SOTH 10.18

The iconic Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) made a bold move this year, extending its run from five days to an ambitious 11-day celebration of cinema. David Nugent, the festival’s artistic director, spoke to “South O’ The Highway” to discuss what sets HIFF apart and how this expansion has brought an exciting energy to the East End.

“We have a very passionate and oftentimes influential audience,” Nugent said. “There are so many members of the media, arts, culture, and literature communities here, who love art and love to go to the movies.” The festival’s intimate atmosphere also adds a special touch. “Our biggest venue is just 430 seats. When you’re there with some of the great people that we have coming — such as former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was here the other day — you’re in a very intimate environment.”

The festival’s highlights included a standing ovation for Zurawski V Texas, directed by Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault, and executive produced by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, and appearances by stars like Andrew Garfield, Julianne Moore, Mariska Hargitay, and Alec Baldwin. “Watching Hillary and Chelsea Clinton and the filmmaking team jump to their feet after their film was incredibly gratifying,” Nugent reflected on Oct. 9, adding, “There’s so much excitement, and we’re only at the halfway point.”

The festival, which ran from Oct. 4-14, kicked off with Martha, a documentary about Martha Stewart directed by R.J. Cutler, to an electric response. “Having Martha on opening night and Hillary Clinton the next morning — two incredibly dynamic women — was surreal,” Nugent said. “So many people came up to me saying they were inspired by Martha’s story.”

Expanding to 11 days allowed for more time to showcase such moments. Nugent explained, “Sometimes cramming everything into five days means you don’t get to see as many films. Expanding gives audiences more time to see the films they’re interested in.”

HIFF also celebrated several stars for their contributions to filmmaking. Malcolm Washington was honored as the 2024 Breakthrough Director, while Clarence Maclin received the Breakthrough Performer Award. A highlight was a conversation with Liev Schreiber, who received the Dick Cavett Artistic Champion Award. 

Festival director Nugent expressed particular excitement about Andrew Garfield, star of We Live in Time, who took time to engage warmly with the crowd. Demi Moore also received the Career Achievement in Acting Award.

Nugent praised the mix of attendees, guests, and speakers, emphasizing the value of creating direct interactions between audiences and talent. “It’s incredibly moving to hear from people who either made the film or are vital to the movements being explored in the film. For festivals, we need to stay focused on that. Give people something they won’t get at home.”

Jennifer Lopez, who spent much of this summer at her Hamptons home amid her ongoing divorce from Ben Affleck, recently opened up about embracing single life for the first time. In an interview with comedian Nikki Glaser for Interview Magazine, Lopez shared her journey towards self-sufficiency and self-acceptance. 

“You have to be good on your own,” Lopez said, reflecting on her summer spent focusing on herself. “I thought I learned that, but I didn’t. And then, this summer, I had to be like, ‘I need to go off and be on my own.’” For Lopez, her priority is happiness without depending on a man. 

“Being in a relationship doesn’t define me,” the 55-year-old said, noting that for the first time, she isn’t actively searching for a new partner. “It only took 30 years,” she joked.

Comedian Joseph Vecsey brought laughter to Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater, poking fun at Justin Timberlake’s recent DUI incident before kicking off his All Star Comedy show. In a social media post, Vecsey teased, “Now that Justin Timberlake has left Sag Harbor, it seems like the only thing left to watch is my comedy show this weekend at Bay Street Theater. And remember, don’t drink and drive, dye your hair blonde, or ever have a boy band with all white guys…it never works out.” Meanwhile, Timberlake was criticized after postponing a concert due to a last-minute injury. He informed fans of the delay just over an hour before the Oct. 8 show in Newark, New Jersey, via Instagram, citing the injury as the cause.

Southampton residents and LIVE co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are taking on another project together — this time as executive producers for a new thriller series, My Darlings. Based on Marie Still’s novel, the series is being adapted by Justin W. Lo and Leo Richardson, known for their work on Netflix’s You, while James Griffiths (A Million Little Things) will direct. The plot centers on Eloise Williams, a seemingly perfect mother and interior designer who harbors a dark secret — she’s a serial killer. “I could not imagine a more talented team to bring Eloise and her story to life,” said Still.

Sean “Diddy” Combs now has a trial date set for May 2025 but will remain in jail as he awaits the outcome of his latest bail appeal. A hearing on Oct. 10 confirmed that Combs must stay in custody while the Second Circuit Court of Appeals reviews his request for release. The charges against Combs, which include sex trafficking and racketeering, have led to over 120 alleged victims coming forward since his Sept. 16 arrest. Combs – infamous for hosting White Parties at his former Hamptons home – has maintained his innocence, denying all charges.

Sightings…

Martha Stewart was spotted on East Hampton’s Main Street grabbing a bite at Nick & Toni’s during the intermission between two premieres of her film that opened the HIFF on Oct. 4.

It was a busy week for mother-daughter duos! Actress Brooke Shields and daughter Rowan Henchy co-hosted the Glamour Women of the Year red carpet livestream in Manhattan. Supermodel Irina Shayk hit up the Hamptons for pumpkin picking and was spotted with her dog and daughter Lea, whom she shares with Bradley Cooper. Sag Harbor resident Erin Lichy, who stars in The Real Housewives of New York City took her daughter to the Gold Over America tour, where they got to meet Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.

Donna Karan attended the screening of A Man With Soul: The Impact of Kenneth Cole at the HIFF, and snagged a seat next to Cole himself.

Nicky Rothschild Hilton, Brooke Shields, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Cohen and more attended the NYC Ballet Fall Fashion Gala on Oct. 9.