empathy, GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN explores the complexities of family, war, and celebrity.
SATURDAY CENTERPIECE
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (USA) U.S. Premiere Director: Martin McDonagh With the local police force no closer to finding a culprit in the months following her daughter’s murder, Mildred (Academy Award® winner Frances McDormand) decides to make a statement of her own when she posts three signs leading into the town with a blatant message for the town’s chief of police (Woody Harrelson) and his rough-hewn second-in-command (Sam Rockwell). With the same bitingly dark and comedic tone of his previous two films, IN BRUGES and SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (HIFF 2012), Academy Award® winning writer-director Martin McDonagh returns to feature filmmaking with this wildly entertaining and unpredictable story of a divided community simmering with tension and ready to blow.
SUNDAY CENTERPIECE
BREATHE (UK) U.S. Premiere Director: Andy Serkis Best-known for his motion-capture work as Gollum in the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy and Caesar in the PLANET OF THE APES series, Andy Serkis makes his directorial debut with the inspiring true story of activists Robin and Diana Cavendish (Academy Award® nominee Andrew Garfield and Golden Globe® winner Claire Foy). When Robin’s shocking contraction of rapid-onset polio leaves him paralyzed, the two make the controversial decision to remove him from the hospital and define a different life for him. Working together to both create a sustainable condition for Robin and break the stigma surrounding disability rights, the two begin a groundbreaking campaign captured with a warm and enlivening touch by Garfield, Foy, and Serkis.
SPOTLIGHT FILMS
AFTER LOUIE (USA) New York Premiere Director: Vincent Gagliostro Still reeling from survivor’s guilt in the years following the AIDS epidemic, NYC artist Sam (Tony Award® winner Alan Cumming) spends his days working on a seemingly never-ending video tribute to the partner he lost along the way. While an intimate encounter with a younger man (Zachary Booth) at first seems like just another one-off, it soon forces Sam to re-assess his resentment for a generation he perceives to be oblivious to the political immediacy and pain of his own. Longtime activist and first-time filmmaker Vincent Gagliostro brings a knowing sensitivity to this poignant story of generational difference, all centered around Cumming’s raw and magnetic lead performance. Presented in partnership with Newfest. CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (Italy/France) Director: Luca Guadagnino As another summer in his family’s Italian villa lazily drifts by for 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet, Variety’s 10 Actors To Watch), 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer) seems at first to be little more than the latest in a long line of his father’s (Michael Stuhlbarg) research assistants. However, as the weeks wind on, a tender connection develops between the two in Luca Guadagnino’s sun-soaked masterpiece. Refining the stylistic splendor of his previous work into a lush exploration of desire and intimacy, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME is an intoxicating reminder of the tentative gestures and fleeting moments that mark our first steps into the unknown, and their lasting ability to soften the sting of changing seasons. DARKEST HOUR (UK) East Coast Premiere Director: Joe Wright Joe Wright (PRIDE & PREJUDICE, ATONEMENT) returns with a thrilling drama centered on Winston Churchill—starring Academy Award® nominee, Gary Oldman in his most forceful and transformative role to date. Newly appointed as Prime Minister of Great Britain, Churchill faces one of the most defining trials of his career: negotiate peace with Nazi Germany or stand firm to fight for the ideals, liberty, and freedom of a nation. With the threat of invasion imminent as the unstoppable Nazi forces move across Western Europe, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of history FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (UK) East Coast Premiere Director: Paul McGuigan Adapted from British actor Peter Turner’s memoir of the same name, the late-life relationship between legendary Golden-era actress Gloria Grahame (Academy Award®- nominee Annette Bening) and the significantly younger Turner (Jamie Bell) is lovingly recounted in Paul McGuigan’s moving period romance. As the two begin their relationship, we follow Grahame as she moves between Los Angeles, a town in which she seems eternally out of touch with an industry that doesn’t quite know how to treat her, and Turner’s native Liverpool. At the center of it all is Bening, whose lively and nuanced performance brilliantly pays homage to an actress denied the stature she deserved in her own lifetime. IN THE FADE (Germany/France) U.S. Premiere Director: Fatih Akin Selected as Germany’s official submission for the Academy Awards® Best Foreign Language Film, Fatih Akin’s tightly-wound revenge thriller stars Diane Kruger as a woman struggling to overcome her profound grief in the wake of a neo-Nazi terrorist attack that leaves her husband and son dead. Awarded the Best Actress prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Kruger provides a stunningly fearless and grounded lead performance as the victim of an increasingly prevalent form of violence, pushed to the edge and forced to find her own justice in the wake of a failed judicial system. LBJ (USA) New York Premiere Director: Rob Reiner Led by a thunderous lead performance by Woody Harrelson in the titular role, Rob Reiner helms this eye-opening study of the controversial political career of Lyndon B. Johnson, ranging from his days as Senate Majority Leader to his sudden ascendancy to the presidency in the wake of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Aided by an impressive supporting cast that includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Pullman, Reiner offers a panoramic look at Johnson’s long-debated presidency in a time of both major progress and strife for a nation at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement and the dawn of the Vietnam War. MARSHALL (USA) Director: Reginald Hudlin Long before Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman) sat on the U.S. Supreme Court, the NAACP sent the young, rabble-rousing attorney to defend a black chauffeur (Sterling K. Brown) against his wealthy employer (Kate Hudson) in a landmark case that became a media sensation. Partnered with Samuel Friedman (Josh Gad)—a green, Jewish lawyer who had never tried a criminal case—the pair struggle against a hostile storm of fear and prejudice, driven to discover the truth in the inspiring trial that set the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement to come in Reginald Hudlin’s engrossing drama. THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES (NEW AND SELECTED) (USA) Director: Noah Baumbach Content in living out their individual lives in separation from one another, the three middle-aged siblings of the Meyerowitz family find themselves uncomfortably reunited when they are forced to come together to deal with the sudden health issues of their father (Dustin Hoffman), a sculptor who has long defined his career through his resentment to those around him. With a perfectly calibrated ensemble including Ben Stiller, Emma Thompson, and Adam Sandler (in a powerfully grounded performance), THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES finds director Noah Baumbach returning to the tales of familial dysfunction that defined his earlier work with a renewed understanding of the moments of lyrical humor and tenderness that arise alongside it. THE SHAPE OF WATER (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Guillermo del Toro As the Cold War reaches its peak in the early 1960s, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor working at a US government facility, finds a strange creature held deep within the laboratory. Guillermo del Toro’s THE SHAPE OF WATER is a mesmerizing continuation of his fascination with on-screen monsters and their real-world counterparts, wonderfully realized through a brilliant cast (including Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, and Richard Jenkins), and jaw-dropping production design and cinematography. In creating perhaps the most realized synthesis of his many preoccupations to date, del Toro has created a wondrous take on the classic monster movie that seems to exist out of time and yet inseparable from our own. THE YELLOW BIRDS (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Alexandre Moors In the midst of the Iraq War, Bartle (Alden Ehrenreich) and Murph (Tye Sheridan) find themselves woefully unprepared for the realities facing them upon their deployment into active duty. What starts off as a simple mission ends in tragedy, driving one traumatized soldier to return home desperate to escape the past while the other’s parents begins their own search for the truth. Aided by stand-out supporting turns from Jennifer Aniston and Toni Collette, THE YELLOW BIRDS provides a haunting look at the personal devastation facing both the soldiers on the ground and those they leave behind. THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES (USA) World Premiere Director: Emmett Malloy & Brendan Malloy When teenage Medina (Maika Monroe) moves with her family to the picture-perfect paradise of Palos Verdes, California, they seem headed for a happy new chapter in their lives. But old troubles soon catch up to them, as the disintegration of Medina’s parents’ marriage leads her mother (Jennifer Garner) into an emotional freefall and pushes her brother towards addiction. Caught in the middle of it all, Medina must rely on her inner strength to become the stabilizing force in her family, while finding refuge in a new passion: surfing. Set amidst the sun-kissed beaches and crystal blue waters of the California coast, THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES is a stirring look at how life’s greatest challenges forge who we become. WONDERSTRUCK (USA) Director: Todd Haynes Celebrated filmmaker Todd Haynes (CAROL, HIFF 2015) returns to the festival with a transcendent adaptation of Brian Selznick’s best-selling novel. Deftly alternating between two narratives set fifty years apart, WONDERSTRUCK follows a pair of runaway deaf children on their seemingly individual—though ultimately interconnected—adventures. Though separated by time and place, the mysterious symmetry between Ben and Rose’s (newcomers Oakes Fegley and Millicent Simmonds) journeys emerge with mesmerizing poignancy. Starring the incomparable Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams, and featuring breakout performances from its young leads, WONDERSTRUCK is an impeccably crafted and visually stunning coming-of-age tale.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
11/8/16 (USA) World Premiere Curator & Producer: Jeff Deutchman On the day of the 2016 presidential election, filmmaker Jeff Deutchman surveys the thoughts and feelings of ordinary Americans as they head to the ballot box. Told in brief vignettes from across the country, and focusing on voters from every side of the political spectrum—ranging from a Sikh man and his family in New York City to a coal miner in West Virginia—the film humanizes the electorate in an age of sweeping generalizations. In its panoramic form and disparate viewpoints, 11/8/16 provides a necessary counterpoint, finding moments of common humanity within a seemingly unbridgeable divide. LOTS OF KIDS, A MONKEY AND A CASTLE (Spain) New York Premiere Director: Gustavo Salmerón Julita Salmerón’s biggest wishes in life were to have lots of children and a pet monkey, and to live in a castle. Gustavo Salmerón’s humorously candid film follows his mother, and the rest of their family, as they rummage through the vast family archive over a period of fifteen years. She reflects on the dreams she managed to fulfill, along with the lingering effects of the economic crisis that forced her to almost lose it all. Filled with moments of warmth and sincerity, LOTS OF KIDS, A MONKEY, AND A CASTLE is a touching documentary about an eccentric, otherworldly family facing up to the harsh economic realities of living in contemporary Spain. LOVE MEANS ZERO (USA) New York Premiere Director: Jason Kohn With his notorious no-nonsense approach to coaching, Nick Bollettieri is regarded as a controversial figure in the world of tennis—but also, crucially, as a mentor with the know-how to push players to greatness. Director Jason Kohn balances the pointed questions to his subject, who remains intransigent throughout, with interviews with many of Bollettieri’s students—Boris Becker and Jim Courier among them—to shed light on the enigmatic figure. What emerges is a story of a coach fiercely determined to win at all costs, and a compelling look at what it takes to compete at the highest level. MOUNTAIN (Australia) U.S. Premiere Director: Jennifer Peedom Narrated by Willem Dafoe, MOUNTAIN takes the viewer on a sweeping journey to the most awe-inspiring summits on earth. A collaboration between BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom and Richard Tognetti’s Australian Chamber Orchestra, the film glorifies our species’ pursuit of peril: from ice climbers, snowboarders, and wingsuiters, the thrill-seekers’ daredevil antics will leave audiences gasping for breath. Filmed in 15 countries and assembled from 2,000 hours of hypnotizing footage, MOUNTAIN is a beautifully scored and visually stunning work that vividly captures the fear and reverence inspired by the world’s highest peaks. THE CHINA HUSTLE (USA) U.S. Premiere Director: Jed Rothstein In the midst of the 2008 market crash, investors on the fringes of the financial world feverishly sought new alternatives for high-return investments in the global markets. With Chinese indexes demonstrating explosive growth, the country suddenly emerged as a gold rush opportunity with one caveat: US investors were prohibited from investing directly into the country’s market. Makeshift solutions led to a market frenzy, until one investor discovered the massive web of fraud left in its wake. Jed Rothstein’s documentary rings the alarm on the need for transparency in an increasingly deregulated financial world by following those working to uncover the biggest heist you’ve never heard of.
NARRATIVE COMPETITION
DISAPPEARANCE (Iran/Qatar) U.S. Premiere Director: Ali Asgari Rising Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari, whose short film THE SILENCE took home the Best Narrative Short Competition prize at HIFF 2016, returns to the festival with his mesmerizing feature debut. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Iranian society, where conservative traditions often conflict with modern desires, DISAPPEARANCE is the tale of one couple’s race against time to solve an unsolvable problem over the course of one endlessly long night. Featuring outstanding performances from newcomers Sadaf Asgari and Reza Ranjbaran, and an impressively assured stylistic touch, DISAPPEARANCE establishes Asgari as one of the bold new voices in world cinema. OH LUCY! (USA/Japan) U.S. Premiere Director: Atsuko Hirayanagi In this delightfully offbeat tale, OH LUCY! follows Setsuko Kawashima (Shinobu Terajima)—a lonely, chain-smoking introvert who is wasting away at her office job in Tokyo. Setsuko’s world is turned upside down when she meets the charismatic English teacher, John (Josh Hartnett), who draws her out of her shell with the help of a blond wig and the promise of a bold new identity. When John abruptly departs for Southern California, the newly emboldened “Lucy” sets out to find him on a life-altering journey of self-discovery. Based on her award-winning short film, Atsuko Hirayanagi’s charming directorial debut explores the transformative power of individualism. SUMMER 1993 (Spain) New York Premiere Director: Carla Simón Following the death of her parents in Barcelona, six-year-old Frida (the haunting Laia Artigas) is sent to her uncle’s (David Verdaguer) picturesque countryside home, in Carla Simon’s autobiographical feature debut SUMMER 1993. Frida battles with a sense of loneliness and displacement while also yearning to fit into the picture with her new family. Punctuated by moments of youthful exuberance and mature ruminations, this coming-of-age drama, set amongst summery hues, is an extraordinarily moving snapshot of being a child in an adult world, anchored by a flawless performance by its young star. THOROUGHBREDS (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Cory Finley Two wealthy teenage girls with violent impulses seek to inject excitement into their boring suburban lives in THOROUGHBREDS, Cory Finley’s deliciously twisted filmmaking debut. When Lily’s (Anya Taylor Joy, THE WITCH) stepfather threatens to send the troubled teen off to reform school, she recruits her equally unstable childhood friend, Amanda (Olivia Cooke, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL), in a dangerous plot that serves both of their interests. Featuring electrifying performances from its young leads—including the late Anton Yelchin, in his final appearance—this stylish neonoir establishes newcomer Finley as a filmmaker to watch. UNDER THE TREE (Iceland/Denmark/Poland/Germany) East Coast Premiere Director: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson “Love thy neighbor” does not apply in the Iceland suburbs of UNDER THE TREE. After his wife kicks him out of the house, Atli (Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson) stays with his parents—just as the passive aggressive hostility with their neighbors is ramping up over a large tree in the yard. Director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson establishes character dynamics with jabs to the gut and enough dark humor to quell the uneasiness in your stomach. With a moody score and sound design that sways between the tension and release of the scenes, you may find yourself nervously laughing the next time you want to talk to your neighbors about the noise.
WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY
FILMWORKER (USA) Director: Tony Zierra At the age of 27, actor Leon Vitali met Stanley Kubrick during the filming of BARRY LYNDON. Despite having his own respected acting career, Vitali’s fascination with Kubrick led him to throw it away and pursue a life in service of the director as his personal assistant, right-hand man, and, most tumultuously of all, friend. With a treasure trove of behind-the-scene footage and stories recalled by both Vitali and Kubrick’s past collaborators, FILMWORKER provides a fascinating firsthand account of the complex relationship that facilitated the creation, and made possible the preservation, of some of the director’s most legendary work. I AM EVIDENCE (USA) Directors: Trish Adlesic, Geeta Gandbhir Produced by Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU), I AM EVIDENCE uncovers the many disturbing ways our criminal justice system neglects victims of sexual assault. In this revealing exposé, filmmakers Trish Adlesic and Geeta Gandbhir investigate the alarming number of untested evidence kits that have accumulated over the last several decades, denying justice to thousands of survivors in the process. Giving voice to the brave individuals affected by this misconduct and to the heroic law enforcement officials who tirelessly work to deliver long-awaited due process in these cases, I AM EVIDENCE is a powerful call to action. LARGER THAN LIFE, THE KEVYN AUCOIN STORY (USA) World Premiere Director: Tiffany Bartok LARGER THAN LIFE: THE KEVYN AUCOIN STORY explores the life of the iconic make-up artist, who transformed the profession into a prominent and influential art form. Director and fellow make-up artist Tiffany Bartok paints a beautiful and deeply personal portrait of a man who, as both an artist and LGBTQ advocate, dedicated his life to elevating the inner confidence and presence of others. Through intimate archival footage and interviews with his famous friends and clients, Bartok weaves through the journey of Aucoin’s life up until his tragic end—reminding everyone that he truly was larger than life. LOVE, CECIL (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Lisa Immordino Vreeland Documentarian Lisa Immordino Vreeland (PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: ART ADDICT) presents an engaging portrait of the visionary Cecil Beaton. Known for his astounding work ethic and prickly personality, the celebrated and sometimes controversial photographer and costume designer shot iconic portraits of celebrities and took home two Academy Awards® for his work on GIGI and MY FAIR LADY. Expertly weaving thoughtful passages from Beaton’s diaries—brought to life through Rupert Everett’s keen narration—with archival interviews featuring his famous friends (and foes), LOVE CECIL tracks the artist’s long, illustrious career with equal amounts of affection and frankness. ONE OF US (USA) U.S. Premiere Director: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady In a borough defined by rapidly shifting identities and vastly increased visibility, Brooklyn’s Hasidic community exists as an anomaly—one virtually cut off from the change surrounding it and defined largely by the secrecy of what exists within it. Over the course of three years, Oscar-nominated® directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady embed themselves with three former members who have removed themselves from the community, exploring the circumstances that led to their departure and capturing their new lives outside—despite persistent threats from the world they left behind. As in 2006’s JESUS CAMP, Ewing and Grady explore the boundaries of a community defined by religious connection, and shine a light on the disturbing conditions found within. SPIELBERG (USA) Director: Susan Lacy Emerging out of the New Hollywood era to become the biggest name in blockbuster film for the last four decades, Steven Spielberg has been defined by both the countless classics he directed and the constant risks that kept his streak alive throughout his career as a filmmaker, producer, and studio executive. With interviews from Spielberg’s consistent collaborators (Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Williams), contemporaries (George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola), and friends and family, Susan Lacy’s wide-spanning portrait of the director provides an unprecedented look at the most influential figure in modern filmmaking. STRAD STYLE (USA) New York Premiere Director: Stefan Avalos Out on the vast middle American steppe, an eccentric loner named Daniel Houck passes the time cruising social media and obsessively whittling away violins inspired by Old World masters like Guarneri and Stradivarius. Stefan Avalos’s unlikely, rousing documentary STRAD STYLE follows Daniel as a chance encounter on Facebook with a famous violin soloist leads him on a singular, yearlong quest to craft an exact replica of the world’s finest violin. Avalos’s intimate camera paints an irresistible portrait of a Midwestern misfit with the chance to enter the rarefied world of classical music, far away from the windswept plains of Ohio. THE DEAD NATION (Romania) U.S. Premiere Director: Radu Jude Acclaimed narrative filmmaker Radu Jude explores Romania’s shifting identity throughout history in his first documentary, THE DEAD NATION. Using archival images found from the collection of a rural photographer, text excerpted from the journal of a Jewish doctor, and songs recorded from the nationalistic anthems of the time, Jude’s cinematic essay provides a harrowing yet captivating account of the rise of nationalism and anti-semitism in Romania during the 1930s-40s. Equal parts mesmerizing and horrifying, THE DEAD NATION is, as the narration describes, “torn between reality and poetry,” creating a necessary recollection of a period with eerie similarities to our own. THE FAMILY I HAD (USA) Director: Katie Green, Carlye Rubin In Katie Green and Carlyle Rubin’s THE FAMILY I HAD, Charity Lee recalls the harrowing moment her teenage son shattered her family with one unthinkable act of violence. Ten years into the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, the grieving mother is forced to come to terms with her new reality. With great empathy and unrivaled access to their subjects, Green and Rubin forgo true-crime sensationalism for a nuanced exploration of the family’s complicated history with mental illness, addiction, and domestic abuse. Highlighting our capacity to adapt to even the most unmooring of circumstances, THE FAMILY I HAD is a moving testament to human resilience. THE FIRST TO DO IT (USA) World Premiere Director: Coodie & Chike In 1950, three years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball, Earl Lloyd stepped onto an NBA basketball court and changed the game forever. During Lloyd’s 22-year NBA career, he became its first African American player, its first African American scout, and its first African American full time head coach. Through intimate conversations with family, childhood friends, and the legendary players whose lives he touched (including Oscar Robertson, Dave Bing, and Kawhi Leonard), THE FIRST TO DO IT chronicles the experience of Lloyd and other early African American players against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and explores the role of sports in the lasting legacy of desegregation today. THE WORK (USA) Director: Jairus McLeary, Gethin Aldous Twice a year, the maximum-security Folsom State Prison allows free citizens from the outside to participate in an intensive group therapy program with the incarcerated men on the inside. With unprecedented access, directors Jairus McLeary and Gethin Aldous document these raw and revealing sessions—capturing harrowing moments of human vulnerability, catharsis, and connection in the process. Awarded the Best Documentary at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival, THE WORK is an extraordinary feat of verité filmmaking that looks behind prison walls to reveal a movement of redemption that transcends what we think of as rehabilitation. VOYEUR (USA) Director: Myles Kane, Josh Koury In 2016, legendary journalist Gay Talese published in The New Yorker an excerpt from his upcoming book, The Voyeur’s Motel, that quickly proved to be one of the most controversial stories of his career. Following the writer during this period, documentarians Myles Kane and Josh Koury track Talese as he investigates the story of the Colorado motel owner, Gerald Foos, who secretly built an observation platform to watch the most intimate moments in the lives of his guests. As questions emerge about Foos’ trustworthiness Talese is thrown in the middle of a controversy that is threatening to destroy the story he’s been working on for more than three decades.
WORLD CINEMA NARRATIVE
A CIAMBRA (Italy/France/USA/Germany) U.S. Premiere Director: Jonas Carpignano Adapted from his eponymous short film, filmmaker Jonas Carpignano returns to the southern Italian setting of his debut MEDITERRANEA (HIFF 2015) in this neo-realist coming-of-age story. Desperate to join the ranks of the men of his Romany family, 14- year-old Pio finds his initiation into adulthood unexpectedly fast-tracked with the imprisonment of his father and older brother, as he gradually involves himself in the same criminal world that placed them there. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese and directed with a remarkably atmospheric touch that refuses to settle into the expected tropes of the genre, A CIAMBRA is another nuanced look at the difficulty of escaping a life of crime in a community defined by it, confirming Carpignano as a undeniable international force. A FANTASTIC WOMAN (Chile) East Coast Premiere Director: Sebastián Lelio A shatteringly intimate and nuanced performance from newcomer Daniela Vega anchors Chilean director Sebastián Lelio’s latest film, A FANTASTIC WOMAN. In this Hitchcockian drama, transgender woman Marina (Vega) and Orlando (Francisco Reyes) are in love and are planning to spend the rest of their lives together, but when tragedy strikes, Marina finds herself unexpectedly under criminal investigation. Much like with his previous film, 2013’s GLORIA, Lelio offers a complex portrayal of a strong female character unsure how to navigate a hostile environment defined by prejudice and intolerance. ARRHYTHMIA (Russia/Finland/Germany) U.S. Premiere Director: Boris Khlebnikov ARRHYTHMIA, Boris Khlebnikov’s explosive portrait of a fractured marriage, follows the young, gifted paramedic Oleg (Alexander Yatsenko) and his wife Katya (Irina Gorbacheva), who works as a nurse in the hospital’s emergency department. Headstrong, impulsive, and willing to bend the rules when necessary, Oleg frequently runs afoul of the new management that is trying to implement absurdly strict new rules that prioritize bureaucracy over the patients’ well-being. As their professional and personal lives collide, Oleg and Katya must deconstruct their familiar spaces in order to rebuild their marriage in Khlebnikov’s intriguing commentary on the anatomy of a relationship. EN EL SÉPTIMO DÍA (USA) Director: Jim Mckay Returning to feature filmmaking after a decade in television, indie veteran Jim McKay’s EN EL SÉPTIMO DÍA is a heartfelt, subtle, and captivating portrait of an undocumented Mexican immigrant in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park. José, played brilliantly by newcomer Fernando Cardona, is a hardworking delivery man whose only respite from his overwhelming schedule is his local soccer team. But when assigned a double shift on the day of the championship, José is forced to either let down his team or lose his only source of income. Refreshingly authentic and frequently humorous, EN EL SÉPTIMO DÍA is a rare film that highlights the consequences of the most seemingly simple decisions. HAPPY END (France/Austria/Germany) U.S. Premiere Director: Michael Haneke While living out their days in a Calais mansion against the backdrop of the city’s increasingly turbulent refugee crisis, the well-off Laurents find themselves slowly torn apart by the surprise arrival of a young guest. In the follow-up to his Academy Award®- winning (and five-time nominated) film AMOUR (HIFF 2012), acclaimed filmmaker Michael Haneke returns to the career-defining social and familial themes of his work in this story of the disintegration of a single bourgeois family. Anchored by powerful performances from past Haneke collaborators Isabelle Huppert and Jean-Louis Trintignant, HAPPY END is another unrelentingly singular work of social satire from a master filmmaker working at the top of his game. LOVELESS (Russia/France/Belgium/Germany) East Coast Premiere Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev Boris and Zhenya’s (Aleksey Rozin, Maryana Spivak) divorce has devolved into an endless series of arguments. Consumed with selling their apartment and beginning lives with new partners, their 12-year-old son Alyosha (Matvey Novikov) seems increasingly pushed out of their minds, until he suddenly disappears without a trace into the wintry expanse of Moscow. Using the foundation of a crime procedural to shed greater light on the stark inhumanity seeping into every aspect of contemporary Russian society, Andrey Zvyagintsev’s (LEVIATHAN) expertly crafted film applies his impeccable ability to portray human drama on a global scale to this bitingly vicious story of lost love. MR AND MRS ADELMAN (France) East Coast Premiere Director: Nicolas Bedos In his directorial debut, Nicolas Bedos stars opposite co-writer Doria Tillier as a French couple intertwined, consumed with, and defined by each other in life and work: he, an accomplished writer; she, his sometime-muse and editor. The chemistry between Bedos and Tillier is irresistible, as they quip back and forth through four decades of music, haircuts, and a romance that’s more shattered glass and Camus than chocolate and flowers. Biting and tender, MR & MRS ADELMAN packs the intricacies of marriage into a romantic comedy—with a twist. NOVITIATE (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Maggie Betts Drawn in by the prospect of a higher calling despite her non-religious upbringing, Cathleen (Margaret Qualley), a teenager growing up in the early 1960s, soon finds herself among a group of young women who have devoted themselves to a training program within The Sisters of Blessed Rose convent. While their earnest devotion is quickly contrasted with the harsh realities of religious life, the sudden announcement of Pope John XXIII’s Second Vatican Council provides a new question for both the students and their Mother Superior (Academy Award® winner Melissa Leo): whether to transform along with the church’s plans of liberal reform or adhere to the strict principles that first compelled them into the convent. THE DIVINE ORDER (Switzerland) Director: Petra Volpe In 1971, a quaint Swiss village, seemingly untouched by the cultural and social upheavals of the 1960s, anticipates the vote for women’s suffrage. Following her exposure to a women’s rights demonstration in Zurich, a shy and well-liked housewife becomes the unexpected beacon of her village’s suffragette movement. Featuring a strong ensemble cast, led by the effortless Marie Leuenberger, THE DIVINE ORDER chronicles the challenges of a determined group of women who cast off the stubborn ways of the village and fight for independence. Directing with a keen eye for sincerity and humor, Petra Volpe captures the inspiring journey of harnessing your voice to both speak truth to power and tell your husband he can do his own laundry. THE FLORIDA PROJECT (USA) Director: Sean Baker Sean Baker supplants the West Hollywood setting of his 2015 festival hit TANGERINE with the cheap motels laying in the shadow of a certain Orlando mouse-themed amusement park, in another free-flowing and sincere look at those living in the shadows of the cities they call home. Living in one of the rooms are 6-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her 22-year-old mother Halley (Bria Vinaite), who struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Aided by Willem Dafoe’s remarkably warm performance as Bobby, a staff member of the hotel, Sean Baker has crafted another empathetic look at those existing on the fringes. THE LEISURE SEEKER (Italy) U.S. Premiere Director: Paolo Virzì Academy Award® winner Helen Mirren and two-time Golden-Globe® winner Donald Sutherland shine as Ella and John, an aging couple who embark on one final adventure in Paolo Virzi’s English-language feature debut. Foregoing the concerns of their doctors and grown children, the pair impulsively set off on a whirlwind, cross-country escapade in their beloved Winnebago. Experiencing equal moments of elation and frustration, the pair wind their way down the East Coast—rekindling their passion for life and their affection for one another along the way, in a journey full of humor and pathos. THE MISOGYNISTS (USA) World Premiere Director: Onur Tukel In a single, fully-stocked hotel room on the night of the 2016 general election, two Trump supporters celebrate the unexpected results, in the latest from indie provocateur Onur Tukel. As the night rages on, an ensemble of characters venture in and out of the room. Some match the two’s enthusiasm while others voice their terror at the prospect of the incoming President, but most struggle to find reasons to care less about the results that caused the debauched celebration occurring around them. Led by Dylan Baker’s gleefully deranged lead performance, Tukel’s tongue-in-cheek exploration of a divided America digs deep into the night’s mass existential crisis, and leaves with some disquieting results. THE SQUARE (Sweden) Director: Ruben Östlund Winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Ruben Östlund’s provocatively anarchic THE SQUARE follows Christian (Claes Bang), the suave director of a respected contemporary art museum who sees the museum, and his career, suddenly upended when the PR campaign surrounding his latest exhibit goes off the rails. Using the same razor-sharp humor utilized in his festival favorite FORCE MAJEURE (HIFF 2014), Östlund has created another masterful social satire that playfully disassembles the hypocrisy, privilege, and self-importance of the contemporary art world. Featuring fantastic turns by Terry Notary, Elisabeth Moss, and Dominic West, THE SQUARE skillfully orchestrates one standout sequence after another, and in the process creates one of the most memorable films of the year.
VIEWS FROM LONG ISLAND
KILLER BEES (USA) World Premiere Directors: Benjamin Cummings, Orson Cummings KILLER BEES spotlights the famed Bridgehampton basketball team as they prepare to defend their state championship title. Following the young men on and off the court, filmmakers Benjamin and Orson Cummings explore the Bees’ historical importance within the local community. More than just a high school team, the Bees are a symbol of hope—particularly to those who are struggling to survive in one of the wealthiest districts in the country. Produced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neill, KILLER BEES is a nuanced look at the powerful role sports play in overcoming racial, social, and economic adversity. STRONG ISLAND (USA/Denmark) Director: Yance Ford The dynamics of family, loss, and racial injustice converge in Yance Ford’s haunting meditation on the senseless death of his brother in 1992 and the judicial system’s failure to indict the killer. Moving beyond the tropes of traditional nonfiction filmmaking, Ford skillfully balances memoir with true crime investigation—interspersing intimate conversations with his family and revelatory moments of catharsis against the backdrop of the racial disparity that plagues our society. A work of profound resonance and relevance, STRONG ISLAND is a powerful examination of one grieving family’s quest for the truth. WANDERLAND (USA) World Premiere Director: Josh Klausner In an effort to briefly escape his humdrum life of isolation in New York City, Alex (Tate Ellington) impulsively accepts an invitation from an online acquaintance (Dree Hemingway) to house-sit at her picturesque “Enchanted Cottage” on Long Island. Despite his best attempts for a quiet weekend of relaxation, Alex suddenly finds himself lost on a surreal, all-night musical odyssey of misadventures. Filmed in and around the Hamptons area, and featuring a cast of wonderfully kooky local characters, Josh Klausner’s WANDERLAND is a madcap East End experience.
AIR, LAND & SEA
EARTH: ONE AMAZING DAY (UK) Directors: Richard Dale, Lixin Fan, Peter Webber Narrated by Robert Redford and co-directed by Academy Award® nominee Peter Webber and BAFTA winner Richard Dale, EARTH: ONE AMAZING DAY takes us on a breathtakingly immersive voyage across the continents—revealing our planet’s natural wonders and unique animal behavior, and reminding us of its increasing vulnerability. Over the course of a single day, the filmmakers travel across the globe, following the sun from the highest peaks to far-flung islands and exotic jungles. Along the way, we spend time with animals ranging from the white-headed langur monkeys in the mountains of southwestern China to a colony of chinstrap penguins in the Antarctic Ocean, illuminating the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet on an epic and sprawling scale. FROM THE ASHES (USA) Director: Michael Bonfiglio Moving beyond the rhetoric that frequently muddies the debate, FROM THE ASHES reflects on the United States’ long and often fraught relationship to the coal and mining industry, and ponders its uncertain future under the current administration. Balancing the conflicting perspectives of those most closely affected—one, an idealized return to the glory days of a thriving industry and the other, a growing awareness of the environmental consequences from the world’s most destructive form of energy— documentarian Michael Bonfiglio presents a series of compelling stories that speak to what is at stake for our economy, health, and climate.
CONFLICT & RESOLUTION
HONDROS (USA/Iraq/Liberia/Libya) Director: Greg Campbell Known for his probing and humane coverage of countries ravaged by conflict, Chris Hondros was one of the world’s most acclaimed war photographers when killed in action at the age of 41. Director Greg Campbell thoughtfully retraces Hondros’s numerous assignments to war-torn nations, with a visceral understanding of the invaluable power of photojournalism. Featuring interviews with Chris’s colleagues and subjects, Campbell creates a stirring portrait of the life of a pioneering photographer who committed himself to bearing witness to the human condition, to ennobling the suffering of others, and to telling their stories with compassion. HUMAN FLOW (Germany) East Coast Premiere Director: Ai Weiwei Visionary artist Ai Weiwei’s haunting new documentary follows the plight of migrants displaced from their homelands by war, poverty, and climate change. A sprawling global odyssey, HUMAN FLOW was filmed in 23 countries over the course of more than a year and examines the staggering scale of a crisis that has now reached epidemic proportions. Bearing witness to the atrocious refugee experience serves as a reminder that this is not just a refugee crisis, but rather a human crisis. The end result is a stirring and poignant essay on the profound impact and ways in which it shapes the word. MUHI – GENERALLY TEMPORARY (Israel/Germany) Director: Rina Castelnuovo, Tamir Elterman Jerusalem-based journalists Rina Castelnuovo-Hollander and Tamir Elterman present MUHI—GENERALLY TEMPORARY, an enchanting portrait of a sweet boy from Gaza who finds himself trapped between two conflicting nations. After an immune disorder threatens to take his life as an infant, Muhi is rushed to an Israeli hospital for emergency surgery and into the care of those considered to be his people’s enemy. Unable to leave due to the severity of his condition, the endlessly cheery Muhi and his doting grandfather remain in bureaucratic limbo for seven years—their moving story illustrating the far-reaching impact these paradoxical circumstances hold over the individuals caught in the crosshairs. THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (Finland/Germany) Director: Aki Kaurismäki At the same time Syrian refugee Khaled emerges from the coal freighter on which he has stowed away and takes his first hopeful steps into Helsinki, traveling salesman Wikström makes his own foray into the unknown when he leaves his wife and purchases a local restaurant—setting the stage for the surprise convergence of their two worlds. Applying his trademark deadpan visual style to a globally urgent backdrop, Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki (LE HAVRE) continues his legacy of advocating for those on the fringes with this gently tragicomic look at the necessity of hope and the power of even the smallest gestures of compassion.
COMPASSION, JUSTICE, & ANIMAL RIGHTS
JANE (USA) Director: Brett Morgen Culled from hundreds of hours of recently discovered 16mm archival footage, Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen crafts an enchanting portrait of legendary primatologist and activist Jane Goodall when her revolutionary work was still in its infancy. Shot by National Geographic during her first encounter with the chimpanzees of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, we witness the transformative period when Goodall first began to develop the methodology that would soon make her a household name. Scored by illustrious composer Philip Glass and featuring eye-opening new interviews with Goodall, Morgen has created the definitive account of how this maverick scientist became the world’s most beloved conservationist. THE LAST PIG (USA) New York Premiere Director: Allison Argo A moving meditation on a man’s crisis of faith, THE LAST PIG follows Bob Comis as he concludes his last season as a pig farmer. Peppered with reflections on his decade with the pigs, farmer Bob’s introspective voiceover guides us through the changing seasons on the farm, and the images, often filmed at ground-level, merge us with the drove. Director Allison Argo masterfully gives weight to what at first appear to be mundane daily rituals, and as an ethical question swells for farmer Bob, it does for us as well. In this intimate portrayal of a man at a crossroads, we are welcomed into the sacred moment of choice.
SPECIAL SCREENING
ICARUS (USA) Director: Bryan Fogel The ruthless worlds of international sports and politics rarely collide as spectacularly as they do in Bryan Fogel’s ICARUS. While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, he connects with renegade Russian Scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country’s “anti-doping” program. Fogel and Rodchenkov develop a close friendship, despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program. As signs point to illegalities running to Russia’s highest chains of command, they realize they hold the power to reveal the biggest international sports scandal in living memory and soon find themselves in the middle of an international conspiracy. Winner of the HIFF SummerDocs Audience Award, sponsored by Candescent Films.
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Hamptons International Film Festival Adds More Films to 2017 Lineup + GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is Centerpiece Film

[caption id="attachment_24606" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Goodbye Christopher Robin[/caption] The 2017 Hamptons International Film Festival has added more films including the North American premiere of Simon Curtis’ GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN, a look into the life of author A.A. Milne and his relationship with his son, leading to the creation of the renowned character “Winnie the Pooh,” as the Friday Centerpiece film in Southampton. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson and Margot Robbie, and HIFF Honorary Board member Carter Burwell is the film’s composer. The East Coast Premiere of Martin McDonagh’s THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI, telling the story of a woman in conflict with her local police department in an attempt to solve her daughter’s murder case, will screen as the Saturday Centerpiece in East Hampton. The film stars Sam Rockwell and Frances McDormand and recently received the Venice Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay by Martin McDonagh. The festival also announced three additional films in the Spotlight Films section, including Guillermo del Toro’s THE SHAPE OF WATER, about a janitor working at a hidden high-security government laboratory when her life is changed forever upon discovery of a secret classified experiment, starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon and Richard Jenkins, and winner of the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival; Luca Guadagnino’s CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, a story of a young boy’s summer romance when a charming gentleman arrives in Italy to work with his family for the season, starring Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet, one of this year’s 10 Actors to Watch; and Fatih Akin’s IN THE FADE, about a woman struggling to overcome the loss of her family following a Neo-Nazi terrorist attack, starring Diane Kruger. The festival also announced the winner of HIFF’s adored 18-year-long signature program Conflict and Resolution: Greg Campbell’s HONDROS, which shares a glimpse of the life of Chris Hondros, one of the world’s most acclaimed war photographers, killed in action at the age of 41, and the legacy he left behind. The third year of HIFF’s successful Compassion, Justice, and Animal Rights section awards Allison Argo’s THE LAST PIG, which looks at a man in the crossroads of life during his final summer as a pig farmer, with the Zelda Panel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award. Films in this year’s Documentary Competition include Gustavo Salmerón’s LOTS OF KIDS, A MONKEY AND A CASTLE, a portrait of a family’s various experiences over the course of 15 years while living in present-day Spain; Jennifer Peedom’s MOUNTAIN, a look at some of the most breathtaking summits around the world from the perspectives of ice climbers, snowboarders, and more, narrated by Willem Dafoe; Jason Kohn’s LOVE MEANS ZERO, about Nick Bollettieri, a controversial but passionate coach in the world of tennis; Jed Rothstein’s THE CHINA HUSTLE, about China’s role in the recovery of the United States following the 2008 stock market crash, as well as the previously announced 11/8/16, curated and produced by Jeff Deutchman. The Narrative Competition will include director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson’s Icelandic narrative UNDER THE TREE, about a gentleman currently residing with his parents, who are embroiled in a passive aggressive argument with their neighbors over a tree in the lawn; Carla Simón’s SUMMER 1993, about a six-year-old from Barcelona struggling with the death of her parents and sent to live in the countryside with her uncle; Ali Asgari’s DISAPPEARANCE, about a couple in present-day conservative Iranian society and their determination to solve an impossible problem over the course of the night, starring Sadaf Asgari and Amir Reza Ranjbaran; Cory Finley’s THOROUGHBREDS, about the unlikely friendship of two teenage girls in Connecticut and the mischief they find along the way, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Olivia Cooke and the late Anton Yelchin in one of his final films; as well as the previously announced OH, LUCY! directed by Atsuko Hirayanagi. The festival recently announced eight world premieres for the festival this year, including ITZHAK as the Opening Night film, as well as 11/8/16, THE FIRST TO DO IT, KILLER BEES, LARGER THAN LIFE: THE KEVYN AUCOIN STORY, THE MISOGYNISTS, THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES, and WANDERLAND. The festival also programmed Andy Serkis’ BREATHE as the Sunday Centerpiece in East Hampton, as well as Rob Reiner’s LBJ, Vincent Gagliostro’s AFTER LOUIE, Alexandre Moors’ THE YELLOW BIRDS, Ai Weiwei’s HUMAN FLOW, Ruben Östlund’s THE SQUARE. Emmy® Award-winning actor and Oscar®-nominated director Rob Reiner will also participate in the “A Conversation With…” series. This year the festival will honor Academy Award®-winning actress Julie Andrews with a Lifetime Achievement Award, including a special presentation of VICTOR/VICTORIA co-presented with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Saturday, October 7, in East Hampton. The event will feature a post-screening conversation with Julie Andrews and Alec Baldwin. The festival will continue to co-present the annual 10 Actors to Watch List with Variety. The 2017 10 Actors to Watch are Timothée Chalamet, Hong Chau, Kiersey Clemons, Daveed Diggs, Ali Fazal, Daniel Kaluuya, Barry Keoghan, Danielle Macdonald, Kumail Nanjiani, and Grace Van Patten. The 25th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place over Columbus Day Weekend, October 5th to 9th, 2017.
FILMS ADDED TO THE 2017 HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP:
CALL ME BE YOUR NAME Director: Luca Guadagnino As another summer in his family’s Italian villa lazily drifts by for 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet, Variety’s 10 Actors To Watch), 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer) seems at first to be little more than the latest in a long line of his father’s (Michael Stuhlbarg) research assistants. However, as the weeks wind on, a tender connection develops between the two in Luca Guadagnino’s sun-soaked masterpiece. Refining the stylistic splendor of his previous work into a lush exploration of desire and intimacy, CALL ME BY YOUR NAME is an intoxicating reminder of the tentative gestures and fleeting moments that mark our first steps into the unknown, and their lasting ability to soften the sting of changing seasons. THE CHINA HUSTLE U.S. Premiere Director: Jed Rothstein In the midst of the 2008 market crash, investors on the fringes of the financial world feverishly sought new alternatives for high-return investments in the global markets. With Chinese indexes demonstrating explosive growth, the country suddenly emerged as a gold rush opportunity with one caveat: US investors were prohibited from investing directly into the country’s market. Makeshift solutions led to a market frenzy, until one investor discovered the massive web of fraud left in its wake. Jed Rothstein’s documentary rings the the alarm on the need for transparency in an increasingly deregulated financial world by following those working to uncover the biggest heist you’ve never heard of. DISAPPEARANCE U.S. Premiere Director: Ali Asgari Rising Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari, whose short film THE SILENCE took home the Best Narrative Short Competition prize at HIFF 2016, returns to the festival with his mesmerizing feature debut. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Iranian society, where conservative traditions often conflict with modern desires, DISAPPEARANCE is the tale of one couple’s race against time to solve an unsolvable problem over the course of one endlessly long night. Featuring outstanding performances from newcomers Sadaf Asgari and Reza Ranjbaran, and an impressively assured stylistic touch, DISAPPEARANCE establishes Asgari as one of the bold new voices in world cinema. GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN North American Premiere Director: Simon Curtis Simon Curtis, director of MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (HIFF 2011), presents a heartfelt look into the complicated relationship between beloved children’s author A. A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) and his son Christopher Robin (newcomer Will Tilston), whose collection of toys and unbridled imagination inspired the enchanting world of Winnie The Pooh. As the whimsical adventures of this honey-loving bear quickly capture the attention of a traumatized, post-war England, the family suddenly finds themselves swept up in the international success—though not without paying the price that often accompanies such fame. While his mother (Margot Robbie) revels in the spotlight, her son struggles with the abrupt loss of his childhood. With great empathy, GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN explores the complexities of family, war, and celebrity. HONDROS Director: Greg Campbell Known for his probing and humane coverage of countries ravaged by conflict, Chris Hondros was one of the world’s most acclaimed war photographers when killed in action at the age of 41. Director Greg Campbell thoughtfully retraces Hondros’s numerous assignments to war-torn nations, with a visceral understanding of the invaluable power of photojournalism. Featuring interviews with Chris’s colleagues and subjects, Campbell creates a stirring portrait of the life of a pioneering photographer who committed himself to bearing witness to the human condition, to ennobling the suffering of others, and to telling their stories with compassion. IN THE FADE U.S. Premiere Director: Fatih Akin Selected as Germany’s official submission for the Academy Awards® Best Foreign Language Film, Fatih Akin’s tightly-wound revenge thriller stars Diane Kruger as a woman struggling to overcome her profound grief in the wake of a neo-Nazi terrorist attack that leaves her husband and son dead. Awarded the Best Actress prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Kruger provides a stunningly fearless and grounded lead performance as the victim of an increasingly prevalent form of violence, pushed to the edge and forced to find her own justice in the wake of a failed judicial system. THE LAST PIG New York Premiere Director: Allison Argo A moving meditation on a man’s crisis of faith, THE LAST PIG follows Bob Comis as he concludes his last season as a pig farmer. Peppered with reflections on his decade with the pigs, farmer Bob’s introspective voiceover guides us through the changing seasons on the farm, and the images, often filmed at ground-level, merge us with the drove. Director Allison Argo masterfully gives weight to what at first appear to be mundane daily rituals, and as an ethical question swells for farmer Bob, it does for us as well. In this intimate portrayal of a man at a crossroads, we are welcomed into the sacred moment of choice. LOTS OF KIDS, A MONKEY AND A CASTLE New York Premiere Director: Gustavo Salmerón Julita Salmerón’s biggest wishes in life were to have lots of children and a pet monkey, and to live in a castle. Gustavo Salmerón’s humorously candid film follows his mother, and the rest of their family, as they rummage through the vast family archive over a period of fifteen years. She reflects on the dreams she managed to fulfill, along with the lingering effects of the economic crisis that forced her to almost lose it all. Filled with moments of warmth and sincerity, LOTS OF KIDS, A MONKEY, AND A CASTLE is a touching documentary about an eccentric, otherworldly family facing up to the harsh economic realities of living in contemporary Spain. LOVE MEANS ZERO New York Premiere Director: Jason Kohn With his notorious no-nonsense approach to coaching, Nick Bollettieri is regarded as controversial figure in the world of tennis—but also, crucially, as a mentor with the know-how to push players to greatness. Director Jason Kohn balances the pointed questions to his subject, who remains intransigent throughout, with interviews with many of Bollettieri’s students—Boris Becker and Jim Courier among them—to shed light on the enigmatic figure. What emerges is a story of a coach fiercely determined to win at all costs, and a compelling look at what it takes to compete at the highest level. MOUNTAIN U.S. Premiere Director: Jennifer Peedom Narrated by Willem Dafoe, MOUNTAIN takes the viewer on a sweeping journey to the most awe-inspiring summits on earth. A collaboration between BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom and Richard Tognetti’s Australian Chamber Orchestra, the film glorifies our species’ pursuit of peril: from ice climbers, snowboarders, and wingsuiters, the thrill-seekers’ daredevil antics will leave audiences gasping for breath. Filmed in 15 countries and assembled from 2,000 hours of hypnotizing footage, MOUNTAIN is a beautifully scored and visually stunning work that vividly captures the fear and reverence inspired by the world’s highest peaks. THE SHAPE OF WATER East Coast Premiere Director: Guillermo del Toro As the Cold War reaches its peak in the early 1960s, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute janitor working at a US government facility, finds a strange creature held deep within the laboratory. Guillermo del Toro’s THE SHAPE OF WATER is a mesmerizing continuation of his fascination with on-screen monsters and their real-world counterparts, wonderfully realized through a brilliant cast (including Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, and Richard Jenkins), and jaw-dropping production design and cinematography. In creating perhaps the most realized synthesis of his many preoccupations to date, del Toro has created a wondrous take on the classic monster movie that seems to exist at once out of time and inseparable from our own. SUMMER 1993 New York Premiere Director: Carla Simón Following the death of her parents in Barcelona, six-year-old Frida (the haunting Laia Artigas) is sent to her uncle’s (David Verdaguer) picturesque countryside home, in Carla Simon’s autobiographical feature debut SUMMER 1993. Frida battles with a sense of loneliness and displacement while also yearning to fit into the picture with her new family. Punctuated by moments of youthful exuberance and mature ruminations, this coming-of-age drama, set amongst summery hues, is an extraordinarily moving snapshot of being a child in an adult world, anchored by a flawless performance by its young star. THOROUGHBREDS East Coast Premiere Director: Cory Finley Two wealthy teenage girls with violent impulses seek to inject excitement into their boring suburban lives in THOROUGHBREDS, Cory Finley’s deliciously twisted filmmaking debut. When Lily’s (Anya Taylor Joy, THE WITCH) stepfather threatens to send the troubled teen off to reform school, she recruits her equally unstable childhood friend, Amanda (Olivia Cooke, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL), in a dangerous plot that serves both of their interests. Featuring electrifying performances from its young leads—including the late Anton Yelchin, in his final appearance—this stylish neo-noir establishes newcomer Finley as a filmmaker to watch. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI East Coast Premiere Director: Martin McDonagh With the local police force no closer to finding a culprit in the months following her daughter’s murder, Mildred (Academy Award® winner Frances McDormand) decides to make a statement of her own when she posts three signs leading into the town with a blatant message for the town’s chief of police (Woody Harrelson) and his rough-hewn second-in-command (Sam Rockwell). With the same bitingly dark and comedic tone of his previous two films, IN BRUGES and SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (HIFF 2012), Academy Award® winning writer-director Martin McDonagh returns to feature filmmaking with this wildly entertaining and unpredictable story of a divided community simmering with tension and ready to blow. UNDER THE TREE East Coast Premiere Director: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson “Love thy neighbor” does not apply in the Iceland suburbs of UNDER THE TREE. After his wife kicks him out of the house, Atli (Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson) stays with his parents—just as the passive aggressive hostility with their neighbors is ramping up over a large tree in the yard. Director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson establishes character dynamics with jabs to the gut and enough dark humor to quell the uneasiness in your stomach. With a moody score and sound design that sways between the tension and release of the scenes, you may find yourself nervously laughing the next time you want to talk to your neighbors about the noise.
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World Premiere of ITZHAK to Open and 7 More Films Added to Hamptons International Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_24246" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Itzhak[/caption] The World Premiere of Alison Chernick’s compelling documentary Itzhak, which chronicles the extraordinary life of Israeli violin virtuoso and conductor Itzhak Perlman, will open the 2017 Hamptons International Film Festival on Thursday, October 5th. Itzhak Perlman, an East End resident, will be in attendance. The festival will also feature seven additional World Premieres, including 11/8/16, curated and produced by Jeff Deutchman, which is directed by over 40 filmmakers and captures footage from across the country documenting Election Day; Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah’s The First To Do It, recounting the life of Earl Lloyd, the first African American to play in the NBA, which features interviews with NBA players Carmelo Anthony and Kawhi Leonard, and is executive produced by Anthony, Leonard, Tony Parker, Michael Finley & P.J. Tucker; and Ben & Orson Cummings’ Killer Bees, a story that follows the local Bridgehampton High School basketball team and their community as they try to defend their state championship title, produced by Shaquille O’Neal and executive produced by Larry Gagosian. Additional films include Tiffany Bartok’s Larger Than Life: The Kevin Aucoin Story, profiling the professional and personal life of iconic makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, featuring interviews with Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and more; Onur Tukel’s The Misogynists, a narrative following the tales of characters coming and going from a hotel room on the night of the 2016 general election, starring Dylan Baker; Brendan & Emmett Malloy’s The Tribes Of Palos Verdes, a coming-of-age drama centering around the lives of a family who move to affluent LA suburb Palos Verdes, starring Jennifer Garner, Justin Kirk, Elisabeth Rohm, Goran Višnjić, and Joely Fisher; and Josh Klausner’s Wanderland, which was filmed on the East End, telling the story of a character escaping his isolated life only to find himself lost on a surreal, all-night musical odyssey of misadventures, starring Tate Ellington, Dree Hemingway, Ronald Guttman, Harris Yulin & Tara Summers. Jennifer Garner, Deon Cole, Michael Finley, Spencer Haywood, Oscar Robertson and P.J. Tucker will attend the festival. “We are thrilled to announce Alison Chernick’s Itzhak as our opening night feature, and to have the talented Itzhak Perlman himself join us for our anniversary year. This diverse array of films announced today, many with local ties, are sure to be some of the most talked about films at this year’s Festival,” said Hamptons International Film Festival Artistic Director David Nugent. The 25th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place over Columbus Day Weekend, October 5th – 9th, 2017. Itzhak World Premiere Director: Alison Chernick Alison Chernick’s documentary Itzhak examines the life and music of Itzhak Perlman, widely considered to be the world’s greatest living violinist. Exploring the ways in which Perlman’s passion for music allowed him to find a platform for personal expression against tremendous circumstances, Chernick creates a portrait of man whose remarkable will to survive is never removed from his tremendous generosity and humor. Through it all, the discipline we see at work is starkly contrasted with the world we see at home, as a modern Jewish family continues to embrace their heritage against a world of changing expectations. 11/8/16 World Premiere Curator & Producer: Jeff Deutchman On the day of the 2016 presidential election, filmmaker Jeff Deutchman surveys the thoughts and feelings of ordinary Americans as they head to the ballot box. Told in brief vignettes from across the country, and focusing on voters from every side of the political spectrum—ranging from a Sikh man and his family in New York City to a coal miner in West Virginia—the film humanizes the electorate in an age of sweeping generalizations. In its panoramic form and disparate viewpoints, 11/8/16 provides a necessary counterpoint, finding moments of common humanity within a seemingly unbridgeable divide. The First To Do It World Premiere Directors: Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah In 1950, three years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball, Earl Lloyd stepped onto an NBA basketball court and changed the game forever. During Lloyd’s 22-year NBA career, he became its first African American player, its first African American scout, and its first African American full time head coach. Through intimate conversations with family, childhood friends, and the legendary players whose lives he touched (including Oscar Robertson, Dave Bing, and Kawhi Leonard), The First To Do It chronicles the experience of Lloyd and other early African American players against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and explores the role of sports in the lasting legacy of desegregation today. The film is produced in association with the National Basketball Players Association and with the support of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Killer Bees World Premiere Directors: Ben Cummings & Orson Cummings Killer Bees spotlights the famed Bridgehampton basketball team as they prepare to defend their state championship title. Following the young men on and off the court, filmmakers Benjamin and Orson Cummings explore the Bees’ historical importance within the local community. More than just a high school team, the Bees are a symbol of hope—particularly to those who are struggling to survive in one of the wealthiest districts in the country. Produced by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neill, Killer Bees is a nuanced look at the powerful role sports play in overcoming racial, social, and economic adversity. Larger Than Life: The Kevin Aucoin Story World Premiere Director: Tiffany Bartok Larger Than Life: The Kevin Aucoin Story explores the life of the iconic make-up artist, who transformed the profession into a prominent and influential art form. Director and fellow make-up artist Tiffany Bartok paints a beautiful and deeply personal portrait of a man who, as both an artist and LGBTQ advocate, dedicated his life to elevating the inner confidence and presence of others. Through intimate archival footage and interviews with his famous friends and clients, Bartok weaves through the journey of Aucoin’s life up until his tragic end—reminding everyone that he truly was larger than life. The Misogynists World Premiere Director: Onur Tukel In a single, fully-stocked hotel room on the night of the 2016 general election, two Trump supporters celebrate the results that halted the ongoing “end of man,” in the latest from indie provocateur Onur Tukel. As the night rages on, an ensemble of characters venture in and out of the room. Some match the two’s enthusiasm while others voice their terror at the prospect of the incoming President, but most struggle to find a reason to care less about the results that caused the debauched celebration occurring around them. Led by Dylan Baker’s gleefully deranged lead performance, Tukel’s tongue-in-cheek exploration of a divided America digs deep into the night’s mass existential crisis, and leaves with some disquieting results. The Tribes Of Palos Verdes World Premiere Director: Emmett Malloy & Brendan Malloy When teenage Medina (Maika Monroe) moves with her family to the picture-perfect paradise of Palos Verdes, California, they seem headed for a happy new chapter in their lives. But old troubles soon catch up to them, as the disintegration of Medina’s parents’ marriage leads her mother (Jennifer Garner) into an emotional freefall and pushes her brother towards addiction. Caught in the middle of it all, Medina must rely on her inner strength to become the stabilizing force in her family, while finding refuge in a new passion: surfing. Set amidst the sun-kissed beaches and crystal blue waters of the California coast, The Tribes Of Palos Verdes is a stirring look at how life’s greatest challenges forge who we become. Wanderland World Premiere Director: Josh Klausner In an effort to briefly escape his humdrum life of isolation in New York City, Alex (Tate Ellington) impulsively accepts an invitation from an online acquaintance (Dree Hemingway) to house-sit at her picturesque “Enchanted Cottage” on Long Island. Despite his best attempts for a quiet weekend of relaxation, Alex suddenly finds himself lost on a surreal, all-night musical odyssey of misadventures. Filmed in and around the Hamptons area, and featuring a cast of wonderfully kooky local characters, Josh Klausner’s Wanderland is a madcap East End experience.
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U.S. Premiere of BREATHE is Centerpiece Film + LBJ, THE SQUARE and More Headed to Hamptons International Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_22908" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Breathe[/caption] The U.S. premiere of Breathe, the directorial debut of Andy Serkis, starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy will be the Sunday Centerpiece of the 2017 Hamptons International Film Festival in East Hampton. Additional films featured this year include Ai Weiwei’s Human Flow, a documentary shining light on the global migrant crisis; the recipient of the Palme D’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Ruben Östlund’s The Square, a fictional story about the world of art starring Elisabeth Moss, Claes Bang and Dominic West; and lastly, based on her award-winning short film, the U.S. premiere of Atsuko Hirayanagi’s Oh Lucy! Both Alan Cumming and Toni Collette will attend this year’s festival with new films: Vincent Gagliostro’s After Louie stars Cumming as an NYC artist with survivor’s guilt following the AIDS epidemic, and Alexandre Moors’ The Yellow Birds stars Collette as a veteran’s mother. The Yellow Birds follows two soldiers finding their way in the midst of the Iraq War, and also stars Jennifer Aniston, Tye Sheridan and Alden Ehrenreich. “This first group of films display works that both explore the complexities of our world and some of the challenges we face, while also highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in facing such adversity,” said HIFF Artistic Director David Nugent. As part of the Festival’s signature programs, A Conversation With… will feature renowned Emmy-award winning actor and Oscar-nominated director Rob Reiner, director of LBJ, the upcoming drama starring Woody Harrelson as President Lyndon Johnson, which will also screen at the Festival. Breathe U.S. Premiere | Director: Andy Serkis For his directorial debut, Andy Serkis brings to life the inspiring true love story between Robin and Diana Cavendish (Academy Award® nominee Andrew Garfield, Golden Globe® winner Claire Foy), an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease. When Robin is struck down by polio at the age of 28, he is confined to a hospital bed and given only a few months to live. With the help of Diana’s twin brothers (Tom Hollander) and the groundbreaking ideas of inventor Teddy Hall (Hugh Bonneville), Robin and Diana dare to escape the hospital ward to seek out a full and passionate life together—raising their young son, traveling and devoting their lives to helping other polio patients. Written by two-time Academy Award nominated writer William Nicholson, and shot by three-time Academy Award winner Robert Richardson, Breathe is a heartwarming celebration of love and human possibility. LBJ New York Premiere | Director: Rob Reiner After powerful Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson (Woody Harrelson) loses the 1960 Democratic presidential nomination to Senator John F. Kennedy (Jeffrey Donovan), he agrees to be his young rival’s running mate. But once they win the election, despite his extensive legislative experience and shrewd political instincts, Johnson finds himself sidelined in the role of vice president. That all changes on November 22, 1963, when Kennedy is assassinated and Johnson, with his devoted wife Lady Bird (Jennifer Jason Leigh) by his side, is suddenly thrust into the presidency. As the nation mourns, Johnson must contend with longtime adversary Attorney General Bobby Kennedy (Michael Stahl-David) and one-time mentor Georgia Senator Richard Russell (Richard Jenkins) as he seeks to honor JFK’s legacy by championing the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964. After Louie New York Premiere | Director: Vincent Gagliostro Still reeling from survivor’s guilt in the years following the AIDS epidemic, NYC artist Sam (Tony Award® winner Alan Cumming) spends his days working on a seemingly never-ending video tribute to the partner he lost along the way. While an intimate encounter with a younger man (Zachary Booth) at first seems like just another one-off, it soon forces Sam to re-assess his resentment for a generation he perceives to be oblivious to the political immediacy and pain of his own. Longtime activist and first-time filmmaker Vincent Gagliostro brings a knowing sensitivity to this poignant story of generational difference, all centered around Cumming’s raw and magnetic lead performance. The Yellow Birds East Coast Premiere | Director: Alexandre Moors In the midst of the Iraq War, Bartle (Alden Ehrenreich) and Murph (Tye Sheridan), two young soldiers fresh out of training camp, find themselves woefully unprepared for the realities facing them upon their deployment into active duty. What starts off as a simple mission ends in tragedy, driving one traumatized soldier to return home desperate to escape the past while the other’s parents begins their own search for the truth. Aided by stand-out supporting turns from Jennifer Aniston and Toni Collette, The Yellow Birds provides a haunting look at the personal devastation facing both the soldiers on the ground and those they leave behind. The Square Director: Ruben Östlund Winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Ruben Östlund’s provocatively anarchic The Square follows Christian (Claes Bang), the suave director of a respected contemporary art museum who sees the museum, and his career, suddenly upended when the PR campaign surrounding his latest exhibit goes off the rails. Using the same razor-sharp humor utilized in his festival favorite FORCE MAJEURE (HIFF 2014), Östlund has created another masterful social satire that playfully disassembles the hypocrisy, privilege, and self-importance of the contemporary art world. Featuring fantastic turns by Terry Notary, Elisabeth Moss, and Dominic West, The Square skillfully orchestrates one standout sequence after another, and in the process creates one of the most memorable films of the year. Human Flow East Coast Premiere | Director: Ai Weiwei Visionary artist Ai Weiwei’s haunting new documentary follows the plight of migrants displaced from their homelands by war, poverty, and climate change. A sprawling global odyssey, Human Flow was filmed in 23 countries over the course of more than a year and examines the staggering scale of a crisis that has now reached epidemic proportions. Bearing witness to the atrocious refugee experience serves as a reminder that this is not just a refugee crisis, but rather a human crisis. The end result is a stirring and poignant essay on the profound impact and ways in which it shapes the word. Oh Lucy! U.S. Premiere | Director: Atsuko Hirayanagi In this delightfully offbeat tale, Oh Lucy! follows Setsuko Kawashima (Shinobu Terajima)—a lonely, chain-smoking introvert who is wasting away at her office job in Tokyo. Setsuko’s world is turned upside down when she meets the charismatic English teacher, John (Josh Hartnett), who draws her out of her shell with the help of a blond wig and the promise of a bold new identity. When John abruptly departs for Southern California, the newly emboldened “Lucy” sets out to find him on a life-altering journey of self-discovery. Based on her award-winning short film, Atsuko Hirayanagi’s charming directorial debut explores the transformative power of individualism.
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Films Featuring Whitney Houston, Hulk Hogan Among Hamptons International Film Festival SummerDocs Series

[caption id="attachment_19919" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] NOBODY SPEAK: TRIALS OF THE FREE PRESS[/caption] The Hamptons International Film Festival SummerDocs series returns for the ninth year to present new and groundbreaking documentary filmmaking and thought-provoking stories to the East End. The series will kick off with a screening of Netflix’s NOBODY SPEAK: TRIALS OF THE FREE PRESS on Saturday, July 8th at 7:00PM, followed by The Orchard & CNN Films’ TROPHY on Saturday, July 29th at 7:00PM, both at Guild Hall in East Hampton. In August the series will also screen IFC’s TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON on Friday, August 4th at 8:30PM at Gurney’s in Montauk, Showtime’s WHITNEY. “CAN I BE ME” on Thursday, August 17th at 7:00PM at Southampton Arts Center in Southampton, and close with Netflix’s ICARUS on Saturday, August 26th at 7:00PM at Guild Hall in East Hampton. Following the screenings HIFF Co-Chairman Alec Baldwin & HIFF Artistic Director David Nugent will lead conversations with filmmakers and subjects including Director Brian Knappenberger and special guests to be announced for NOBODY SPEAK: TRIALS OF THE FREE PRESS, Directors Christina Clusiau and Shaul Schwarz for TROPHY, Director Rory Kennedy and subject Laird Hamilton for TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON, Director Nick Broomfield for WHITNEY. “CAN I BE ME”, and Director Bryan Fogel for ICARUS. Full Lineup of 2017 Summer Docs NOBODY SPEAK: TRIALS OF THE FREE PRESS Saturday, July 8th at 7:00PM at Guild Hall in East Hampton When online tabloid Gawker posted a sex tape starring former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, a high-stakes legal battle pitting privacy rights against the First Amendment ensued. Hogan won the case and the staggering settlement he received not only bankrupted Gawker and its founder Nick Denton, but also exposed a controversial, behind-the-scenes benefactor: Silicon Valley venture capitalist Peter Thiel. Whether you love or hate Gawker, Brian Knappenberger’s gripping polemic reveals the forces that really brought down the news portal. Taking examples like Sheldon Adelson’s purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, this compelling documentary illustrates a growing, sinister trend at odds with our country’s free press. Corporate executives, titans, and billionaires are tipping the balance on the public’s access to news, posing new threats to society’s relationship to the truth. Knappenberger’s knack for capturing timely and provocative shifts in the new digital era is instinctive. Fusing exhaustive interviews with Denton, commentators, and journalists Nobody Speak weaves a disturbing, fascinating tale of power and truth with a moral that runs to the core of democracy. TROPHY Saturday, July 29th at 7:00PM at Guild Hall in East Hampton Endangered African species like elephants, rhinos and lions march closer to extinction each year. Their devastating decline is fueled in part by a global desire to consume these majestic animals. Trophy investigates the powerhouse industries of big-game hunting, breeding and wildlife conservation. Through the eyes of impassioned individuals who drive these industries –from a Texas-based trophy hunter to the world’s largest private rhino breeder in South Africa –the film grapples with the consequences of imposing economic value on animals. What are the implications of treating animals as commodities? Do breeding, farming and hunting offer some of the few remaining options to conserve our endangered animals? Trophy will leave you debating what is right, what is wrong and what is necessary in order to save the great species of the world. TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON Friday, August 4th at 8:30PM at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Spa in Montauk TAKE EVERY WAVE: The Life of Laird Hamilton tracks the remarkable life and legendary career of big wave surfer Laird Hamilton. Much admired by the public, though often disdained or ignored by the surf industry itself, Laird is a unique sports icon—an athlete who has refused to compete professionally yet has dominated big wave surfing as no other figure in history ever has. Laird’s biographical story is told against the backdrop of a winter surf season on Kauai, where El Niño storm systems threaten to bring the biggest surf in decades. Mixing never-before-seen archival footage with contemporary verité scenes shot in Southern California, Bermuda and Kauai, Take Every Wave weaves the past and present into an intimate and compelling portrait of a superstar athlete at the top of his game. Threaded throughout is a revealing, deeply personal interview with Laird, as well as conversations with the family members, friends, collaborators and detractors who know him best. Take Every Wave provides an intimate, uncompromising look at a lifetime devoted to riding giant surf—and the price an athlete pays for greatness. WHITNEY. “CAN I BE ME” Thursday, August 17th at 7:00PM at Southampton Arts Center in Southampton Whitney Houston was a sure thing, or as sure as the music industry had ever seen. A transcendent talent with pedigree and mentorship to match, she was going to be the greatest female vocalist ever. For a time, she was, and then she all-too-publicly fell short. Documentarian Nick Broomfield and iconic music video director Rudi Dolezal offer a never-before-seen backstage look at the height of Houston’s stardom and trace with penetrating detail the forces that contributed to her shortened career and subsequent death in 2012, at age 48. Whether it be racism, religion, drugs, sexuality, self-doubt, gossip, rivalry, insufficient training, the demands of parents and the industry, a troubled marriage playing out in headlines, or the inevitable toll those stresses take from so muscular and passionate a singer, the directors leave nothing unturned. They create a picture of a remarkable woman who needed more help than she received and provide an unflinching, gripping, and wholly committed exploration of talent given and taken away, in an era obsessed with how that talent lives when the stage lights go down. ICARUS Saturday, August 26th at 7:00PM at Guild Hall in East Hampton The ruthless worlds of international sports and politics rarely collide as spectacularly on screen as they do in Bryan Fogel’s thriller, which is sure to set off convulsions of controversy. While investigating the furtive world of illegal doping in sports, Fogel connects with renegade Russian Scientist Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov—a pillar of his country’s “antidoping” program. Over dozens of Skype calls, urine samples, and badly administered hormone injections, Fogel and Rodchenkov grow closer, despite shocking allegations that place Rodchenkov at the center of Russia’s state-sponsored Olympic doping program. When the truth is more complex than imagined, and accusations of illegalities run to Russia’s highest chains of command, the two realize they hold the power to reveal the biggest international sports scandal in living memory. Exemplifying the special bond between filmmaker and subject, this is a vital portrait of the sacrifice some people will make to stand up for truth. Icarus places you at the heart of an international game of cat and mouse, where a miscalculation can cost you your life.
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Julie Andrews to be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Hamptons International Film Festival

[caption id="attachment_22241" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Julie Andrews[/caption] Screen and stage legend Julie Andrews will be the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s 2017 Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF). The 25th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place over Columbus Day Weekend, October 5 to 9, 2017. “Julie Andrews is a true icon and captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike the moment she first appeared on screen in Mary Poppins,” said HIFF Co-Chairman Alec Baldwin. “Since then she has never ceased to amaze and stands as a true role model and inspiration. We are proud to honor her at the festival and celebrate her incredible career.” HIFF and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will co-present a special screening of Victor Victoria on Saturday, October 7, in East Hampton. The film, which stars Ms. Andrews, won the Oscar for Original Song Score and Its Adaptation -or- Adaptation Score. Ms. Andrews will participate in a post-screening conversation with Mr. Baldwin and an award presentation with special guests. “We are thrilled to honor Julie Andrews, whose incredible and diverse career speaks for itself,” said HIFF Executive Director Anne Chaisson. “We look forward to celebrating the milestone of our 25th anniversary, and welcoming back The Academy for this special celebration.”
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Hamptons International Film Festival to Celebrate its 25th anniversary with ’25 Years: 25 Films’

[caption id="attachment_20518" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] THE PIANO[/caption] The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will celebrate its 25th anniversary with 25 Years: 25 Films, screening one film from each year of the festival. 24 screenings throughout The Hamptons, Palm Beach, New York City, and Los Angeles will lead up to one final screening and Lifetime Achievement Award presentation before the annual October Festival. The 25 Years: 25 Films series will kick off on February 17th at Guild Hall in East Hampton with THE PIANO from HIFF 1993, and then head to Palm Beach on February 23rd for BLACK SWAN from HIFF 2010. The films in the 25 Years: 25 Films series have all previously screened with HIFF. These include Oscar®-winning films such as the aforementioned THE PIANO and BLACK SWAN, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, STILL ALICE, THE ARTIST, THE COVE, SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN, Oscar®-nominated films such as THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT, I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, and other critically acclaimed films such as OPEN WATER and HEAVENLY CREATURES. “The festival has seen 25 years of unforgettable films from both first-time directors, as well as recognized masters,” said HIFF Artistic Director David Nugent. “To look back on the works that made the festival so enticing is to recognize a quarter-century of incredible cinema.” The 25th Hamptons International Film Festival will take place over Columbus Day Weekend: October 5 – 9, 2017 Full list of films below: WINTER 1993 | The Piano – The Hamptons 2010 | Black Swan – Palm Beach – Presented by The Norton Museum of Art and The Breakers Palm Beach 2016 | I Am Not Your Negro – The Hamptons 1997 | Winter Guest – The Hamptons 1996 | Gray’s Anatomy – The Hamptons SPRING 1998 | The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg – The Hamptons 1994 | Heavenly Creatures – NYC 1999 | Judy Berlin – The Hamptons 2002 | Nowhere in Africa – The Hamptons 2004 | Kinsey – The Hamptons 2001 | No Man’s Land – The Hamptons 2014 | Still Alice – The Hamptons 1995 | Last Summer in the Hamptons – The Hamptons SUMMER 2012 | Searching for Sugarman – NYC 2013 | 20 Feet from Stardom – LA 2009 | The Cove – The Hamptons 2015 | Embrace of the Serpent – The Hamptons 2007 | The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – NYC 2008 | Slumdog Millionaire – The Hamptons 2005 | Boynton Beach Club – The Hamptons 2006 | The Fountain – The Hamptons 2003 | Open Water – The Hamptons 2011 | The Artist – The Hamptons 2000 | Pollock – The Hamptons
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ROOM and WHERE TO INVADE NEXT Win Audience Awards at 2015 Hamptons International Film Festival

ROOM (pictured above) and WHERE TO INVADE NEXT were honored with the Audience Awards for Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature, respectively at the just wrapped 2015 Hamptons International Film Festival. ALL-AMERICAN FAMILY won the audience award for best short film. Adapted from the bestselling novel by author and screenwriter Emma Donoghue, ROOM directed by Lenny Abrahamson, follows Jack (Jacob Tremblay) and his Ma (Brie Larson), who live in a small, locked room. Having never left Room, Jack believes that only the things in the room are real and that everything he sees on TV is make-believe. Right after his fifth birthday, Ma reveals the secret that has kept them confined to the room all these years. A harrowing journey of discovery ensues, and Jack has to come to terms with the fact that there’s more to the world outside Room. In an unexpected twist, Michael Moore’s (BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE, FAHRENHEIT 9/11, ROGER & ME) latest project, WHERE TO INVADE NEXT, does not refer to American imperialism, but rather to Moore himself. Armed with a camera and a flag, the Oscar®-winning documentarian “invades” a slew of European countries in an attempt to learn more about their successful practices and programs. From Norwegian prisons to female-run Icelandic banks, to Italian employee benefits, Moore travels around the world with the intention of bringing these progressive philosophies back to the States. The festival ran from October 8th through October 12th and played over 134 films from around the world. HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 WINNERS: HIFF Award Winner for Best Narrative Feature sponsored by The Wall Street Journal Rams, directed by Grimur Hákonarson Honorable Mention for Narrative Feature Embrace of the Serpent, directed by Ciro Guerra HIFF Award Winner for Best Documentary Feature sponsored by ID Films Missing People, directed by David Shapiro Honorable Mention for Documentary Feature Chuck Norris Vs. Communism, directed by Ilinca Calugareanu HIFF Award Winner for Best Narrative Short Film sponsored by The Wall Street Journal Over, directed by Jörn Threlfall Honorable Mention for Narrative Short Film Patriot, directed by Eva Riley HIFF Award Winner for Best Documentary Short Film sponsored by ID Films Last Day of Freedom, directed by Dee Hibbert-Jones, Nomi Talisman Victor Rabinowitz and Joanne Grant Award for Social Justice The Uncondemned, directed by Michele Mitchell, Nick Louvel Tangerine Entertainment Juice Fund Award Suffragette, directed by Sarah Gavron Suffolk County Film Commission Next Exposure Grant When I Live My Life Over Again, directed by Robert Edwards The 2015 Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for a Film of Conflict and Resolution The Uncondemned, directed by Michele Mitchell, Nick Louvel The Zelda Penzel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award: Dedicated to Those Who Suffer in Silence The Champions, directed by Darcy Dennett
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2015 Hamptons International Film Festival Awards, RAMS, and MISSING PEOPLE Win Top Awards

The 2015 Hamptons International Film Festival announced their award winners, and RAMS, directed by Grimur Hákonarson won The HIFF Award for Best Narrative Feature. RAMS is Iceland’s official selection for the Academy Awards. MISSING PEOPLE, directed by David Shapiro, received the HIFF Award for Best Documentary Feature. OVER, directed by Jörn Threlfall, and LAST DAY OF FREEDOM, directed by Dee Hibbert-Jones, Nomi Talisman, received the HIFF Awards for Best Narrative Short Film and for Best Documentary Short Film, respectively. EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT, directed by Ciro Guerra, received the Honorable Mention for Narrative Feature and PATRIOT, directed by Eva Riley, received Honorable Mention for Narrative Short Film. CHUCK NORRIS VS. COMMUNISM, directed by Ilinca Calugareanu, received the Honorable Mention for Documentary Feature. HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2015 WINNERS: HIFF Award Winner for Best Narrative Feature sponsored by The Wall Street Journal Rams, directed by Grimur Hákonarson Honorable Mention for Narrative Feature Embrace of the Serpent, directed by Ciro Guerra HIFF Award Winner for Best Documentary Feature sponsored by ID Films Missing People, directed by David Shapiro Honorable Mention for Documentary Feature Chuck Norris Vs. Communism, directed by Ilinca Calugareanu HIFF Award Winner for Best Narrative Short Film sponsored by The Wall Street Journal Over, directed by Jörn Threlfall Honorable Mention for Narrative Short Film Patriot, directed by Eva Riley HIFF Award Winner for Best Documentary Short Film sponsored by ID Films Last Day of Freedom, directed by Dee Hibbert-Jones, Nomi Talisman Victor Rabinowitz and Joanne Grant Award for Social Justice The Uncondemned, directed by Michele Mitchell, Nick Louvel Tangerine Entertainment Juice Fund Award Suffragette, directed by Sarah Gavron Suffolk County Film Commission Next Exposure Grant When I Live My Life Over Again, directed by Robert Edwards The 2015 Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for a Film of Conflict and Resolution The Uncondemned, directed by Michele Mitchell, Nick Louvel The Zelda Penzel “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” Award: Dedicated to Those Who Suffer in Silence The Champions, directed by Darcy Dennett 2015 VARIETY 10 ACTORS T0 WATCH Christopher Abbott, James White Emory Cohen, Brooklyn Thomas Mann, The Preppie Connection Bel Powley, A Royal Night Out Rebecca Ferguson, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation Jason Mitchell, Straight Outta Compton Maika Monroe, It Follows Keith Stanfield, Straight Outta Compton Tessa Thompson, Selma Jessie T. Usher, Independence Day: Resurgence
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23rd Hamptons International Film Festival Reveals Short Films Lineup

The 23rd Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will present 10 programs of short films this year, including the Narrative Short Film and Documentary Short Film Competition programs, the New York Women In Film and Television: Women Calling The Shots program, the Ahoy! Shorts for All Ages program and the Crafted program, which features three short films about auteur Claude Lanzmann, and artists Phil Toledano and Hilary Knight.

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2015 Hamptons International Film Festival to Close with BRIDGE OF SPIES; Reveals Spotlight Films and World Cinema

The 2015 Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will close with Steven Spielberg’s BRIDGE OF SPIES on Monday, October 12, 2015 at Guild Hall in East Hampton. The festival announced its Spotlight Films along with its World Cinema and Shorts programs; and also revealed that Emily Blunt, Michael Moore and Dan Rather will be in attendance to take part in “A Conversation With…” for the 23rd installment. The Festival’s closing night film is three-time Academy Award®-winning Steven Spielberg’s BRIDGE OF SPIES, a dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, BRIDGE OF SPIES is the story of James Donovan (two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks), a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, BRIDGE OF SPIES stars: three-time Tony Award® winner Mark Rylance, Scott Shepherd, Academy Award nominee Amy Ryan, Sebastian Koch, and Academy Award nominee Alan Alda. The Walt Disney Studios and Touchstone Pictures film will release in theaters on October 16, 2015. This year’s Spotlight Films include the North American Premiere of A ROYAL NIGHT OUT, the US Premieres of I SAW THE LIGHT, THE LADY IN THE VAN, LOUDER THAN BOMBS, the East Coast Premieres of ANOMALISA and MACBETH, and a Sneak Preview of BORN TO BE BLUE. The Spotlight Films will also feature SUFFRAGETTE, WHEN I LIVE MY LIFE OVER AGAIN, BROOKLYN, EXPERIMENTER, MEADOWLAND, and WHERE TO INVADE NEXT directed by Michael Moore, who will attend the festival along with taking part in “A Conversation With…” on Sunday, October 11th, at NOON at Bay Street Theater. This year’s World Cinema Documentary titles include the World Premieres of THE C WORD, CLASS DIVIDE, HARRY BENSON: SHOOT FIRST, the North American Premiere of BY SIDNEY LUMET, an American Masters Film, the US Premieres of BOLSHOI BABYLON, and the East Coast Premiere of SHERPA. Other films in the section include CROCODILE GENNADIY, DREAM/KILLER, HARRY & SNOWMAN, HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO, IN TRANSIT, PALIO, THE RUSSIAN WOODPECKER “OROSZ HARKÁLY.” The World Cinema Narrative films include the World Premiere of THE PREPPIE CONNECTION, the North American Premieres of CAFÉ DERBY, BABAI and A MONSTER WITH A THOUSAND HEADS “UN MONSTRU DE MIL CABEZAS,” the US Premieres of 11 MINUTES “11 MINUT,” ALL ABOUT THEM “À TROIS ON Y VA,” DHEEPAN, DISORDER “MARYLAND,” and the East Coast Premieres of 45 YEARS, ROOM, and THE WAVE. The section also includes THE CLUB “EL CLUB,” KRISHA, SON OF SAUL “SAUL FIA.” The 2015 Hamptons International Film Festival will also present a special screening of Morgan Neville and Robert Gordon’s BEST OF ENEMIES, winner of the 2015 SummerDocs Audience Award. HIFF will present 10 programs of short films this year, including the Narrative Short Film and Documentary Short Film Competition programs, the New York Women In Film and Television: Women Calling The Shots program, the Ahoy! Shorts for All Ages program and the Crafted program, which features three short films about auteur Claude Lanzmann, and artists Phil Toledano and Hilary Knight. HIFF previously announced Paolo Sorrentino’s YOUTH as the Southampton Opening Night Film, Tom McCarthy’s SPOTLIGHT as the Saturday Centerpiece Film and Todd Haynes’ CAROL as the Sunday Centerpiece Film, and its Documentary and Narrative Competition Films, which now also includes the North American Premiere of Jonas Carpignano’s MEDITERRANEA. The full line-up of the 23rd Hamptons International Film Festival is below. OPENING NIGHT FILM TRUTH (USA) Director: James Vanderbilt Academy Award® winners Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford star in James Vanderbilt’s sharp and insightful take on the controversial CBS 60 Minutes investigation of George W. Bush’s military record that ended Dan Rather’s career as the network’s anchorman. Adapted from producer Mary Mapes’ (Blanchett) account in her book “Truth and Duty: The Press, the President, and the Privilege of Power,” and featuring exceptional performances by a stellar cast, including Elisabeth Moss, Dennis Quaid, and Topher Grace, TRUTH is a polished and absorbing dramatization of the ever-changing relationship between journalism and politics in today’s media. SOUTHAMPTON OPENING NIGHT FILM YOUTH (Italy/France/UK/Switzerland) East Coast Premiere Director: Paolo Sorrentino The stunning new film from Academy Award® winner Paolo Sorrentino (THE GREAT BEAUTY), YOUTH follows two old friends as they vacation in a Swiss luxury resort. Fred (Michael Caine) is a retired composer and conductor, enjoying his retirement and Mick (Harvey Keitel) a film director planning his final film. While musing about their lives and illustrious careers, their pasts resurface and a sense of melancholy disrupts the vacation. With a phenomenal cast of characters, played by Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano, and the iconic Jane Fonda, YOUTH is a whimsical meditation on the crossroads of friendship and aging. Lusciously lensed and scored, the Swiss Alps serve as magical setting for this mesmerizing tour de force. CENTERPIECE SATURDAY SPOTLIGHT (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Tom McCarthy Oscar® nominees Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, and Rachel McAdams star as the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team, assigned by their newly appointed editor Martin Baron (Liev Schreiber) to investigate the allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church. For over a year, they pursued the story relentlessly, despite intense resistance from the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment. Tom McCarthy’s SPOTLIGHT examines the true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation that uncovered a massive web of pedophilia and systemic cover-ups within the Catholic Church. Aided by a fantastic supporting cast (Stanley Tucci, Billy Crudup), SPOTLIGHT is a nuanced and thrilling procedural about the power and impact of great investigative journalism. CENTERPIECE SUNDAY CAROL (UK/USA) Director: Todd Haynes With groundbreaking performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara (winner of the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival) as two women entangled in an intoxicating love affair, director Todd Haynes (FAR FROM HEAVEN) illuminates the delicate intricacies of navigating forbidden desire in 1950s New York. Adapting Patricia Highsmith’s semi-autobiographical novel “The Price of Salt,” CAROL is the story of an unlikely bond between an ingenue shop girl dreaming of a better life and an older sophisticated woman trapped in a loveless marriage. A masterfully crafted love story, CAROL is an exquisite and poignant meditation on longing. CLOSING NIGHT FILM BRIDGE OF SPIES (USA) Director: Steven Spielberg A dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of a series of historic events, BRIDGE OF SPIES is the story of James Donovan (two-time Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks), a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Directed by three-time Academy Award®-winning director Steven Spielberg and written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen, BRIDGE OF SPIES stars: three-time Tony Award® winner Mark Rylance as Rudolf Abel, a KGB agent defended by Donovan; Scott Shepherd as CIA operative Hoffman; Academy Award nominee Amy Ryan as James’ wife, Mary; Sebastian Koch as East German lawyer Vogel; and Academy Award nominee Alan Alda as Thomas Watters, a partner at Donovan’s law firm. Inspired by remarkable true events, Spielberg captures the essence of a man who risked everything and vividly brings his personal journey to life. SPOTLIGHT FILMS BORN TO BE BLUE (USA/Canada/UK) Sneak Preview Director: Robert Budreau An intimate portrait of jazz legend Chet Baker (Ethan Hawke), BORN TO BE BLUE is a remarkable reimagining of the iconic musician’s comeback in the 1960s. When approached to star in a film about his heyday and given a chance at redemption, he finds that re-entering the spotlight may not come as smoothly as the notes that made him famous. With girlfriend Jane (Carmen Ejogo, SELMA) by his side, he struggles against addiction and a career-threatening injury to reclaim his former self. With a delicate touch, writer/director Robert Budreau paints an immersive and imaginative look at the trumpeter’s fragile story. BROOKLYN (Ireland/UK/Canada) Director: John Crowley Waving good-bye to her mother and sister in Ireland, Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan) sets sail to follow her American dream in 1950s Brooklyn. With the support of a kind priest, Eilis finds work at an upscale department store and enrolls in school, but it’s only after she meets Tony (Emory Cohen) that she finally feels at home and romance heals her loneliness. When an unexpected tragedy forces Eilis to return home, she finds a renewed love for Ireland. With award-worthy performances and exquisite cinematography, John Crowley’s BROOKLYN is a beautiful tale of a young woman torn between two worlds. EXPERIMENTER (USA) Director: Michael Almereyda EXPERIMENTER follows the infamous social psychologist Stanley Milgram (Peter Sarsgaard), who conducted a series of highly controversial experiments on obedience and authority in the 1960s. In an attempt to better understand the horrific events of the Holocaust, Milgram observed and recorded the responses of a group of subjects instructed to deliver potentially fatal electric shocks to strangers concealed behind a closed door. A refreshing departure from the traditional biopic formula, director Michael Almereyda deftly investigates the inner psyche of this notorious character. With nuanced performances by Sarsgaard and Winona Ryder as Milgram’s wife, EXPERIMENTER is a compelling look at our willingness to follow orders despite our better judgment. I SAW THE LIGHT (USA) US Premiere Director: Marc Abraham Country music legend Hank Williams is brought to life in Marc Abraham’s I SAW THE LIGHT, a moving tale of success and personal hardship based on Colin Escott’s award-winning biography. Celebrated as one of the most influential singersongwriters of the 20th century, Williams compiled a lasting body of work before his untimely death at the age of 29. With brilliant and complex performances by Tom Hiddleston as Williams and Elizabeth Olsen as his ambitious wife, the film chronicles a restless soul, driven towards the spotlight and unable to resist the temptations that destroyed his health and personal life. THE LADY IN THE VAN (UK) US Premiere Director: Nicholas Hytner In this “mostly true” story, based on writer Alan Bennett’s (THE MADNESS OF GEORGE III, THE HISTORY BOYS) memoir and popular West End play, the extraordinary Maggie Smith stars as Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric high-born woman living out of her van. When Alan (Alex Jennings) moves into his new London home, he soon discovers Miss Shepherd, who mysteriously claims to speak directly with the Virgin Mary, and reluctantly offers her his driveway as a temporary home. Fifteen years later, she is still there. THE LADY IN THE VAN is a hilariously witty story of two strangers who form an unlikely friendship and lasting bond despite their best attempts to be left alone. LOUDER THAN BOMBS (Norway/France/Denmark) US Premiere Director: Joachim Trier On the eve of an exhibition honoring noted war photographer Isabelle Reed (Isabelle Huppert), whose career was cut short in the wake of her untimely death, a father and two sons grapple with her domestic and professional legacy. Flashbacks of Isabelle’s life intermingle with the present-day attempts of the Reeds to manage their grief amid combat of a different kind. Family patriarch Gene (Gabriel Byrne) discovers secrets about his late spouse while pursuing a new romance and struggling to connect with teenage son Conrad (Devin Druid) and adult son Jonah (Jesse Eisenberg). Past and present coalesce in sharp focus as the surviving Reeds come to terms with love and loss — locating in memories both painful and joyous the skills they need to soldier on… ANOMALISA (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson Michael Stone is a man crippled by the mundanity of his life. On a business trip to Cincinnati, he checks into the Fregoli Hotel, where he is amazed to discover a possible escape from his desperation in the form of an unassuming Akron baked goods sales rep who may or may not be the love of his life. A beautifully tender and absurdly humorous dreamscape from the brilliant minds of Charlie Kaufman (SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK) and Duke Johnson (“Community”), this is a darkly comedic and surreal journey. ANOMALISA confirms Charlie Kaufman’s place amongst the most important of American filmmakers, and announces Duke Johnson as a major creative force. MACBETH (France/UK/USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Justin Kurzel Director: Justin Kurzel Set in the war-torn countryside of 11th century Scotland, MACBETH is the classic story of a brutal warrior who is consumed and eventually defeated by his uncontrollable ambition. In this impressive update, Michael Fassbender and Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard give award-worthy performances as one of literature’s most notorious couples. After a trio of witches prophesize his ascent to the throne, Macbeth and his cunning wife decide to seize the crown for themselves through brutality and murder. Violent and visceral, director Justin Kurzel delivers an exhilarating adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies. MEADOWLAND (USA) Director: Reed Morano In her dreamy directorial debut, celebrated cinematographer Reed Morano (KILL YOUR DARLINGS) examines the visceral and isolating experience of grief, and the distortion of reality that occurs following the loss of a child. MEADOWLAND follows distraught parents Sarah (Olivia Wilde) and Phil (Luke Wilson) a year after their 8- year-old son mysteriously disappeared from a gas station bathroom. In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, they each struggle in their own way to heal. Phil attempts to ease his suffering with the help of a support group, while Sarah seeks a more destructive path. Wilde and Wilson, who give raw, emotional performances as the unraveling couple, are backed by an impressive cast of supporting actors, including Elisabeth Moss, John Leguizamo, Giovanni Ribisi, and Kevin Corrigan. A ROYAL NIGHT OUT (UK) North American Premiere Director: Julian Jarrold It’s Victory in Europe Day in 1945, and while the King and Queen of England (Rupert Everett and Emily Watson) prefer to observe the end of the Second World War as solemnly as possible, Princesses Elizabeth (Sarah Gadon) and Margaret (Bel Powley) are quite eager to participate in the revelry in the heart of London. Never before allowed to roam freely about in public, each girl is given a disguise, a chaperone, and a curfew. However, the girls quickly ditch their disapproving mother’s itineraries for an unforgettable night of adventure, drinking, and romance. SUFFRAGETTE (UK) Director: Sarah Gavron Inspired by true events, SUFFRAGETTE movingly explores the passion and heartbreak of those who risked all they had for women’s right to vote–their jobs, their homes, their children, and even their lives. Academy Award® nominees Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter, and three-time Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep lead the cast of the powerful drama about the fight for equality in early-20th- century Britain. The stirring story centers on Maud, a working wife and mother who becomes an activist for the Suffragette cause alongside women from all walks of life. SUFFRAGETTE is directed by BAFTA Award winner Sarah Gavron and written by Emmy Award® winner Abi Morgan WHEN I LIVE MY LIFE OVER AGAIN (USA) Director: Robert Edwards Escaping New York City, Jude (Amber Heard) heads to the wintry, desolate Hamptons for some self-reflection and reinvention. The daughter of a famed romantic crooner, Paul Lombard (Christopher Walken), Jude has inherited not only his musical talent, but also his vice of self-destruction. When the aging Paul attempts to revitalize his career with a self-penned comeback song, Jude is pressured to take initiative to shape her life. With a supporting cast that includes Oliver Platt and Hamish Linklater, WHEN I LIVE MY LIFE OVER AGAIN is a charming examination of regret, family, and the evolution of life. WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (USA) Director: Michael Moore In an unexpected twist, Michael Moore’s (BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE, FAHRENHEIT 9/11, SICKO) latest project, WHERE TO INVADE NEXT, does not refer to American imperialism, but rather to Moore himself. Armed with a camera and a flag, the Oscar®-winning documentarian “invades” a slew of European countries in an attempt to learn more about their successful practices and programs. From Norwegian prisons to female-run Icelandic banks, to Italian employee benefits, Moore travels around the world with the intention of bringing these progressive philosophies back to the States. A surprising departure, WHERE TO INVADE NEXT is a refreshingly optimistic look at the possibilities for the future. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION CHUCK NORRIS VS COMMUNISM (UK/Romania/Germany) New York Premiere Director: Ilinca Calugareanu In the 1980s, the last decade before the revolution overthrew communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania was marred by intense austerity, isolationism and a pervasive cultural blackout. For the oppressed population, a new form of escapism emerged: illicit video nights in which smuggled Western films were shown. The majority of the films were dubbed by the same person, Irina Nistor, one of the most recognizable voices in pre-revolution Romania. First-time director Ilinca Calugareanu’s endearing and entertaining documentary shows how the magic of film created an awakening that helped to instill the seeds of the revolution. A GERMAN YOUTH “UNE JEUNESSE ALLEMANDE” (France) East Coast Premiere Director: Jean-Gabriel Périot Covering a decade of worldwide political unrest (1965-1975), A GERMAN YOUTH is a compelling portrait of the Baader-Meinhof Group (a.k.a The Red Army Faction), a radical movement which drew into its orbit not only disillusioned students, but also established journalists and intellectuals as well as important filmmakers such as Michelangelo Antonioni, Jean Luc Godard and RW Fassbinder. Culled together from a fascinating pastiche of agitprop, news broadcasts, interviews, student films, and other archival footage, A GERMAN YOUTH provides the context for an ideology that shaped an entire generation. MISSING PEOPLE (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: David Shapiro Fifteen years after his debut film KEEP THE RIVER ON THE RIGHT, director David Shapiro returns to HIFF with MISSING PEOPLE. The documentary follows Martina Batan, the director of a prominent New York art gallery as she investigates her young brother’s long unsolved murder. At the same time, she obsessively researches and collects the work of New Orleans artist Roy Ferdinand whose paintings are known for their violent and graphic content depicting African American culture in pre-Katrina New Orleans. Martina’s journey is driven by both a hunger for closure and an inexplicable fascination with Ferdinand as an artist and as a loved one to a family she wedges herself into. NEWMAN (USA) World Premiere Director: Jon Fox Orphan. Entrepreneur. Recluse. Genius. Megalomaniac. Inventor Joseph Newman is all of the above. A controversial figure in the scientific community, Newman rose to notoriety with “The Newman Device,” an electromagnetic machine that he claimed produced more energy than it took to power it. What should have been a revolutionary discovery was stopped by a lengthy and disheartening legal battle with the United States Patent Office. In his enthralling debut, filmmaker Jon Fox deftly seeks to understand the enigmatic inventor — through intimate discussions with Newman’s colleagues and, surprisingly, with the man himself. THE VISIT “A LÁTOGATÁS” (Finland/Denmark) New York Premiere Director: Michael Madsen Imagining an event that has yet to happen – an alien invasion on Earth – Michael Madsen’s engrossing new documentary leads us on a captivating journey through surreal, slow-motion, dream-like tableaus intercut with interviews with scientists from NASA, SETI (Search For Extraterrestrial Life Institute) and experts from the UN. THE VISIT takes an imagined encounter and stimulates the implications and the potential response from humankind. With questions such as “What makes you happy?,” “Do you know what is good and what is evil?,” “How do you think?” and of course, “Why are you here?,” Madsen constructs an unsettling scenario that forces us to reconfigure our insular mentality and reflect on humanity. NARRATIVE COMPETITION EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT “EL ABRAZO DE LA SERPIENTE” (Colombia) East Coast Premiere Director: Ciro Guerra Inspired by the real experiences of explorers in the Amazon, EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT (Colombia’s submission for the Oscars®) centers on the relationship between Karamakate, a shaman of an extinct tribe carrying secrets and traditions, and two scientists in search of a sacred plant, capable of immense healing. Opting for powerful black and white cinematography, director Ciro Guerra tracks their parallel stories over 40 years with trips deep into the jungle. Winner of the top prize at the Cannes Directors Fortnight, the film intimately captures the thirst for knowledge and the ravages of colonialism that have destroyed the harmony and balance at the heart of the indigenous way of life. FRENCH BLOOD “UN FRANÇAIS” (France) US Premiere Director: Diastème Marco (Alban Lenoir) is a young Neo-Nazi and skinhead who, along with his friends, terrorizes the lower-class suburbs of Paris hoping to clear out the “scum” that is polluting the pure, white landscape of their beloved country. Spanning almost 3 decades in Marco’s life as he struggles to understand his own anger and brutal actions, this evocative and moving portrait–the sophomore effort from writer-director Diastème–offers a rare and unsettling look into the rise of xenophobia in France. With a brilliant performance by Lenoir, this poignant drama distinguishes itself as a unique and powerful work by an emerging talent. MEDITERRANEA (Italy/France/USA) North American Premiere Director: Jonas Carpignano Ayiva (Koudous Seihon) seizes the opportunity to leave Burkina Faso and find a better life for his daughter in Jonas Carpignano’s gripping feature debut, MEDITERRANEA. Joined by his best friend Abas (Alassane Sy), they embark on the treacherous journey by boat to Italy, only to find that getting to dry land is merely half the battle. Expanding on his award-winning short, A CHJÀNA (HIFF 2014), Carpignano artfully presents a complex portrait of immigration with both urgency and a humanist approach to understanding life on the margins. Inspired by real events and Seihon’s personal journey, MEDITERRANEA offers a profound and intimate look at the migrant crisis. RAMS “HRÚTAR” (Iceland) East Coast Premiere Director: Grímur Hákonarson Brothers Gummi (Sigurður Sigurjónsson) and Kiddi (Theodór Júlíusson) live side-byside but have not spoken in forty years. Stubborn and competitive, they only communicate via handwritten notes delivered by their loyal sheepdog Somi. When a deadly virus threatens their prize-winning sheep and livelihood, they are forced to come together to save their unique family breed, and themselves, from extinction. Winner of the Un Certain Regard Award in Cannes, RAMS (Iceland’s submission for the Oscars®) details the hardships of daily farm work in remote Iceland with humanism and humor. Stunningly combining otherworldly landscapes and powerful performances, director Grímur Hákonarson expertly builds this gentle comedy to reveal a deeper and emotionally moving tale. TAKE ME TO THE RIVER (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Matt Sobel Accompanying his parents to a Nebraskan family reunion couldn’t be more uncomfortable for Ryder (Logan Miller), a gay Californian teenager. For his mother’s sake he agrees to act “normal,” but nonetheless attracts some unwanted attention from his conservative relatives. The only one who seems to like him is 9-year-old Molly (Ursula Parker), but a strange encounter between the two of them raises many questions and places Ryder at the center of a long-buried family secret. A superbly acted drama from first-time filmmaker Matt Sobel, TAKE ME TO THE RIVER reveals itself through Ryder’s perplexed point of view, unfolding in an atmosphere of mystery and trepidation. WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY BOLSHOI BABYLON (UK) New York Premiere Director: Nick Read Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet is one of the most esteemed ballet institutions in the world. A high-stakes environment in which some of the best ballet dancers in the world vie for the top spot, only an injury away from a complete career collapse. Behind its gleaming facade lies a world of boundless ambition, intrigue, and corruption that all came to a tragic apex in the 2013 acid-attack against its creative director, Sergei Filin by one of the company’s dancers. Benefiting from an unprecedented access, director Nick Reed follows the company’s attempts to recover after the incident and to redirect the focus back to the talent and artistic brilliance of its dancers. BY SIDNEY LUMET (USA) North American Premiere Director: Nancy Buirski Nancy Buirski’s BY SIDNEY LUMET is an enthralling portrait of the work and life of one of American cinema’s most accomplished and prolific directors. In a neverbefore-seen conversation recorded three years before his death, Sidney Lumet looks back on everything from his early years growing up in the Yiddish theater world to his distinguished career as a filmmaker. From his classic breakout hit, 12 ANGRY MEN, to his gritty, socially conscious masterpieces DOG DAY AFTERNOON, SERPICO, and NETWORK, Lumet has captivated audiences for decades with his powerful and timeless films. With humor and humility, the celebrated director speaks candidly about his legacy as an artist. THE C WORD (USA) World Premiere Director: Meghan O’Hara Filmmaker and cancer survivor Meghan O’Hara (producer of FAHRENHEIT 9/11, BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE) wants to change the way we think about cancer. In this daring and intimate film, she investigates the connection between the current cancer epidemic and our western lifestyle, including medical professionals’ tendency to treat only the symptoms and not the underlying causes. Backed by personal experiences and the scientific validation of Dr. David Servan-Schreiber, O’Hara asks us to reconsider the way we currently treat cancer, and advocate instead for societywide lifestyle changes. Narrated by Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman, THE C WORD challenges us to step up and take control of our health. CLASS DIVIDE (USA) World Premiere Director: Marc Levin Director Marc Levin (SCHMATTA: RAGS TO RICHES TO RAGS, HIFF ‘09 and HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND, Audience Award HIFF ‘11) presents CLASS DIVIDE, a look into the modern effects of gentrification in West Chelsea, New York, seen through the eyes of students from both sides of the street—one avenue and worlds apart. On one side of the intersection of 10th Avenue and 26th Street sits Avenues, a world-class private school with a $50,000 per year price tag; on the other side sits the Elliott-Chelsea public housing projects, home to thousands of low-income and underemployed residents. In the face of rising inequality, stagnant class mobility, gentrification and much more, the kids from both sides of the street grapple with their relationship to each other amid the stark transformation. CROCODILE GENNADIY (USA/Ukraine) Director: Steve Hoover After the fall of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was left with dysfunctional social and political institutions, resulting in an increase in child homelessness. Pastor Gennadiy Mokhnenko takes matters into his own hands by forcibly abducting drug-addicted children from the streets, and rehabilitating them at his in-patient facility. Over the course of a decade, Gennadiy builds a reputation as a local hero to some, an anarchic vigilante to others. Director Steve Hoover meticulously chronicles this thrilling story with style and dedication. From executive producer Terrence Malick comes CROCODILE GENNADIY, a complex character study of a man who will stop at nothing to carry out his mission. DREAM/KILLER (USA) Director: Andrew Jenks In 2005, Ryan Ferguson, a 21-year-old from Columbia, Missouri, was wrongly convicted of murder by way of a drug addict’s false confession. Andrew Jenks’ timely documentary DREAM/KILLER follows Ryan’s father, Bill, as he wages a decadelong war to prove Ryan’s innocence and overturn his 40-year sentence. Bill’s restless efforts eventually lead to the discovery of legal misconduct, exposing fault lines in the American criminal justice system. Digging into a father’s fight to free his son, Jenks offers a sobering look at how easily a life can be lost to miscarriages of justice, and how an unwavering family bond can make all the difference. GOOD THINGS AWAIT “SÅ MEGET GODT I VENTE”(Denmark) East Coast Premiere Director: Phie Ambo Biodynamic farmer Niels Stokholm is committed to raising his herd of rare, Danish Red cattle according to their natural instincts. Practicing ancient agricultural techniques, all living things on his farm live in spiritual harmony. In his attempt to get an organic certification for his farm, Stokholm must overcome the unyielding bureaucracy of the EU. Risking everything for his beliefs, Stokholm hopes he won’t be one of the last biodynamic farmers, but rather the first of a new generation. Offering a refreshing alternative to “factory farming,” Phie Ambo’s visually stunning documentary makes a compelling case for nutrition, sustainability, and animal welfare. THE GREAT ALONE (USA) New York Premiere Director: Greg Kohs This is the inspiring comeback story of underdog Lance Mackey as he tries to live up to his father’s legendary 1978 win of the Iditarod race. His attempt to match his progenitor’s success was postponed when Lance was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2001. Through use of archival footage and home videos, we witness Lance’s unprecedented resilience and desire for greatness. An exhilarating experience, THE GREAT ALONE follows his lifelong journey to overcome his illness and become one of the greatest sled dog racers of all time. HARRY & SNOWMAN (USA) New York Premiere Director: Ron Davis At the end of World War II, Harry deLeyer journeyed to Long Island, New York, where he made a name for himself as a horse trainer and riding instructor at the exclusive Knox School. His career took a new turn when he paid $80 for an Amish plow horse named Snowman, bound for the glue factory. With the odds against them, Harry and Snowman went on to break show jumping records, becoming household names in the late 1950’s after winning the sport’s Triple Crown. The award winning documentary HARRY & SNOWMAN is a touching tale of a unique, decade-long friendship, told first-hand by Harry, now 85. HARRY BENSON: SHOOT FIRST (USA) World Premiere Director: Matthew Miele, Justin Bare HARRY BENSON: SHOOT FIRST chronicles the illustrious career of the prolific photographer who initially rose to fame alongside The Beatles, having been assigned to cover their inaugural trip to the United States. With unprecedented “behind the scenes” access, Benson captured some of the most vibrant and intimate portraits ever taken of the most popular band in history. His extensive portfolio includes iconic images of Winston Churchill, Bobby Fischer, Muhammad Ali, Greta Garbo, Michael Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Robert F. Kennedy assassination. Now 85, workaholic Benson has no intention of stopping. HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO (USA) Director: Alexandra Shiva Finding a date, getting dressed up, and going to a school dance can be difficult for any teenager. For many living with autism, the idea of going to a spring formal is even more intimidating (and even frightening), considering the need to navigate social cues they don’t understand. Alexandra Shiva’s HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO follows a group of young people as they attempt to overcome their fears and prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for this rite of passage. With a gentle and sensitive eye, Shiva follows the group through counseling and a series of role-play exercises leading up to the big dance. IN TRANSIT (USA) Directors: Albert Maysles, Lynn True, Nelson Walker, David Usui, Ben Wu In his final film, legendary documentarian Albert Maysles (GREY GARDENS, GIMME SHELTER, and HIFF Audience Award winner IRIS) boards the Empire Builder, the most active long-distance train route in America. In a series of thoughtful vignettes, Maysles and his four co-directors quietly capture the journeys of the various passengers and employers aboard the train. Against the backdrop of the wintry North American landscape, we learn each of their stories through personal anecdotes, snippets of overheard conversation, and hushed confessions between new friends. Harrowingly intimate, IN TRANSIT offers a new perspective on the cross-country journey, and acts as a moving farewell to the celebrated filmmaker. INDIAN POINT (USA) Director: Ivy Meeropol Just 35 miles from Times Square looms Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, an aging facility that has raised a great deal of controversy in the surrounding community. Supported by the NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission), the plant’s safety has been a topic of debate for many years. With over 50 million people living in close proximity to the facility, director Ivy Meeropol offers a startling reality check in this powerful documentary. Compiling arguments from environmental activists, journalists, power plant employees and local residents, INDIAN POINT features varied points of view about one of the most concerning issues of our time. MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER (South Korea) Director: Mo-young Jin An intimate portrait of an elderly couple nearing the end of life, MY LOVE, DON’T CROSS THAT RIVER is as delicate as it is raw. Observing this fragile couple in their South Korean home, director Mo-Young Jin’s camera acts as a fly-on-the-wall, observing a deep love painted through simple acts of affection—from a goodnatured leaf fight to a gentle caress of the cheek. No filmmaking tricks are necessary, as the honest and tender feelings emoted by this husband and wife are all that’s needed to tell this story of true love. PALIO (UK/Italy) Director: Cosima Spender Twice a summer, the Italian city of Siena transforms into a fierce battleground of jockeys representing each of the city’s ten districts in the Palio, the oldest horse race in the world. At the heart of the race are the jockeys, whose success means highesteemed praise but for whom failure could mean dishonor. Following the legendary Gigi Bruscheli, winner of 13 races, and his young protége Giovanni, PALIO gives a rich, all-access account of the city’s passionate relationship with the annual event. Playing like a classic sports drama, director Cosima Spender’s third documentary is a colorful and thrilling cinematic experience. THE RUSSIAN WOODPECKER “OROSZ HARKÁLY” (Ukraine/UK/USA) Director: Chad Gracia The Chernobyl disaster remains a mystery and for Ukrainian artist Fedor Alexandrovic, it fuels an obsession. Haunted by the events that forced his family to evacuate, Fedor begins to investigate the Duga, a massive radio antenna next to the nuclear plant. Once the most expensive Cold War weapon and possibly the key to understanding the explosion, the Duga leads Fedor and filmmaker Chad Gracia on a wild hunt for the truth. Weaving Soviet history with the current events in Ukraine, the Sundance Grand Jury prizewinner THE RUSSIAN WOODPECKER is a highly thrilling documentary about an artist’s courage and determination. SHERPA (Australia/Nepal) East Coast Premiere Director: Jennifer Peedom April 18, 2014. A 14,000-ton block of ice barrels down Mount Everest, killing 16 Sherpas in its frightening path. In the wake of the worst tragedy to ever befall the mountain, the remaining Sherpas unite to fight for respect and better working conditions, as their share of profits is not proportionate to the risks they regularly take. In Jennifer Peedom’s suspenseful documentary, these unsung heroes of the mountain they call Chomolungma, men who for over 60 years have guided Westerners to triumph upon Everest’s peak, step into the spotlight to tell their story. SONG OF LAHORE (USA/Pakistan) Directors: Andy Schocken, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Lahore, Pakistan, was once known for its musical legacy, but with the Islamization of Pakistan in the 1970s, musicians have since struggled to continue their life’s work. When the talented musicians of Sachal Studios decide to fuse their traditional eastern sound with that of Dave Brubeck Quartet’s famous “Take Five,” they create a unique hybrid that unexpectedly finds its audience through social media. Garnering the attention of thousands, including legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, they are invited to perform at Jazz at Lincoln Center. From directors Andy Schocken and Oscar® winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, SONG OF LAHORE is a real-life Cinderella story about the universal power of music. WORLD CINEMA NARRATIVE 11 MINUTES “11 MINUT” (Poland/Ireland) US Premiere Director: Jerzy Skolimowski After a 5-year absence from filmmaking, celebrated Polish auteur Jerzy Skolimowski (KNIFE IN THE WATER, ESSENTIAL KILLING) makes his glorious return with the gripping 11 MINUTES. Written and directed by Skolimowski, the thriller follows the same 11 minutes as experienced by a diverse group of characters, including a struggling actress, an ambulance driver, a would-be thief, and a hot dog vendor, whose lives are destined to intersect over a single day in Warsaw. Weaving through hotel rooms, private homes, and public spaces, Skolimowski captures the kinetic energy of a major metropolis filled with unique stories. Beautifully photographed and expertly paced, 11 MINUTES will keep you guessing until the very last second. 45 YEARS (UK) East Coast Premiere Director: Andrew Haigh In the midst of planning their 45th anniversary celebration, Kate (Charlotte Rampling) and Geoff’s (Tom Courtenay) seemingly happy marriage is suddenly called into question when he receives a letter concerning his first lover. Haunted by the past, Geoff withdraws into his memories, leaving Kate bewildered and insecure. As their anniversary approaches, Kate becomes increasingly troubled by how little she knows of her husband’s former affair, and how it may have unknowingly affected their own marriage. With outstanding and nuanced performances by Rampling and Courtenay, 45 YEARS quietly exposes the fragility of human relationships. ALL ABOUT THEM “À TROIS ON Y VA” (France) US Premiere Director: Jérôme Bonnell Charlotte (Sophie Verbeeck) and Micha (Félix Moati) are drifting away from each other and into the arms of Mélodie (Anaïs Demoustier), a young ambitious lawyer. Unaware that the other is having an affair with the same woman, their charade snowballs into a complicated mess of lies and lust, forcing each to reevaluate their relationship. Mélodie, on the other hand, is falling in love with both of them and finding it hard to juggle her romantic entanglements with work. Director Jérôme Bonnell’s ALL ABOUT THEM is a thoughtful rumination on the nature of relationships, carried by strong performances, humor, and passion. APRIL AND THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD “AVRIL ET LE MONDE TRUQUÉ” (France/Canada/Belgium) East Coast Premiere Directors: Christian Desmares, Franck Ekinci In an alternate reality, where scientific innovation has stalled and electricity has yet to be invented, April (voiced by Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard) is a young scientist trying to find her parents, who were mysteriously abducted while researching a powerful longevity serum. Accompanied by her talking cat Darwin and new friend Julius, April bravely embarks on a journey to discover the truth. From the producers of PERSEPOLIS and renowned graphic novelist Jacques Tardi, APRIL AND THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD is a riveting adventure through a dystopian society where government agents and a master conspiracy stand in the way of human progress. BABAI (Germany/Kosovo/Macedonia/France) North American Premiere Director: Visar Morina Ten-year-old Nori (Val Maloku) and his father Gezim (Astrit Kabashi) roam the streets of Kosovo selling cigarettes and barely earning a living. Only a few years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Gezim is lured west to Germany, leaving his son behind in search of a new life. Feeling deserted and desperate to claim some sense of stability, Nori embarks on a dangerous journey to Germany in search of his father—his “babai.” His tenacity, resilience, and sheer grit must be enough to guide him. BABAI (Kosovo’s submission for the Oscars®) marks the feature debuts of Maloku and Kosovo-born writer/director Visar Morina, both of whom demonstrate a profound maturity and quiet intensity in their respective crafts. CAFÉ DERBY (Belgium) International Premiere Director: Lenny Van Wesemael A born salesman, George can sell anything to anyone. When he hears about the Pope’s visit to a neighboring town, the anticipation of large crowds leads him to uproot his family and move his restaurant for the event that is sure to make him a millionaire. With unconditional support from his youngest daughter Sara, the wild adventure begins! Based on the true story of her extraordinary family, director Lenny Van Wesemael’s feature debut is a visual treat—a roller coaster ride seen through the unassuming eyes of young Sara, whose coming-of-age transpires softly throughout the film. THE CLUB “EL CLUB” (Chile) New York Premiere Director: Pablo Larraín In a quiet seaside town lies a home of repentance, inhabited by four dishonored priests and a former nun. After the admittance of a new priest creates a fatal stir, bringing unwelcomed visitors, including a victim of child molestation and a church bureaucrat, the home’s still atmosphere trembles. As old demons are brought to light, the priests are forced to bear the weight of their transgressions. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival and Chile’s submission for the Oscars®, THE CLUB’s muted colors, stellar ensemble cast, and dramatic score establish a somber mood that chillingly echoes the crimes of its lead characters. DHEEPAN (France) US Premiere Director: Jacques Audiard Winner of the Palm D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, DHEEPAN is the stirring new film from renowned French director Jacques Audiard (A PROPHET, RUST AND BONE). Finding himself on the losing side of the brutal civil war in Sri Lanka, a Tamil rebel fighter (Antonythasan Jesuthasan) assumes the identity of a dead man named Dheepan in order to flee the country. Hoping to increase his chances of being granted asylum in Europe, he also finds a “wife” and a “daughter” to serve as his makeshift family. A fascinating observation on the immigrant experience, DHEEPAN follows the family as they struggle to build a new life and unexpectedly find themselves at the center of another conflict. DISORDER “MARYLAND” (France/Belgium) US Premiere Director: Alice Winocour Vincent (Matthias Schoenaerts, RUST AND BONE) is a Special Forces agent suffering from PTSD after a recent tour in Afghanistan. In between assignments, he is hired to protect the lavish estate of a wealthy Lebanese businessman. While the owner is away, Vincent is charged to look after his beautiful wife Jessie (Diane Kruger, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS) and their young son Ali. Disoriented by paranoia and anxiety, Vincent obsessively looks for danger in every corner of the seemingly peaceful home. Expertly helmed by director Alice Winocour, DISORDER seamlessly transitions from nuanced character drama into a riveting, suspenseful thriller. FELL (Australia) North American Premiere Director: Kasimir Burgess Having lost his daughter in a tragic accident, Thomas (Matt Nable) withdraws from city life and takes on a new identity as a logger in the town where the accident took place, working side by side with the man who was responsible for his daughter’s death. Marden Dean’s breathtaking cinematography captures the lush, foreboding Victorian Alps and gracefully guides the viewer between two painfully divisive worlds. A tonal achievement, it’s hard to believe that this contemplative, image driven drama is Australian filmmaker Kasimir Burgess’s feature debut. JAMES WHITE (USA) East Coast Premiere Director: Josh Mond James (Christopher Abbott) is a troubled, unemployed twenty-something trying to survive the chaos of New York City one vice at a time. However, his perpetual adolescence is abruptly put on hold when his mother’s (Cynthia Nixon) battle with cancer forces him to sober up and take care of her. With the pressures and responsibilities of adulthood looming over him, James lashes out and alienates himself from his loved ones, but when his mother’s health takes a turn for the worse, James must find new strength or risk total self-destruction. With his directorial debut JAMES WHITE, Josh Mond explores the deep and complicated relationship between a mother and son, and features a breakout performance from Abbott. KRISHA (USA) Director: Trey Edward Shults Krisha is doing fine. Krisha is doing much better. She will face her family for Thanksgiving because she is sober and she is ready. After years of absence from her family, she returns to reconnect with her son, cook dinner, and prove to her family that she has changed for the better. Completely panicked and teetering on the edge of delirium, Krisha comes face-to-face with her past in the narrative feature Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award winner at this year’s SXSW. With knockout performances, the film tears apart the common portrait of addiction, favoring inventive sound design and raw cinematography. KRISHA is unlike anything you’ve seen before, yet strangely familiar. LABYRINTH OF LIES “IM LABYRINTH DES SCHWEIGENS” (Germany) Director: Giulio Ricciarelli Johann Radmann (Alexander Fehling, INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS) is a recently appointed public prosecutor frustrated by the tedious traffic offenses assigned to him. When a local journalist tries to bring the crimes committed at Auschwitz to public attention, Radmann takes on the case against the orders of his supervisor. Fighting against ignorance and willful denial, his investigation uncovers the real horror and lasting wounds in 1958 Germany. Giulio Ricciarelli’s moving and thoughtprovoking LABYRINTH OF LIES (Germany’s submission for the Oscars®) is an artfully rendered account of the fight to identify, locate, and bring the Nazis responsible to trial. A MONSTER WITH A THOUSAND HEADS “UN MONSTRU DE MIL CABEZAS” (Mexico) North American Premiere Director: Rodrigo Plá When her insurance company refuses to approve the care her husband needs to survive, Sonia Bonet (Jan Raluy) takes things into her own hands. Up against an unyielding bureaucracy and disinterested workers, she is pushed to her breaking point: with her son in tow, she attempts to fight the system. Rodrigo Plá’s (LA DEMORA, HIFF 2012) new film A MONSTER WITH A THOUSAND HEADS combines socio-political commentary with a tense hostage thriller. With his expertly executed look at fury in the face of injustice, award-winning Plá delivers on the tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat. THE PREPPIE CONNECTION (USA) World Premiere Director: Joseph Castelo Based on a true story, THE PREPPIE CONNECTION chronicles the exploits of Toby Hammel (Thomas Mann, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL), a working class prodigy who steps into the elite corridors of Sage Hall, a prep school in his hometown, yet a world away. Vying for acceptance in the privileged culture and trying to charm Alex Hayes (Lucy Fry, VAMPIRE ACADEMY), the beautiful and elusive girl of his dreams, Toby quickly learns the way into the “Preppies” is different than he expected – supplying them with cocaine. Toby uses his connections and fearlessness to impress his new friends, but finds that accessing the world of privilege comes at a steep cost. Director Joseph Castelo’s edgy new film offers a unique and intriguing twist on the line between friendship and fitting in, especially when taken too far. ROOM (Ireland/Canada) East Coast Premiere Director: Lenny Abrahamson Adapted from the bestselling novel by author and screenwriter Emma Donoghue, ROOM follows Jack (Jacob Tremblay) and his Ma (Brie Larson), who live in a small, locked room. Having never left Room, Jack believes that only the things in the room are real and that everything he sees on TV is make-believe. Right after his fifth birthday, Ma reveals the secret that has kept them confined to the room all these years. A harrowing journey of discovery ensues, and Jack has to come to terms with the fact that there’s more to the world outside Room. A profoundly emotional exploration of the bond between mother and son with gripping performances, including Academy Award® nominees Joan Allen and William H. Macy, ROOM demonstrates the unstoppable force with which these bonds prevail even in the darkest circumstances. SON OF SAUL “SAUL FIA” (Hungary) Director: László Nemes Winner of the Grand Prix Award at the Cannes Film Festival and Hungary’s submission for the Oscars®, SON OF SAUL is the monumental debut feature from Hungarian director László Nemes. Saul Auslander (Géza Röhrig) is a JewishHungarian prisoner in Auschwitz and a member of its Sonderkommando (the body disposal team). With a haunting opening scene that lingers on Saul’s ashen face, his journey through the inferno is transfixing and, ultimately, a poignant danse macabre. When he discovers the body of a boy among the corpses he risks everything to save the corpse from cremation and find a rabbi to recite Kaddish and give him a proper burial. With tightly lensed cinematography, Nemes skillfully recreates the claustrophobic, dehumanizing atmosphere of the camp and its unsettling banality of evil. UMRIKA (India) East Coast Premiere Director: Prashant Nair In the small Indian village of Jitvapur, America (UMRIKA, as it’s known in the local vernacular) is an alluring utopia, vividly detailed in the fantastic letters Udai sends to his younger brother Ramakant. With Udai’s precise whereabouts unknown, Ramakant embarks on a journey to locate his older brother. What unfolds is a refreshingly energetic coming-of-age film in which idyllic images of America help shape and catalyze Ramakant’s entry into adulthood. With a strong cast that includes Suraj Sharma (LIFE OF PI) and Tony Revolori (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL), UMRIKA is an inspired tale of love, disappointment, and growth. VIRGIN MOUNTAIN “FÚSI” (Iceland/Denmark) Director: Dagur Kári Shy and awkward, Fusi (Gunnar Jónsson ) is in in his forties and still lives with his mother. Expecting little from his routine life and seldom socializing with others, he floats through a life within his own barriers until the bouncy Sjöfn (Ilmur Kristjánsdóttir) unexpectedly enters his life and he is forced to take a leap. Director Dagur Kári’s fourth film, the award-winning VIRGIN MOUNTAIN is a skillfully told balancing act of two outcasts—a timid hermit and a seemingly grounded extrovert who forces the former out of his shell. THE WAVE “BØLGEN” (Norway) East Coast Premiere Director: Roar Uthaug Norway’s submission for the Academy Awards®, THE WAVE is based on a terrifyingly plausible scenario. Nestled among Norway’s stunning fjords, Geiranger is one of the most spectacular tourist destinations on the planet. But above it looms a mountain that geologists know will one day collapse, triggering a massive tsunami. When seismic readings on the mountainside start producing unusual data, no one wants to believe that this could be the big one, especially with tourist season at its peak. When the mountain does begins to crumble, every soul in Geiranger has just ten minutes to get to high-ground before the tsunami hits, consuming everything in its path in this pulse-pounding thriller. FILMS OF CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION THE ARMOR OF LIGHT (USA) Director: Abigail E. Disney With her directorial debut, THE ARMOR OF LIGHT, Abigail Disney presents a candid portrait of a brave evangelical minister who questioned whether someone could be both pro-life and pro-gun. A leader of the anti-abortion movement and his church, Reverend Rob Schenck was forced to reconsider his position after meeting Lucy McBath, a fellow Christian and gun control activist, whose son, Jordan Davis, was shot in Florida. Forming an unlikely alliance, the two embarked on a courageous journey, taking on the NRA and the church, giving hope to the idea that we can unite across party lines and find a common ground. DEMOCRATS (Denmark) Director: Camilla Nielsson More than two decades after president Robert Mugabe’s corrupt dictatorship began, international pressure forced Zimbabwe to assemble a bipartisan committee to begin writing the country’s first democratic constitution. With remarkable access and over the course of three years, director Camilla Nielsson traces the arduous process of negotiations led by two rivals appointed to head the committee as they compete and debate the democratic process. At times dramatic and often comical, DEMOCRATS balances the clash of personalities against the backdrop of Mugabe’s regime with intimate moments of honesty and respect. HE NAMED ME MALALA (USA) Director: Davis Guggenheim Academy Award® winner Davis Guggenheim’s (AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, WAITING FOR SUPERMAN) latest documentary is a candid look into the life of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. An advocate for education and children’s rights, Malala was rushed to the hospital after being attacked by the Taliban on October 9, 2012. With the entire world rallied behind her, Malala recovered and co-founded The Malala Fund to empower girls worldwide by facilitating access to education with the belief that “one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” THE HIGH SUN “ZVIZDAN” (Croatia/Slovenia/Serbia) US Premiere Director: Dalibor Matanic The inter-ethnic wars that tore Yugoslavia apart loom large in the background of Dalibor Matanić’s latest film THE HIGH SUN, winner of the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and Croatia’s submission for the Oscars®. Although never shown on screen, the tumult of the conflict seeps through and disrupts the lives of three young couples in stories that mirror the turmoil and healing process of a nation at war with itself. The tryptic spans decades: the first story is set in 1991 at the beginning of the war, the second one in 2001 at the end of the war, and the final one a decade later. With superb performances by Tihana Lazovic and Goran Markovic, THE HIGH SUN illuminates the tenacity of love across hatred and ethnic divides. THE UNCONDEMNED (USA) World Premiere Directors: Michele Mitchell, Nick Louvel THE UNCONDEMNED tells the gripping and world-changing story of a group of young international lawyers and activists who fought to make rape a crime of war, and the Rwandan women who came forward to testify, to win justice, where there had been none. Up until this point, rape had not been considered a war crime and was committed with impunity. A courtroom thriller and personal human drama, THE UNCONDEMNED beautifully interweaves the stories of the characters in this odyssey, leading to the trial in the International Criminal Court–and the results that changed the world of criminal justice forever COMPASSION, JUSTICE & ANIMAL RIGHTS THE CHAMPIONS (USA) World Premiere Director: Darcy Dennett THE CHAMPIONS is the powerful story of the brave individuals who rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted the pit-bulls from NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s violent dog-fighting ring. Despite tremendous pressure from animal welfare organizations to euthanize these animals, a handful of men and women stepped in to give the dogs a second chance. With her inspiring documentary, first time filmmaker Darcy Dennett proves the power of resilience and addresses a variety of important issues, including the unfair stigma surrounding this misunderstood breed, the exploitation of animals for the sake of entertainment, and the way society is too quick to forgive its star athletes. HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD (UK/Canada) Director: Jerry Rothwell In 1971, a group of journalists, scientists, and hippies set sail on a mission to prevent American atomic tests on an Alaskan Island. Transformed by the experience, this small grassroots band of activists launched the start of the Greenpeace movement. Young, media-savvy, and with cameras in hand, they campaigned against the whaling industry and made front-page news. Compiling never before seen footage into a thrilling and high-energy film, Jerry Rothwell’s HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD chronicles the rise of Greenpeace, their dynamic personalities, and the internal ideological debates about the mission of the organization. SPECIAL SCREENINGS BEST OF ENEMIES (USA) Audience Award Winner: SummerDocs Directors: Morgan Neville, Robert Gordon In 1968, liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley, Jr. were invited to participate in a series of nationally televised debates on the Democratic and Republican national conventions as an attempt to bump up ratings for ABC. BEST OF ENEMIES is the behind-the-scenes look at the explosive live event, filled with deep insults, both personal and political, that launched the shift in public debate from substance to spectacle. From filmmakers Robert Gordon and Academy Award® winner Morgan Neville (TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM) comes a brilliant and often hilarious take on the verbal boxing match that changed the way we talk about politics.
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SPOTLIGHT and CAROL to be Centerpiece Films for 23rd Hamptons International Film Festival

SPOTLIGHT will be the Saturday Centerpiece Film and CAROL will be the Sunday Centerpiece Film for the 23rd Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF), which runs October 8 to 12, 2015. Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Brian d’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci, Academy Award nominee Tom McCarthy’s SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. The Saturday Centerpiece screening will be sponsored by Blundstone Boots. Open Road Films will release the title in select theaters on November 6, 2015. SPOTLIGHT will be in theaters nationwide by Thanksgiving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXymzwz0V2g In an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s seminal novel The Price of Salt, Academy Award nominee Todd Haynes’ CAROL, stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. The story follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest story emerges to reveal the resilience of the heart in the face of change. The Weinstein Company film will open in theaters on November 20th, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4z7Px68ywk
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