2012 Signature Programs

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMERS OF 2012

Variety’s 10 To Watch program began over 15 years ago, when we started annually celebrating breakthrough actors, directors, screenwriters, producers, comics, and cinematographers. But over our 107 years of publishing, Variety has really always served as a spotlight for important new film talents, since the very beginnings of cinema.

We’ve also served as spotlight for important new film festivals, having been there on day one of Venice, Berlin, Cannes, and virtually all of the other festivals major and less known, since the first “sprocket opera”––as we call them in our Slanguage––unspooled.

To bring VARIETY ’S 10 ACTORS TO WATCH : BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMERS OF 2012 to the Hamptons International Film Festival really marries two of our most joyous and important enterprises. In addition to Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch, we’re also thrilled to present Sienna Miller with VARIETY ’S ONE TO ACCLAIM AWARD. Miller, a 10 Actors to Watch alumni, was first spotlighted by Variety almost a decade ago. Since her arrival on the film scene, she’s starred in FACTORY GIRL, CASANOVA , INTERVIEW , and G.I. JOE, and now takes on one of the most exciting and demanding roles of her career, starring as Tippi Hedren alongside Toby Jones’ Alfred Hitchcock in the new roman à clef, THE GIRL. In a little over a decade, HIFF has become an essential part of the fall film calendar and distinguished itself as an important platform for new and established filmmakers from around the globe. It is an honor for Variety to work with the first-rate HIFF team including Lina Todd, Program Director, Breakthrough Performers; David Nugent, HIFF Director of Programming; and Karen Arikian, Executive Director. Thanks to HIFF, the Variety spotlight will shine even brighter on these ten incredible acting talents and we’ll have the pleasure of knowing this weekend at the Hamptons was a special time and place to celebrate these ten new “thesps” destined to move, excite, and entertain audiences all over the world.

Steven Gaydos
Executive Editor, Variety

For over a decade, we have been honored to recognize so many promising actors who have gone on to luminous careers in the film industry. In this way, Variety and the Hamptons have been on a parallel track. In celebration of our 20th anniversary festival, we are beyond delighted to be joining forces and collaborating with Variety to showcase the 10 To Watch Actors of 2012.

Lina Todd
Program Director, Breakthrough Performers

An integral contributor to the American independent film business for over two decades, James Schamus is a unique talent in the industry. In addition to an award-winning screenwriting and producing career, Schamus is the CEO of Focus Features, which he formed with David Linde in 2002. Focus celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. Prior to Focus, Schamus was co-president of the independent film production company Good Machine, which he co-founded with Ted Hope in 1991. Good Machine produced over 40 films during an 11-year period.

Since its creation, Focus Features continues to be one of the industry’s most vital distributors, committed to embracing unique film artists from around the world that challenge the mainstream. Focus’ celebrated releases have included eight Academy Award® winners: MILK, LOST IN TRANSLATION , THE PIANIST , THE CONSTANT GARDENER , BEGINNERS, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES, and ATONEMENT.

As a screenwriter, Schamus received Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Song for Ang Lee’s CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON . As a producer, Mr. Schamus is best known for BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN , which won three Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, four BAFTA Awards, and the Producers Guild of America’s Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award for Theatrical Motion Pictures.

The Hamptons International Film Festival in association with Indiewire is proud to present the 2012 Industry Toast in honor of Mr. James Schamus, a truly creative executive whose contributions to the modern cinema remain unparalleled in our industry.

Introduced by Academy President Hawk Koch
Hosted by Alina Cho

10/6, 3PM, Guild Hall East Hampton – BUY TICKETS

The Hamptons International Film Festival and The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences present a very special salute to the extraordinary career of legendary costume designer Ann Roth. With over one hundred film credits to her name, Roth has helped create indelible characters with the most important actors of our time in the greatest films of their careers, including Dustin Hoffman (MIDNIGHT COWBOY , Best Picture, 1970), Jane Fonda (KLUTE , Best Actress, 1972), Richard Dreyfuss, (THE GOODBYE GIRL, Best Actor, 1978), Sally Field (PLACES IN THE HEART , Best Actress 1985), Nicole Kidman (THE HOURS, Best Actress, 2003) and many more.

Roth’s work has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with four Oscar® nominations for Best Costume Design, including the 1997 Oscar for her work on THE ENGLISH PATIENT . In addition, Roth has five Tony Award nominations for her costume designs for the stage and three Emmy® Award nominations. In 2003, she was honored with the Costume Designers Guild’s Career Achievement Award.

The event will also be a chance to get up close and personal with Roth’s collaborators and friends, including Nathan Lane, Mike Nichols and the evening’s host and emcee, Alina Cho, who will be joining us to help celebrate one of the cinema’s true creative treasures. HIFF is also proud to screen Anthony Minghella’s THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999, p. 51), for which Roth earned an Academy Award nomination.

SLOAN FEATURE FILM PRIZE

FUTURE WEATHER
10/5, 3:45PM, UA4
BUY TICKETS

A feature sponsor and program partner for 13 years, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize remains an essential cornerstone of the Hamptons International Film Festival programming. Each year, the Sloan Foundation presents a cash prize to a director whose film features blends science, technology, and narrative storytelling in a realistic and compelling way.

This year, the Sloan Foundation and HIFF are proud to present the 2012 Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize to director Jenny Deller for her film, FUTURE WEATHER

When her single mom runs off to California dreaming of becoming a make up artist to the stars, 13-year-old Lauduree, a passionate environmentalist, clings to her rural home where a carbon sequestration experiment keeps her rooted. But her grandmother Greta, a caustic nurse, has other plans. Thrust together, the two women must learn to trust each other. Featuring an outstanding performance by Lili Taylor, Amy Madigan, and newcomer Perla Haney-Jardine, FUTURE WEATHER is a compelling coming-of-age drama that explores the sorrow of saying goodbye to what we love.

“For its sensitive exploration of an adolescent girl’s effort to use science as a bulwark against her own problems, and for several brilliant performances by a multigenerational cast of women, the 2012 Alfred P Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize at the Hamptons International Film Festival goes to writer/ director Jenny Deller’s impressive debut, Future Weather.”

—Doron Weber, The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation

EXTENDED DISCUSSION: ADOLESCENCE AND ITS UNCERTAIN CLIMATE

A panel discussion about the perils of adolescence and uncertain climate as seen in FUTURE WEATHER. Immediately following the screening of the film on Friday, October 5 at 3:45PM, the director and special guests will convene for a compelling discussion about climate change, environmentally conscious filmmaking, and engaging students in scientific investigation. Your ticket for the film will grant you access to both the film and the panel. | READ MORE

Now entering its 13th year, HIFF’s Films of Conflict & Resolution (C&R) program recognizes and celebrates films dealing with the complex issues and effects of war and violence, and the attendant human dramas in creative, enlightening ways. This year, the Hamptons International Film Festival recognizes five stellar films under the esteemed banner of Conflict & Resolution. We believe these films are special because they call on audiences to learn, react, and engage in worthy causes. They encourage dialogue about critical topics and provide a platform for our community to share discussions of the issues we care about the most.

2012 BRIZZOLARA FAMILY FOUNDATION AWARD

FOR A FILM OF CONFLICT & RESOLUTION,
presented in partnership with REACT to FILM

The Hamptons International Film Festival is honored to present the 2012 Brizzolara Family Foundation Award to RISING FROM ASHES, an inspirational documentary about the first Rwandan national cycling team and their bid to represent their country at the 2012 Olympic Games. Coached by the first American to ride in the Tour de France, this group of men is transformed into a symbol of hope in the country recovering from genocide. Director T.C. Johnstone is expected to attend both screenings of the film, and following the World Premiere screening of the film on Friday, October 5 at 4pm, there will be a discussion on “Post-War Conflict Zones.” The panel is free and open to the public. | BUY TICKETS

Presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, New York and HIFF

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts, New York (BAFTA New York) is proud to partner with HIFF to present FOCUS ON UK FILM, an exciting line-up of new UK productions, featuring a wide-range of British talent both in front of and behind the cameras. In addition to their roles as co-hosts of the FOCUS ON UK FILM, Michael Apted, one of the most prolific British film directors of his generation, directs 56 UP, the latest installment of his groundbreaking social documentary series; and Trudie Styler, actress, film producer, director, human rights activist, and UNICEF Ambassador, serves as a member of the 2012 GSA Narrative jury.

Beyond the British-produced films featured in the UK Focus, festival-goers can experience the depth and breadth of British talent throughout the Festival’s films. HIFF’s 20th anniversary poster is designed by British artist Cecily Brown, and the illustrious Scotsman Alan Cumming—star of stage, screen, and television—will host the Golden Starfish Awards.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts was formed in London in 1947. In 2012, BAFTA has 6,500 voting members worldwide. The Academy supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image, including film, television, and games, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners, and benefitting the public. BAFTA New York was established in 1996 to raise awareness of, and in support of, BAFTA ’s goals on the East Coast, with members comprised of all branches of the industries.

FOCUS ON UK FILM is ready for its close-up . . . . Welcome to the Hamptons!

Michael Apted
Co-host: FOCUS ON UK FILM
Director, Writer, Producer
BAFTA Member

Trudie Styler
Co-host: FOCUS ON UK FILM
Actress, Producer, Environmentalist
BAFTA Member

A special program of film and photography

This year, the Hamptons International Film Festival is honored to present film programming in partnership with an exhibition of 20 photographs of Nobel Laureates by Peter Badge.

Badge embarked on this series of photographs of Nobel Laureates in 2000, commissioned by a number of renowned organizations: the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institute and the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Foundation Lindau Nobel Prizewinners Meetings at Lake Constance. This project turned out to be a long-term and still ongoing mission which took him all over the world, capturing the likeness of every living Nobel Laureate in a lasting black-and-white image—more than 300 striking portraits in all. The images with accompanying text were published in “NOBELS: Nobel Laureates photographed by Peter Badge” in 2008. The exhibition offers an intimate look at well-known honorees as well as lesser-known recipients of the prestigious Nobel Prize.

Exhibition

Opening: Friday, 10/6, running throughout the Festival
c/o The Maidstone, 207 Main Street, East Hampton
Special Guests: John Nash; José Ramos-Horta; Dr. Marc Pachter, Former Dir. of the National Musuem of American History, Smithsonian Institution

ABOUT PETER BADGE

Peter Badge was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1974 and began his career in photography as a free-lance artist/photographer in 1993. In 1995, he moved to Berlin to study art history and has been living and working there ever since. He initially worked as a free-lance photographer for various magazines, and soon started to develop his own concepts and projects. Choosing portraiture as his primary focus, Badge concentrates on noted personalities, including artists and actors, musicians and photographers and, in his latest works, on “Men on moon – from Armstrong to Aldrin”, “Icons of the Economy” and “Philanthropists”. He has also completed series on the electronic music pioneer Oskar Sala, Elvis impersonators around the globe (“Elviswho”) and the popular German actor and musician Marius Müller-Westernhagen (in cooperation with the Art Cologne and the National Music Center in Washington, D.C.). Peter Badge has published numerous books. His work is represented in various international private and public collections and has been printed in magazines and newspapers worldwide.