The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF), working in association with Guild Hall, continues its 2nd Annual three-part “Summer Docs” series with the 2^nd screening in its series this summer, a screening of Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith’s, The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and The Pentagon Papers. The enthralling 2010 Academy Award® nominated documentary will screen at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Saturday, August 7^th at 8pm. Tickets for the screening are available purchase at www.guildhall.org or at the Guild Hall Box Office.

Returning SummerDocs host Alec Baldwin will introduce the film and participate in a question and answer session with Daniel Ellsberg, former United States military analyst who precipitated a national political controversy in 1971 when he released the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret Pentagon study of US government decision-making about the Vietnam War, to The New York Times and other newspapers, and former Washington Post journalist, Carl Bernstein, who was an integral person in exposing the Watergate scandal.

“It is a huge honor to have Daniel Ellsberg, Carl Bernstein and this prestigious, Academy Award® nominated film with us at Guild Hall to continue our successful SummerDocs series,” says Hamptons International Film Festival Executive Director Karen Arikian.   “The series is flourishing with the support of not only these acclaimed films but also with the continued support of board member Alec Baldwin,” adds Arikian. “Daniel Ellsberg and Carl Bernstein coming to the Hamptons community to discuss the film with our host Alec Baldwin is a testament to the importance of documentary filmmaking and its voice,” says Director of Programming, David Nugent.

The Most Dangerous Man in America catapults us to 1971 where we find America in the grip of a familiar scenario: a dirty war based on lies.  And Dr. Daniel Ellsberg, one of the nation’s leading war planners, has the documents to prove it.  Armed with 7000 pages of Top Secret documents; he leaks the truth about the Vietnam War to The New York Times and risks life in prison to end the war he helped plan.  It is a story that held the world in its grip, with daily headlines, the top story on the nightly news for weeks on end.

The tale is told by Ellsberg — as narrator, in current interviews and riveting archival footage — and a cast of supporting characters who “lived” the Pentagon Papers episode including Ellsberg’s wife and son, “co-conspirator” Tony Russo, historian/activist Howard Zinn, journalists Hedrick Smith and Max Frankel, attorneys Lenny Weinglass and James Goodale, Watergate principals Egil “Bud” Krogh and John Dean, and — in a rarely seen interview and his own secret White house tapes — President Nixon himself.

HIFF & Guild Hall Children’s Short Film Program is a compilation of films from around the globe curated by 10 year children’s programming veteran, Patti Greaney. Including both animation and live action films, this program is designed to inspire a child’s imagination. While exposing them to other worlds and cultures, each short film will offer glimpses into how other civilizations live and how their citizens may speak different languages, but still have similar interests — giving young minds the opportunity to realize there is a wonderful larger world out there. Even though this group of films is billed as a ‘children’s program’, it’s truly created for the child in all of us.

Children’s Short Film Program - August 19th, 4-5pm - Guild Hall - 158 Main Street, East Hampton. Get tickets through Guild Hall at www.guildhall.org or call their box office at (631) 324 - 4050.

Patti Greaney is an independent film producer and executive producer of film and evolutionary content at Giraldi Media. She is the founder of the successful StarChefs.com, the largest professional culinary site on the internet. Her latest project is the Out of Hand Festival, a partnership with the School of Visual Arts, an online, international, student competition for mobile content. Patti has now curated children’s short film programs for six years.

SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES. The program is one hour in length.

Hokus Pokus by Anna Samoylovich. A magicians wish does not always come true. Denmark / Animation /  4:13

The Happy Duckling by Gil Dolev. Follow a story of a young boy in his struggles against a STALKING DUCK!!  In this pop-up world expect the unexpected! Surprises a plenty behind every flap you open and every tab you pull. Scotland  / Animation / 9:35

Malice in Wonderland by Ross Bolinger. Two sheets of paper side by side, each containing a single character. One is ever joyous and carefree while the other, acutely observing the actions of the first, broils with envy. USA / Animation / 3:17

Maggie and Mildred by Holly Klein. Mildred is left to look after Maggie and the two of them now have the whole house to themselves. It doesn’t matter if they are discovering old furniture, saving a young prince or baking huge cakes – every room is full of adventures. USA / Animation / 4:00

Cocoon Child by Sonja Rohleder. A poetic film about the imagination of an autistic child showing the mo ment where the inner world connects with the world at large. Denmark / Animation /  5:00

Cyber by Stefan Eling. And, who said computer games were for couch potatoes? Germany / Animation /  5:00

The Little Crow with the Naked Bottom by Raimke Groothuizen. The little crow has a problem. The solution brings on teasing from friends but ultimately serves an even better purpose. Nederlands  / Animation / 5:00

Goldfish by Joe Wein. Third-graders are on a mission to save their classroom’s goldfish but everything they know is working against them… USA  / Love Action / 12:30

Dinosaur Song by Christian Robinson. A young boy takes us on a journey about the life of a dinosaur. USA / Animation /  3:00

Birds on a Wire by Jarbas Agnelli. Reading a newspaper, Jarbas Agnelli saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. He cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). He was curious to hear what melody the birds were creating. Brazil  / Animation / 1:25

Runaway Train by Cordell Barker. Happy passengers are having a great time on a crowded train, oblivious to the fate that awaits them around the bend. The ensuing crisis leads to a class struggle that is as amusing as it is merciless. naturally there are victims, but in the end everyone is equal. Canada  / Animation / 9:11

The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will honor Ben Barenholtz with their HIFF / IndieWIRE Industry Toast on Saturday, October 9^th, during the festival (October 7 – 11, 2010). A revered figure among independent filmmakers, Barenholtz has been a key presence in the independent film world as an exhibitor, distributor, and producer since the late 1960s when he owned and operated New York City’s Elgin Theatre.

Ben Barenholtz’s innovative approach to the Elgin’s programming made it among the world’s most visionary and historically significant art houses. Barenholtz was the originator of the “All Night Show” as well as the “Midnight Movie”, launched in 1970 with Alexander Jodorowsky’s EL TOPO followed by John Water’s PINK FLAMINGOS. At the Elgin, Barenholtz re-launched the films of Buster Keaton and all the while discovering independent films by young American directors working outside the mainstream. Early works by Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme found a home at the Elgin.

Barenholtz was also the founder of specialty distributors Libra Films and co-founder of Circle Releasing, and over the course of his career at these two companies launched films like David Lynch’s ERASERHEAD, John Sayles’ RETURN OF THE SECAUCUS SEVEN, Guy Maddin’s first feature TALES FROM THE GIMLI HOSPITAL, BLOOD SIMPLE, the first film by the Coen brothers, as well as Jean Charles Tachella’s COUSIN COUSINE, which garnered three Academy Award nominations. Barenholtz began producing films in the 80’s, and became Executive Producer on the Coen’s MILLER’S CROSSING, and their Cannes triple award winner, BARTON FINK as well as on Darren Aronofsky’s REQUIEM FOR A DREAM. His directorial debut was the documentary MUSIC INN, which will be followed up by the short, “PERCY” about jazz legend Percy Heath. He is currently developing Kurt Bursiek’s ASTRO CITY with Working Title.

“Ben is such a dynamic figure in the independent film world and has contributed on so many different levels. His influence ripples from both classic films to the next generation of filmmakers whose work he has helped to shape”, says The Hamptons International Film Festival Executive Director, Karen Arikian. “His commitment as a mentor to many young up-and-coming filmmakers remains to this day. We are honored to give this award to Ben and recognize his impact on the industry.”

“You cannot tell the story of independent film without talking about Ben Barenholtz,” says indieWIRE Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder Eugene Hernandez. “He’s not only been an important part of its history, but Ben continues to influence the movies today. It’s an honor for indieWIRE to be part of this tribute to him this year.”

The Industry Toast has been awarded to those that have had a significant impact on the industry. Past recipients have included Marcy Bloom, Bob Berney, Ted Hope and Wouter Barendrecht.

HIFF greatly appreciates the continued support from their corporate sponsors which include Altour International, American Airlines among many others.

An un-missable look at one of the art world’s most fascinating controversies and a celebrated selection of the Toronto, New York and AFI Film Festivals, Don Argott’s gripping documentary THE ART OF THE STEAL chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more than $25 billion.

In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes formed a remarkable educational institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of Philadelphia. Now, more than 50 years after Barnes’ death, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of Barnes’ former students and his will, which contains strict instructions stating the Foundation should always be an educational institution, and that the paintings may never be removed. Will they succeed, or will a man’s will be broken and one of America’s greatest cultural monuments be destroyed?

The Hamptons International Film Festival and The Museum of Modern Art

Present a Special Evening “Talking Tough and Singing Soft” with

Host Alec Baldwin and Filmmaker and Photographer Bruce Weber

A Sneak Peek at Selected Scenes and Highlights from

Bruce Weber’s new film on Robert Mitchum

“Nice Girls Don’t Stay for Breakfast”

New York, NY (June 10, 2010) – The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) as part of a partnership with The Museum of Modern Art and their Film Plus program, a new membership program which offers access to exclusive advance screenings of films, continue their Spring conversation series showcasing Bruce Weber’s “Nice Girls Don’t Stay for Breakfast.” Bruce Weber has selected special scenes and highlights from his film to discuss with host and HIFF Board Member Alec Baldwin at The Museum of Modern Art on June 21^st.

“Nice Girls Don’t Stay for Breakfast” offers a candid and revealing look at the legendary movie actor, Robert Mitchum, including never before seen studio recordings of Mitchum singing.

“We are honored to welcome Bruce Weber into our family of filmmakers,” says The Hamptons International Film Festival Executive Director, Karen Arikian. “Bruce is an Academy Award nominated director who has been a part of the Hamptons Film Festival in the past and we felt this was a great continuation of our relationship.” continues Arikian. “It’s a thrill to bring two of the East End’s most generous talents to Film Plus members at MoMA”, says Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film. “I can’t think of two artists I’d rather spend a summer evening with.”

HIFF greatly appreciates the continued support from their corporate sponsors which include Altour International, American Airlines, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, RoC and Silvercup Studios.

The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) proudly announces this years’ festival dates, Thursday, October 7^th – Monday, October 11th, 2010, which includes the Columbus Day Weekend.

Alec Baldwin to Host Special Programs Throughout the Year

In addition to the annual festival dates, The Hamptons International Film Festival continues to boast year-round special programs both in the Hamptons and in New York City. HIFF will launch a new partnership with the Museum of Modern (MoMA) with screenings set for May and June. On May 26^th, Agora, directed by Alejandro Amenábar and winner of last year’s Sloan Feature Film Prize, will screen, followed by a discussion with actor, Rachel Weisz, moderated by Alan Alda. In June, Hamptons’ Board Member and award-winning actor Alec Baldwin will host “A Conversation With…” at MoMA, featuring a one-on-one discussion with a special guest. Baldwin will also continue as host of the highly anticipated 2^nd annual SummerDocs Series at Guild Hall in East Hampton this Summer. HIFF offers additional programs for aspiring filmmakers including a Student Filmmaking Workshop being held at Guild Hall in East Hampton July 12-16.

The Hamptons International Film Festival,

The Museum of Modern Art and Newmarket Films

Present a special screening of

AGORA

A conversation to follow the screening with Rachel Weisz and Alan Alda

The Hamptons International Film Festival as part of a partnership with the Museum of Modern Art presents Alejandro Amenábar’s historical drama AGORA on Wednesday, May 26^th with a conversation to follow led by Alan Alda and Rachel Weisz.

AGORA stars Rachel Weisz and chronicles the life of philosopher and scientist Hypatia of Alexandra. AGORA was this year’s Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize winner at the HIFF.

The Sloan Foundation has partnered with HIFF for over ten years to award the Feature Film Prize. The award is presented to a feature-length narrative film that explores science and technology themes in fresh, innovative ways, and depicts scientists and engineers in a realistic and compelling fashion. The Hamptons International Film Festival was the first film festival to partner with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and this prestigious prize has been an annual highlight of the festival, having been presented in the past to films such as KINSEY (2004), THE FOUNTAIN (2006), THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (2007) and FLASH OF GENIUS (2008).

“We are so excited to present our Sloan Feature Prize winning film AGORA to our audiences, as well as to the devoted cinephiles that make up MoMA’s Film Plus program. Alan Alda is the perfect person to handle the post-screening discussion with Rachel Weisz, as his passion for both science and film – and the points where they meet – is very well known,” says Director of Programming David Nugent.

HIFF greatly appreciates the continued support from their corporate sponsors which include American Airlines, Altour, Silvercup Studios, RoC, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

ABOUT THE ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION

The New York based Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, founded in 1934, makes grants in science, technology, economics and the quality of American life. Sloan’s program in public understanding of science and technology, directed by Doron Weber, supports books, radio, film, television, theater and the Internet to reach a wide, non-specialized audience. Over the past ten years, Sloan has partnered with six of the top film schools in the country-AFI, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, NYU, UCLA and USC-and established annual awards in screenwriting and film production. Sloan is also a longtime supporter of new science plays at the Ensemble Studio Theater and Manhattan Theater Club, of the John Adams’ opera Doctor Atomic and of the World Science Festival. For more information, please visit www.sloan.org.

“We are so happy to see that the Academy recognized these films” stated Director of Programming David Nugent. “We continue to strive to bring the best films possible to our audiences in the Hamptons and are additionally proud of the fact that a number of these films (HIFF Audience Award Winner THE YOUNG VICTORIA, HIFF Closing Night Film THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR PARNASSUS, AJAMI) had their first ever screenings in America at the Hampton International Film Festival.”

Best Picture

“Up in the Air”, Daniel Dubiecki, Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman, Producers

Actor in a Leading Role

George Clooney in “Up in the Air”

Actor in a Supporting Role

Woody Harrelson in “The Messenger”

Actress in a Supporting Role

Vera Farmiga in “Up in the Air”

Anna Kendrick in “Up in the Air”

Directing

“Up in the Air”, Jason Reitman

Documentary (Feature)

“The Cove”, Nominees to be determined

Documentary (Short Subject)

“Rabbit a la Berlin”, Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra

Foreign Language Film

“Ajami”, Israel

Art Direction

“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”, Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith

“The Young Victoria”, Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray

Costume Design

“The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”, Colleen Atwood

“The Young Victoria”, Sandy Powell

Makeup

“The Young Victoria”, Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore

Short Film (Live Action)

“Instead of Abracadabra”, Patrik Eklund and Mathias Fjellstroem

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

“Up in the Air”, Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

Writing (Original Screenplay)

“The Messenger”, Written by Alessandro Camon & Oren Moverman