This signature event began in the Festival’s first year, when Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg took the stage at Guild Hall for a frank and lively discussion of their craft. In the years since, the Festival has attracted several legends of cinema to share insights about their lives and their work in an informal setting. In 2009, Alan Alda, Marty Bregman, Steve Buscemi, and Sharon Stone each took the stage for animated reflections on their respective careers. Additional past participants have included Robert Altman, Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick, Jacqueline Bisset, Ellen Burstyn, Anjelica Huston, Quincy Jones, Harvey Keitel, Sidney Lumet, Frances McDormand, Vanessa Redgrave, Gena Rowlands and Julian Schnabel.

Check back for announcements of HIFF’s 2010 Conversation With series!