Hamptons International Film Festival & IndieWIRE Industry Toast
Honoring BEN BARENHOLTZ
Saturday, October 9, 2010
(By Invitation Only)

Master of Ceremonies: Marcia Gay Harden
Toasts and Roasts: Joel & Ethan Coen, Frances McDormand, John Turturro, Eammonn Bowles, Annette Insdorf, Bingham Ray, Willie Reade, Stephanie Sharis

A revered figure among independent filmmakers, Ben 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 many first films from the likes of David Lynch, John Sayles, Guy Maddin, 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.

Past Industry Toast recipients:

• Wouter Barendrecht (2008)
• Ted Hope (2006)
• Bob Berney (2005)
• Marcie Bloom (2004)

*HIFF/IndieWIRE Industry Toast made possible with the support of German Films, and the continued support from HIFF’s corporate sponsors which include Altour International and American Airlines among many others.