Montauk Pioneer - October 10, 2008

The Hamptons International Film Festival, now in its 16th year, is coming once more this fall with 122 new films, from World Premieres, to North American Premieres, to short films, to student films, this is a chance to see some of the best independent films made by a myriad of talented filmmakers around the world, as well as locally. The festival runs from October 15-19, with venues from theaters in Southampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, to Montauk.

For the past several years, Montauk has had the distinction of having the big opening night party here, at Gurney's Inn Resort & Spa, following the opening night movie on Wednesday, October 15. This year, the opening night movie, "Valentino- The Last Emperor," will be held at the East Hampton UA Cinema, followed by the opening night party of the HIFF at Gurney's starting around 8 p.m. This movie, about the famous fashion designer, should captivate audiences with his fascinating life story.

"Each year we have a different theme, and this year our theme is French, to tie in with the world of fashion," said Ingrid Lemme. "Our Executive Chef, Chip Monte, is putting together some wonderful French hors d'oeuvres, and we will have drinks, dancing and a spectacular crowd of movie stars, producers, directors and media people, as always."

Each year, Gurney's gets a crowd of about 500 people to the opening night party, so get your tickets early. As always, WVVH-TV, a sponsor of the Hamptons International Film Festival, will be on hand to interview the stars who show up. Lemme is the host of the American Dream Show, on this Channel, 78.

"The highlight of my year is this opening night bash, and our general manager, Paul Monte, has been working hard to put it all together, with his brother Chip Monte," said Lemme. "We also love this party because it brings so many people to the Hamptons and Montauk in the off-season, and everyone has a great time."

This year, there will be several movies shown at the Montauk Theater, on several days, as always. They include:

TERRIBLY HAPPY- 10/16, at 6 p.m.-(Denmark, North American Premiere)-Director Henrik Ruben Genz, with Jakob Cedergren, Kim Bodnia, Lene Maria Christensen, Lars Brygmann. When exiled Copenhagen cop Robert Hansen encounters the seductive Ingelise during a stint as a constable in a rural village, he becomes preoccupied with rescuing her from her brutish husband, even if it means sinking to the level of the local justice in this dark comic thriller.

ONE DAY YOU'LL UNDERSTAND- 10/16, at 8:30 p.m. (France, Germany) U.S. Premiere-Director Amos Gitai, with Jeanne Moreau, Hippolyte Girardot. Emmanuelle Devos, Dominique Blanc. Jeanne Moreau stars as Riyka, the elegant, elusive mother who refuses to dwell in the past, and Hippolyte as Victor, the son whose obsession with it threatens to unbalance his life.

SONG OF SPARROWS-10/17, at 6 p.m. (Iran, East Coast Premiere)-Director Majid Majidi. In this tale set in Iran, Karim works on an ostrich farm and lives contentedly in a small house with his wife and three children. When a runaway ostrich flies the coop, Karim unsuccessfully tries to lure the bird back by roaming the desert in self-fashioned ostrich costume.

WHAT NO ONE KNOWS-10/18, 9 p.m.-(Denmark, North American Premiere)-Director Soren Kragh-Jacobsen with Anders W. Berthelsen, Maria Bonnevie, Ghita Norby. Marie Louise Ville, Henning Jensen. At mid-age, Thomas is a mess-an unhappy bumbler, but when his sister dies suddenly, Thomas makes the mistake of asking questions, and stumbles into a tangle of personal and political secrets. What seemed routine family dysfunction leads to discoveries of sinister doings at the highest levels.

Other movies to be shown in Montauk throughout the festival include: Spotlight Films-including "Arn the Knight Templar," and "The Guitar," and World Cinema Films, including, "Empty Nest" and "Sleep Dealer." There will also be a special Children's Short Series of films shown.

Two Spotlight Films, "Stone of Destiny" (10/18 at 6 p.m.) and "Shadows in the Sun," (10/18 at 2 p.m.) will have a special party connected to them in Montauk, on Saturday, following their shows on this same day. If you purchase tickets to either Montauk movie, you can also attend an after party at the Surf Lodge for free!

The Hamptons International Film festival party will be held in Montauk, at the Surf Lodge, on Saturday, October 18, from 4-6 p.m. If people have tickets to either "Shadows in the Sun" or "Stone of Destiny," they will get in for free. This party includes cocktails and mingling with the cast of these two films. Two of these stars expected to attend are Kate Mara and Charlie Cox. There will also be music and dancing, and Heineken Beer is one of the sponsors.

For times, listings and descriptions of all films, check the website at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org