Traveler’s Guide to the 21st Annual Hamptons International Film Festival

By:Christopher A. Pape

The 21st Annual Hamptons International Film Festival takes place Thursday, October 10, 2013 through Monday, October 14, 2013 and will showcase some of the hottest movies this fall, many of which made their big screen debuts earlier this year at the Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals.

Among the films premiering at this year's Hamptons International Film Festival is Anthony Fabian's Louder than Words, based on the inspiring true story of John and Brenda Fareri, who found solace after the death of their young daughter, Maria, by channeling their grief into action and spearheading the creation of the world class Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center through their passion, dedication and fundraising efforts. David Duchovny ("Californication," "The X Files") and Hope Davis ("The Newsroom," "American Splendor," "About Schmidt") star as John and Brenda Fareri, with new-comer Olivia Steele Falconer playing the role of Maria Fareri and Timothy Hutton ("Leverage," "The Ghost Writer") playing Bruce Komiske, who helps the family in their long, emotional journey to obtain funding for the planning and building of the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. The film was produced by Anthony Mastromauro's Identity Films.

Fabian's real life drama is just one of many films that will be showcased at the film festival this year. Kill Your Darlings starring Daniel Radcliffe as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Huston as Jack Kerouac, Ben Foster as William Burroughs and Elizabeth Olsen as Edie Parker, will be the Opening Night Film at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Thursday, October 10, 2013. Based on true events, Kill Your Darlings recounts 1944, the pivotal year that brought together the great poets of the beat generation, changed Allen Ginsberg's life forever and provided the impetus for his creative revolution. The Sony Pictures Classics film will open in theaters October 16, 2013.
Alexander Payne's Nebraska, starring Academy Award nominee Bruce Dern and Saturday Night Live veteran Will Forte, is the Festival's Sunday Centerpiece Film. Shot in black and white across four states, this Oscar contender explores family life in the heartland of America while underscoring the importance of dreams. Paramount Vantage will be releasing the film on November 22, 2013.
An early favorite for the upcoming awards season, 12 Years a Slave will be the Hamptons International Film Festival's Closing Night Film premiering Monday evening. 12 Years a Slave stars Chiwetel Ejofor as Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York who is abducted and sold into slavery in pre-Civil War era United States. Produced by Brad Pitt and directed by Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave is based on Northup's highly influential autobiography of the same name, and features an outstanding cast. Since its debut at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, the film has received fantastic Oscar buzz. Last year's  Hamptons International Film Festival entries, including Argo, Silver Linings Playbook, and Searching for Sugarman, went on to win a total of seven Academy Awards. For those attending the Hamptons International Film Festival, October offers a second chance to enjoy the Hamptons' best hotels and restaurants.

WHERE TO STAY

Southampton Inn

Conveniently located around the corner from the United Artists Southampton Movie Theater, Southampton Inn is a local landmark, nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of The Village of Southampton. The Southampton Inn is majestic during the fall. This charming Tudor-style Inn is home to 90 beautifully appointed guestrooms, and friendly staff who are more than happy to share their local knowledge.

91 Hill St
Southampton, NY
(631) 283-6500
southamptoninn.com

WHERE TO EAT

Osteria Salina

If you like a warm welcome, fresh seafood and local fare—we have found your new favorite Hamptons restaurant. Bridgehampton eatery Osteria Salina brings a taste of authentic Sicilian cuisine to the East End, inviting guests to dine in a setting that exudes rustic Hamptons elegance. Executive Chef Cinzia Gaglio prides herself on offering guests the freshest farm-to-table ingredients that the East End has to offer. Billy Joel, Andrew Cuomo, Bobby Flay, Liv Tyler and Bradley Cooper have been spotted at this delicious eatery.

95 School St
St  Bridgehampton, NY
(631) 613-6469
osteriasalina.net

Sotto Sopra

From the culinary masterminds behind Bobby Vans Steakhouse, Sotto Sopra is the Hamptons newest Northern Italian eatery, fusing a modern Tuscan atmosphere with traditional Italian cuisine. Eat where the stars eat: You might catch a glimpse of Alec Baldwin, Blythe Danner, and Cameron Diaz enjoying their favorite dishes prepared by Executive Chef Josh Savi.

231 Main St
Amagansett, NY
(631) 267-3695
restaurantsottosopra.com

75 Main

If you are looking for more than just a great meal, check out celebrity studded 75 Main Restaurant & Lounge. This chic restaurant has a lavish dance floor, live music, and a modern lounge. It's everything you could want in an evening all in one place. Hurry and make your reservation before the movie stars beat you to it! Can't make dinner? Sleep in— you deserve it. Brunch at 75 Main has a full menu from Belgian waffles to penne primavera.

75 Main St
Southampton, NY
(631) 283-7575
75main.com

Bobby Van's Bridgehampton

Since its establishment by Hamptons pianist Bobby Van in 1969, Bobby Van's Bridgehampton has become a staple of the Hamptons dining scene. Bobby Van's Bridgehampton combines classic steakhouse sophistication with airy Hamptons style and a rich, storied history that includes visitors such as James Jones, John Knowles and Truman Capote. •

2393 Montauk Highway
Bridgehampton, NY
(631) 537-0590
bobbyvans.com