Stars descended upon Hamptons last week to celebrate the The Hamptons International Film Festival, which was founded to celebrate Independent film – long, short, fiction and documentary – and to introduce 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 19th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival will took place October 13-17, 2011.

FESTIVAL HISTORY

Now entering its 19th year, The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to provide a forum for independent filmmakers from around the world to express their vision. The Festival is traditionally held for five days in mid-October in theatre venues from Montauk to Southampton and attracts roughly 18,000 visitors annually. At least twenty countries are represented in the slate of roughly 100 films that are showcased each year, with an awards package worth over $200,000. The festival continues to play a part in the awards season, with the 2010 edition earning a total of 30 Academy Award nominations (THE KING’S SPEECH, BLACK SWAN, 127 HOURS, TOY STORY 3). The 2010 edition also featured eventual Best Picture winners of the Academy Award (THE KING’S SPEECH), Golden Globe (THE KING’S SPEECH) and Independent Spirit Award (BLACK SWAN).

The official meeting point for the festival was c/o The Maidstone hotel in East Hampton. The haute hotel was a hub of paparazzi and glamour for days as Hollywood heartthrobs like Alexander Skarsgard dined in the Living Room restaurant or had drinks by the cozy fireplace. The festival was a great success and many of the films promise to be box office hits!