The Hamptons International Film Festival is pleased to acknowledge our 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)

Mentor
Sharon Stone

In 2009, The Hamptons International Film Festival continued their popular Rising Stars Showcase, welcoming three North American actors to highlight their talents and films at the 2008 Festival. In addition, the Festival continued to include three actors from the Shooting Stars program, 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.

Ms. Stone will guide these talented actors at the mentoring brunch (past mentors have included Gena Rowlands, Joan Allen, Ellen Burstyn, Robert Altman, Miranda Richardson, Frances McDormand and current board member Alec Baldwin), as well as accompany them to the Breakthrough Performers Gala Reception, public symposium, and a “Conversation With…”

“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, like Robert Altman and Gena Rowlands.”

“We are honored to have talented, award-winning actress Sharon Stone as part of the festival this year. Her tremendous contribution to the world of film has captivated and entertained us throughout the years,” said Lina Todd, Breakthrough Performers Program Director. “Having Ms. Stone mentor our Breakthrough Performers Program is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival as we continue our rewarding partnership with the European Film Promotion.”

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.