The Hamptons Film Festival schedule is up, and it’s quite exciting.
The fest secured Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” for closing night, plus a raft of heavy hitters including George C. Wolfe’s “Rustin,” Alex Gibney’s Paul Simon doc, and Jake Sumner’s great film about concert impresario Ron Delsener. A big attraction coming is Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers” starring Paul Giamatti, which is so good there will be lines around the block!
Simon will turn up for a Q&A as well.
Netflix has a heavy hand in the proceedings. Along with “Rustin” and “Maestro,” they also have the opening night film, “Nyad,” plus Todd Haynes’ “May December” starring local actress Julianne Moore. They are all being touted for Best Picture nominations. “Nyad” is exceptional– well so is “Rustin.” (Haven’t seen the other two yet.)
I’m really excited to see “Orlando, My Political Biography,” directed by Paul B. Preciado, which tells stories of transition through unique reenactments and visual interpretations of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando.” It’s my favorite of Woolf’s novels. Read it before the festival, it will blow your mind!
I’m also curious to see Frederick Wiseman’s “Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troigrois,” which centers on the day-to-night operations of the legendary French restaurant Troisgros, founded 93 years ago and currently being passed down to the 4th generation in a family of chefs.
There are lots of other activities including a tribute to “Past Lives” director Celine Song who will receive the 2023 Breakthrough Artist Award.
The festival runs from October 5th to the 12th. All the info is at https://hamptonsfilmfest.org/
