The Hamptons International Film Festival’s popular Breakthrough Performers Program, which is made up of the Rising Stars and Shooting Stars Showcases, give three North American and three European actors featured in each year’s Festival the opportunity to attend and thus highlight their talents and projects. The Shooting Stars program is an initiative of European Film Promotion (EFP), which is supported by the MEDIA Programme of the EU.

Now in its 8th year, the Rising Stars program was conceived as a means of celebrating the key role actors play in the making of films. Rising Stars has grown into a dynamic and highly anticipated program, which provides a platform for extraordinary up and coming talent “on the rise”. The Hamptons International Film Festival is dedicated to honoring outstanding new talent from around the world. This blend of culture and art will make for an explosion of talent and excitement in the Hamptons.

Entering its 13th year, Shooting Stars, which debuts each year at the Berlin International Film Festival, showcases young actors who are well known in their native countries, and on the way to international recognition. Shooting Stars is EFP´s initiative for Europe´s best young actors chosen annually by a jury of industry professionals. The showcase kicks off at the Berlin International Film Festival and spotlights some of the 10 selected talents and their films during the year at further film festivals.

Each year a Mentor guides these talented actors at the mentoring brunch, as well as accompanies them to the Breakthrough Performers Gala Reception, public symposium, and a “Conversation With…” series event. 2009’s Mentor was award winning actress Sharon Stone. “It’s a privilege to be honored by the Hamptons International Film Festival,” said Ms. Stone. “I’m excited to participate in the Breakthrough Performers Program, as this young, amazing talent becomes the next generation of important actors. This is a great tradition and I am humbled to be in the company of those who have mentored in the program before me…”

Past Mentors have included Gena Rowlands, Joan Allen, Ellen Burstyn, Robert Altman, Miranda Richardson, Frances McDormand and HIFF board member Alec Baldwin.

HIFF 2009 Breakthrough Performers:

Rising Stars (U.S.)
Emmy Rossum (Dare, Phantom of the Opera),
Zach Gilford (Dare, Friday Night Lights),
Emma Stone (Paper Man, Superbad)
Rooney Mara (Tanner Hall, The Winning Season)

Shooting Stars (An Initiative of European Film Promotion)
Cyron Melville (Love and Rage, Fighter)
Alba Rohrwacher (Giovanna’s Father, Good Morning Heartache, I am Love)

2009 Mentor
Sharon Stone

Check back for info on our 2010 Breakthrough Performers and Mentor!