Lights, Camera, Hamptons!

Some may think that the final traffic jam back to Manhattan on Labor Day weekend is the end for the Hamptons season. However, they are most definitely wrong. The weather in early fall is still great, just in time for Hollywood’s annual visit to the Hamptons in the form of the Hamptons International Film Festival. The 27th edition this year is held from October 10 to 14, and will bring a number of award-winning and potentially award-winning movies, plus a sprinkling of stars.

What To See

This selection of the amazing program for this year’s HIFF are films likely to attract award season attention in the New Year. Watch and be entertained.

‘Conscience Point’

The most local documentary story of the pressures on the Shinnecock nation to protect their ancestral homelands against the growth in real estate development, income inequalities, and environmental pressures on our doorstep. www.pbs.org

‘Ford V Ferrari’

A high-octane film interpretation of the battle to dominate the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race by Carroll Shelby (played by Matt Damon) and Ken Miles (played by Christian Bale) with Ford against Ferrari. www.foxmovies.com

‘Human Capital’

A tale of two families whose lives become caught up after a sudden financial investment. Actors Liev Schreiber and Peter Sarsgaard alongside Marisa Tomei, Maya Hawke, and Alex Wolff provide food for thought on relationships and finance.

‘The Irishman’

A 3.5-hour marathon crime saga from Martin Scorsese and starring Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci chronicles the story of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran. It’s likely to be the must-score ticket for movie-goers attending this year’s festival. www.netflix.com/theirishman

‘Kingmaker’

A documentary story charting the rise and fall and highly improbable rise again of the Marcos family in Philippine politics. It relates the story of Imelda Marcos’s reinvention and reinterpretation of recent history to help her son secure the vice presidency. www.greenwichentertainment.com

‘Mickey And The Bear’

The debut film from the 2017 HIFF Melissa Mathison Fund winner Anabelle Attanasio, “Mickey and the Bear” is a tale set in Montana of a daughter’s struggle to care for her opioid-addicted father following the loss of his wife.

‘Parasite’

Winner of the 2019 Palme D’or in Cannes this year, “Parasite” or “Gisaengchung” in Korean, is a story of the class struggle in South Korea, directed by Bong Joon-Ho. www.neonrated.com

‘Scandalous’

A fine documentary tale of tabloid mischief and mayhem at the National Enquirer publication, which established itself at the intersection between gossip and celebrity. www.scandalousfilm.com

‘Two Popes’

Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce play the two popes and the tale of the transition of power within the Catholic church. Written and directed by Academy Award-winners Anthony McCarten and Fernando Meirelles. www.netflix.com/title/80174451

‘Waves’

A tale of a suburban family living in South Florida and its struggles with life, love, and loss. From acclaimed director Edward Shults, who was honored by HIFF in 2015. www.a24films.com

Where To Eat

Do not miss the exciting new menu specials and entertainment at Long Island’s most vibrant, social, and delicious destinations.

Union Cantina, Southampton

This popular eatery, designed by Southampton Social Club owners Ian Duke and David Hilty, sits in the iconic Bowden Square and is open year-round. Duke and Hilty work alongside award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf, who has been featured on Food Network’s “Iron Chefs of America.” This season brings new dishes and cocktails, and a calendar of events including live music and specials.

40 Bowden Square, Southampton, NY 11968 • 631-377-3500 • www.unioncantina.net

Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton

Celebrity spot Nick & Toni’s enters its fourth decade this year. This restaurant is the East Hampton hub for classic, seasonally inspired dining in a Tuscan farmhouse-style location. Reserve an outdoor table and engage all five senses, from the sights and sounds to the delicious taste of the cuisine.

136 North Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937 • 631-324-3550 • www.nickandtonis.com

Hampton Standard, Hampton Bays 

Enjoy, both en route to the festival and on the way home, a satisfying meal at newcomer Hampton Standard. If a meal is too much for your appetite, stop at the market and grab a coffee and snack to go.

149 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946 • 631-856-4054 • www.hamptonsstandard.com

Where To Stay

Southampton Inn, Southampton

When all the summer commotion has subsided, the Southampton Inn continues to fluff your pillows atop high-quality linens in one of the premium and comfortably furnished guestrooms. The Inn’s restaurant, Claude’s, is serving a sumptuous breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu year-round. Furthermore, movie buffs attending the HIFF can book their stay close to the action and film screenings.

91 Hill Street, Southampton, NY, 11968

631-283-6500 • www.southamptoninn.com

The Baker House 1650, 

East Hampton

The luxurious 17th-Century English-inspired inn offers relaxing and comfortable amenities year-round. The inn has gorgeous grounds and stunning common areas, an opulent on-site spa, and fresh and lavish homemade daily breakfasts. Owned and operated by celebrated East Hampton entrepreneur Antonella Bertello.

181 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937 • 631-324-4081 • www.bakerhouse1650.com

Topping Rose House, 

Bridgehampton

In his second season at the luxury 22-room hotel, Jean-Georges Vongerichten has blended a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and imposed onto it a contemporary Hamptons vibe utilizing farm-to-table ingredients, some of which are grown on the property and some sourced locally.

1 Bridgehampton Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 • 631-537-0870 • www.toppingrosehouse.com

Whom To Star-Spot

Anne Chaisson, Executive Director, Hamptons International Film Festival

Every orchestra needs a conductor and Anne Chaisson has handled this challenge of bringing the team together to deliver a busy film festival in multiple locations across a four-day period since 2012, though having already been an advisory co-chair since 2003. Her own filmography as a producer includes “Roger Dodger,” “P.S.,” “Diggers,” and “Rocksteady.” Rounding out her formidable portfolio of skills is that of fundraiser-in-chief, having worked tirelessly for the Film Society of Lincoln Center, the Nantucket Film Festival, and Hamptons International Film Festival. www.hamptonsfilmfest.org