Dan's Papers - October 10, 2008

There's a new meaning to the word "international" at this year's Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) and you can thank Karen Arikian, the festival's new executive director. In its 16th year, HIFF, which starts this Wednesday, October 15, and will run through Sunday, celebrates some of the finest films to date in East Hampton with additional venues on the South Fork in Sag Harbor, Southampton and Montauk. In just five days, the festival will feature 122 films including 14 world premieres, 23 North American premieres, 15 East Coast premieres and 15 New York premieres.

Born in West Islip, New York, Arikian is a native Long Islander who is no stranger to the Hamptons. Although this is her first time living on the East End, which she says "has been wonderful," Arikian has been deeply connected to the HIFF for almost 10 years. She's served on various juries, selection committees and advisory boards for documentary films and short films, and has been a long time supporter of the Rising Stars program. This year, HIFF and OK! Magazine will continue to back the popular Rising Stars showcase, which helps to highlight young talent in the industry. "Rising Stars is a direct descendent from the European Film Promotion's Shooting Stars program. This year, HIFF is expanding the program for the first time to include three North American actors and three European actors. It will be a great opportunity for these gifted actors to experience this world-class festival," said Arikian. "A few years ago I used to drive them around to all the events, it's so rewarding to be a part of that experience."

Before joining the European Film Promotion in 2002, Arikian was head of the New York office for Berlin-based TiMe Film and TV Production, a financing and production company. Here she showcased some of her many talents and skills, and produced two films - Deeply, starring Kirsten Dunst and The Unscarred, starring James Russo. She began her film and television career at WNET before moving to Independent Feature Project in New York, where she held several positions including Market Director and Executive Director. She then joined Bruce Weber's Little Bear Films, where she was responsible for overseeing the development of film and television projects, including a documentary on Robert Mitchum and commercials for Banana Republic and Pepe Jeans, among others.

Before joining the HIFF, Arikian was serving as Co-Director of the Berlin International Film Festival's European Film Market as well as the festival's Official Delegate for the United States' East Coast. Stuart Match Suna, HIFF's Chairman, explained, "Karen brings her expertise and experience to us at a time when the Hamptons is growing in physical as well as artistic scope, and I know she will enhance our festival on many levels. In addition, Karen's ongoing relationship with the Berlin International Film Festival will only help to strengthen the association our two festivals have forged over the last few years and which we are extremely pleased to see continue and flourish."

Arikian's interest in film really started when she was 19 years old and traveled abroad for the first time to study in England. She was invited to a screening where she watched Aguirre, Wrath of God, a German independent film, written and directed by Werner Herzog. "Before that point in time, I was always much more theatre oriented. I really bonded with film that day. It opened a lot of doors." Arikian loves to work in the film business, commenting, "I really enjoy the people and the creative processes it offers."

For this year's festival - and for the future - Arikian has a strong vision. "The festival has been around for 16 years with a successful energy and style. It's a very important community event for the people in the Hamptons. It brings people from around the world to this beautiful destination and it also supports all the young filmmakers," she said. "We've worked really hard on the programming and we're trying to incorporate more foreign and international flavors. I'm helping with that." Another area Arikian would like to expand is making sure that HIFF has a year-round presence in the Hamptons. "We already have plans with Guild Hall and Montauk Chamber of Commerce to become more present in the community. We would like to see more events that attract the industry community throughout the year. We also have local community leaders out here that are sitting on one of the Conflict and Resolution panels. I'd like to see more of that next year, too," she said.

As someone who admits that she's on a "learning curve" and wants to "credit all those working so hard in the office," it's clear that Arikian is a humble and modest woman with a long list of accomplishments and talents. She's a great addition to the HIFF, which is one of the most anticipated and respected events on the international and local circuit. From East End filmmakers to those in Berlin and beyond, Arikian hopes to bring "enlightenment, exposure and entertainment" for all.