Editor

This October marks the 15th anniversary of the Hamptons International Film Festival. With a history of debuting countless Oscar contenders, boasting a rich collection of acclaimed foreign cinema, embracing local artists and always fostering innovation in filmmaking; the Hamptons continues to thrive as an artistic trademark of the East End and a premiere festival worldwide. This year’s Festival runs October 17th – 21st. For more information: www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

"Our Fifteenth Anniversary year is going to be extremely exhilarating," states Board Chairman Stuart Match Suna. "Over the last fifteen years we have grown into a superior event with our film programming, panels, educational outreach, parties and all around festival excitement just getting better and better. I know that for this celebration year we will present to our audience the most engaging festival yet. And we look forward to seeing everybody on the East End this October."

Along with this milestone Festival comes the promise of great new films and the addition of some very special programs, as well as the continuation of the favorites that have made the Hamptons what it is today.

15 years 15 Stories chronicles the decade and a half journey of this Long Island Festival. These personal accounts of the Festival and it’s history will be available on the web, in the catalog as well as celebrated at the festival, and will feature familiar Hamptons personalities such as Michael Lynne (Co-Chairman & Co-CEO of New Line Cinema), Stuart Match Suna (HIFF Board Chairman), Toni Ross (Founding Member and HIFF Chair Emeritus), former HIFF intern, and now successful producer, Jeff Sharp (EVENING, PROOF, BOYS DON’T CRY), Actor/Director/Writer/Producer Bob Balaban (GOSFORD PARK, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN), and Director’s Gary Winick (PIECES OF APRIL, CHARLOTTE’S WEB), Ali Selim (SWEET LAND, which had its World Premiere at HIFF), Chris Kentis and Laura Lau (OPEN WATER, premiered at HIFF and was bought at Sundance for 2.5 million), Ryan Eslinger (MADNESS AND GENUIS) and many more.

Poster/Retrospective - Since its inception, the festival has enlisted a local artist to contribute art to be used for the official poster and catalog cover. A retrospective showcasing 15 years of poster artwork, including posters by Julian Schnabel and Cindy Sherman, will be on display during the Festival.

The 2007 Festival poster will be an original creation by acclaimed artist and East Hampton resident, Billy Sullivan. From his first trip to the Hamptons with Andy Warhol in the early ‘70s, Sullivan, who now splits his time between Manhattan and the East End has been chronicling the worlds of fashion, art and style with a flare for exposing the delicate intimacy beneath the glamour.

Locations are changing and expanding as well; with a second screen added at the Regal Cinemas Southampton UA Theatre – and the addition of the Ross School in East Hampton, a beautiful 275 seat theatre, that will act as the hub for many events and screenings.

The Festival is going Green this year! Events, panels and exhibitions put together by one of Al Gore’s Climate Ambassadors, Sara Gordon (Greener Days), will take place in the Main Street tent - showcasing sustainable living opportunities and offering education on how to participate in a greener lifestyle. Highlights will include Vice President Gore’s presentation as well as a presentation on China from Tom Rousch of the NRDC.

The Hamptons returns with many of the popular programs that have made this festival so unique, including: The Rising Stars Program, Films of Conflict & Resolution, The Focus on Family Series, The Screenwriters’ Lab, The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Program and Conversation With…

This year the Hamptons welcomes OK! Magazine as the sponsor of the “Rising Stars” program; and Hallmark as the sponsor for the “Focus on Family” program. Heineken will also be coming on board as a sponsor this year, hosting the Heineken Green lounge. American Airlines & Altour and Fox 5 News New York continue their support as major sponsors for this exciting landmark year.

As the 15th anniversary approaches, Artistic Director Rajendra Roy takes on an advisory role for the Festival, as he transitions into his new position as Chief Curator for the Museum of Modern Art’s Film Department. The Hamptons International Film Festival proudly welcomes David Nugent (Director of Programming, Newport International Film Festival), who brings with him his knowledge and expertise as a consultant, joining Josh Koury, who after working closely with Roy, returns for his fifth year of programming.

“Despite the distinct changes the festival has faced this year, I believe it enters its 15th year in a tremendously solid place. This is due, in large part, to the HIFF Staff and Board, the Hamptons community, supportive audiences and talented filmmakers–whose curiosity, caring and sense of community help make this event possible,” says Gianna Chachere, Festival Managing Director.

The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to celebrate independent film - long, short, narrative and documentary - introducing a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to our audiences. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all. The 15th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival will be held October 17 through October 21, 2007. Announcements on additional films, programs, events and guests will be forthcoming.