Attention literary snow birds: for those of you heading to Palm Beach you can experience two of our favorite things – warm weather and amazing authors.  In its eighth year the Author Breakfast Series at the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club kicks off on Friday Jan 20^th and runs through March.  You’ll get to interact with wonderful authors many whom have Hampton ties as well such as Nelson DeMille and Ivana Lowell whose amazing memoir “Why Not Say What Happened?” includes her time in Sag Harbor.  You can’t get more delish than breakfast at Cafe Boulud.  And if you’ve got your black card handy just book the Brazilian Court for the season as your winter hideaway as many celebrities have done.

Founding moderator Parker Ladd who seven years ago launched the series based on the television he hosted on A&E “The Open Book” notes, “Once again, I am proud that we are providing a program with such diversity and we can look forward to some very stimulating discussions. I am also happy to welcome Jackie Weld as an author interviewer. Her talent will be much appreciated.”  Weld is a novelist and biographer who has long been involved in the arts and literary world of New York.

Parker Ladd

 ”Since the series was launched seven years ago, it has been gratifying to see how popular it has become with an ever-growing corps of loyal season ticket holders.  Parker Ladd, the founding moderator, is a truly skilled interviewer who always manages to secure an impressive lineup of well-established authors that many are eager to meet in person.  This season, we are delighted to welcome guest moderator, Jackie Weld, an author and force in the literary world,” said Leticia Bilotta, General Manager of The Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club.

“For decades, the Brazilian Court has been more than just a traveler’s destination.  Our signature Author Breakfast series, which typically attracts guests from Vero Beach to Boca Raton, is an example of how we embrace and support culture, and aim to bring enriching and memorable experiences to the local community and beyond.”

The author breakfasts are held in The Ballroom at Café Boulud at The Brazilian Court, and begin at 8:45 a.m., and conclude at 10:00 a.m.  Reservations are required.  Tickets are $100 per person and include breakfast, valet parking and a copy of one of the featured books.  For reservations and information call Sandra Rodriguez at (561) 366-4301.

Exclusive overnight hotel accommodations available for series guests. Call reservations line and mention the “B&A Rate” (Rooms based on availability). For hotel reservations, call 561.655.7740.

The 2012 Author Breakfast Series Lineup

JANUARY 2012

Friday, Jan 20^th  (moderated by Parker Ladd)

Andrew Gross- Eyes Wide Open

Andrew Gross is an author of thriller novels including four New York Times bestsellers. Best known for his collaborations with suspense writer James Patterson, Gross’s books feature close family bonds characterized by loss or betrayal that generally lead to crimes and cover-ups. His latest book, Eyes Wide Open, took shape from two real life events straight from his own past. One was the suicide of his young nephew, a troubled boy found at the bottom of a landmark cliff in central California. The second was a chance encounter he had 40 years ago with  Charles Manson.  The book weaves a suspenseful thread about how the two stories link.

Ivana Lowell- Why Not Say What Happened: A Memoir.  Born into one of the most celebrated Anglo-Irish families, the Guinnesses, Lowell grew up at the whim of two literary heavyweights—her mother, writer Lady Caroline Blackwood, and stepfather, poet Robert Lowell.  With an incisive eye and a wicked sense of humor, she shares the stories we’ve always wanted to hear about  the Queen Mother, about her own childhood accident, about her stints in rehab, and, finally, about discovering the secret her mother successfully kept from Ivana her entire life.

Friday, Jan. 27^th (moderated by Jackie Weld)

Alice Hoffman- The Dovekeepers. Over five years in the writing, this is Hoffman’s most ambitious and mesmerizing novel, set in ancient Israel.  In 70 C.E., nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on Masada, a mountain in the Judean desert. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman’s novel is a spellbinding tale of the lives of four complex and fiercely independent women, whose lives intersect in the desperate days of the siege. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.

Chris Matthews- Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero  News anchor and political commentator, known for his nightly MSNBC talk show, Hardball with Chris Matthews, has written an  extraordinary biography based on personal interviews with those closest to JFK, that include oral histories, documents from his years as a student at Choate, and notes from Jacqueline Kennedy’s first interview after Dallas.  He cites the origins of JFK’s inaugural call to “Ask what you can do for your country,”  his role in the genesis of the Peace Corps, his stand on civil rights, his push to put a man on the moon, his ban on nuclear arms testing, and the unsettling aspects of his personal life. As Matthews writes, “I found a fighting prince never free of pain, never far from trouble, never accepting the world he found, never wanting to be his father’s son. He was a far greater hero than he ever wished us to know.”

FEBRUARY 2012

Friday, Feb. 17 (moderated by Parker Ladd)

Nelson DeMille- The Rich and The Dead.  This bestselling author introduces twenty original tales by today’s most elite mystery writers including a tale of his own. These stories explore the life (and death) styles of the rich and infamous, who live in another world from their multi-national businesses to their palatial mansions to their exotic vacations at glamorous places all around the world, they do everything in a big way — and sometimes, that even includes crime.  These mystery and crime stories go behind the scenes of the lifestyles of the two percent of the world that controls sixty percent of its riches–and just how far they’ll go to stay on top.

Cherie Burns- Searching for Beauty: The Life of Millicent Rogers-   Nobody knew how to live the high life like Millicent Rogers. Born into luxury, she lived in a whirl of beautiful homes, European vacations, exquisite clothing and handsome men. In this book, Burns chronicles Rogers’s glittering life from her days as a young girl afflicted with rheumatic fever to her debutante debut and her Taos finale. A rebellious icon of the age, she eloped with a penniless baron, divorced, remarried and romanced, among others, Clark Gable. She electrified the fashion world by becoming the muse to designer Charles James, appearing in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and – at the end of her life – retreating to Taos, New Mexico.  Like style icons Diana Vreeland and Babe Paley, Rogers put her distinctive stamp on American style.

Friday, Feb. 24 (moderated by Parker Ladd)

Nigel Hamilton – American Caesars: Lives of the Presidents from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George W. Bush.  Modeled on one of the most famous histories of ancient Rome (The Twelve Caesars), Hamilton’s book looks afresh at the lives and careers of the twelve leaders of the American empire since World War II, from Franklin D. Roosevelt to George W. Bush. President by president, Hamilton relates and examines the presidents’ unique characters, their paths to Pennsylvania Avenue, their effectiveness as global leaders, and their lessons in governance, both good and bad. With uncompromising candor he looks at how these powerful men responded to the challenges that defined their presidencies

 Jeanne Darst- Fiction Ruined My Family. The youngest of four daughters in an old, celebrated St. Louis family of prominent journalists and  politicians on one side, debutante balls and equestrian trophies on the other, Darst grew up hearing stories of past grandeur.  As a young girl, the message she internalized was clear: while things might be a bit tight right now, it’s only temporary. Soon her father would sell the Great American Novel and reclaim the family’s former glory.  Ultimately, Darst, whose book was recently excerpted in VOGUE, sets out to discover if a person can have the writing without the ruin, if it’s possible to be both sober and creative, ambitious and happy, a professional author and a parent.  Filled with brilliantly flawed, idiosyncratic characters, this book is a lovingly told, wickedly funny portrait of an unconventional life.

MARCH 2012

Friday, March 2  (moderated by Parker Ladd)  

Sally Bedell Smith- Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of A Modern Monarch.  In this magisterial new biography, New York Times bestselling author Sally Bedell Smith brings to life one of the world’s most fascinating and enigmatic women: Queen Elizabeth II.  From the moment of her ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-five, Queen Elizabeth II has been the object of unparalleled scrutiny. But through the fog of glamour and gossip, how well do we really know the world’s most famous monarch? Drawing on numerous interviews and never-before-revealed documents, this acclaimed biographer pulls back the curtain to show in intimate detail the public and private lives of Queen Elizabeth II, who has led her country and Commonwealth through the wars and upheavals of the last sixty years with unparalleled composure, intelligence, and grace.

Michael Gross- Unreal Estate: Money, Ambition and Lust for the Land in Los Angeles. Gross is the preeminent chronicler of America’s rich and powerful, most recently in 740 Park and Rogues’ Gallery. Los Angeles provides Michael Gross with his broadest canvas yet, where he uncovers the very secret history of the City of Angles, specifically those wealthiest and most private of enclaves— Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills, and Beverly Park—through their most mind-boggling estates, and the fascinating folks who created and populate them. Apart from the many Hollywood stars who have passed through these houses—Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, George Hamilton, Tony Curtis, Cher, to name just a few. Taken altogether, their stories read like a cross between Valley of the Dolls, Hollywood Babylon, and Gross’s own 740 Park—with a little of the film Chinatown thrown in too.  Gross will fascinate and entertain with a story you don’t know about a place you think you do. 

Friday, March 30 (moderated by Jackie Weld)

William Kuhn- Reading Jackie: Her Autobiography in Books. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis never wrote a memoir, but she told her life story and revealed herself in intimate ways through the nearly 100 books she brought into print during the last two decades of her life as an editor at Viking and Doubleday. Based on archives and interviews with Jackie’s authors, colleagues, and friends, the book mines this significant period of her life and provides a compelling behind-the-scenes look at Jackie at work: how she commissioned books and nurtured authors, as well as how she helped to shape stories that spoke to her strongly. Jackie is remembered today for her marriages to JFK and to Aristotle Onassis, but her real legacy is the books that reveal the tastes, recollections, and passions of an independent woman.

John Burnham Schwartz – Northwest Corner- The New York Times Book Review called Reservation Road “a triumph,” and the novel was universally acclaimed and made into a major motion picture. Schwartz reintroduces Reservation Road’s unforgettable characters in a superb new work of fiction that stands magnificently on its own. Northwest Corner is a riveting story about the complex, fierce, ultimately inspiring resilience of families in the face of life’s most difficult and unexpected challenges. Told in the resonant voices of everyday people gripped in the  emotional riptide of lived life, Northwest Corner is at once tough and heart-lifting, an urgent, powerful story about family bonds that can never be  broken and the wayward roads that lead us back to those we love.

With some of the most expensive zip codes in the country, the Hamptons draw the world’s wealthiest to play in their very exclusive oceanfront sandbox.  While the news spelled doom and global gloom in 2011, the 1% continued to buy up high end Hamptons properties.

According to Suffolk Research Service here are the top 10 Hamptons real estate deals of 2011 and why they were worth the money.

#1 Daniels Lane, Sagaponack $38 million for 19 oceanfront acres

Farm fields once famous for their potatoes are now famous for their posh residences.  One of the last larger tracts of land left in Sagaponack these acres also include direct oceanfront footage.  Just down the road is Ira Rennert’s palatial spread valued north of $200 million.  Now there’s a comp for you.

#2 Tyndal Point, North Haven $36 million for 55 acres

This huge waterfront compound has not only stellar views of the bay but plenty of room to park your mega yacht.  Jeff Greene made a big splash when he made this purchase last year.

#3 Meadow Lane, Southampton $32.5 million for 5 acres

#4Meadow Lane, Southampton $25 million for 5 acres

If there is an “it” address in the Hamptons it would be Meadow Lane.  You have the ocean on one side and the bay on the other and your own helipad at the end of the road.  Some of the Hamptons most exclusive country clubs are just down the street.

#5 Crestview, Sagaponack $24 million for 2.5 acres

You can’t beat the oceanfront view and your neighbors are icons of fashion and music with Elie Tahari on one side and Billy Joel on the other.  Bring some good marital juju with you when you build this house as the magic location couldn’t prevent the impending divorces.

#6 Eel Cove $23 million for 2.5 acres

Being on Georgica Pond is like being on Golden Pond  - literally.  The pricey and exclusive neighborhood has Steven Spielberg and Ron Perlman as residents.

#7 Parsonage Lane, Sagaponack $22.25 million for 7.3 acres

Only a few blocks from the ocean, Parsonage Lane keeps its pastoral views and boasts some of the top quality new construction of homes.  You can have your own English Manor with all the bells and whistles.  And one other beautiful thing in Sagaponack is taxes which are about one third of other Hamlets due to their small school budget.  There’s only one truly little red school house in the district.

#8 Meadow Lane Southampton 21.6 million for 1.4 acres

Need we say helipad again?

#9 Ocean Road, Bridgehampton $20.5 million for 2.1 oceanfront acres

It’s great to be oceanfront but have your manse set back further on the property.  Erosion is a major issue and you don’t want your multimillion dollar home getting pummeled with waves from hurricane high tides.  Having enough property to safely keep your multimillion dollar investment away from the dunes makes you and your insurance company happier.

#10 Old Beach Lane, East Hampton $20.45 million for 2 acres

Just down the road from the beach – the property has hallowed views of the very exclusive Maidstone Club in East Hampton.

When the tryptophan haze wears off, you’ve successfully buried Aunt Rosemary’s fruit cake in the back yard, and you’re ready to put on your expandable waist pants and venture out into the world, the Hamptons have plenty to offer this weekend.  Get in the holiday spirit, shop for charitable causes, and get ready to dance off the pumpkin pie.

Charles H. Adams House photo by Brian Bailey

Friday Nov. 25^th, Saturday Nov. 26^th

East Hampton Historical Society 2011 House Tour

The East Hampton Historical Society showcases both historic and modern architecture in the Hamptons on its very popular house tour now in its 27th year.  It’s a great chance to see inside some of the most coveted residences in the Hamptons.  The tour which consists of five unique homes is on Saturday November 26^th from 1pm – 4:30pm.

The event has a great sophisticated cocktail party on Friday November 25^th held in the historic Charles H. Adams House in East Hampton Village built in 1891.

Tickets to the Opening Night Cocktail Party start at $150 and include entry to the tour the following day.  Tickets to the House Tour are $65 in advance and $75 on the day of the tour.  Both are on sale via: 

• EHHS office at 101 Main Street Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
• phone at 631-324-6850
• Website: www.easthamptonhistory.org.
• Clinton Academy, 151 Main Street, on Friday, November 25^th and Saturday, November 26^th between 10am and 4pm.

 Friday Nov. 25^th – Sunday Nov. 27^th

Southampton Parrish Art Museum’s Parrish Presents

Come enjoy this three day fundraiser with cocktail party Friday night and great shopping with a market, silent auction and gift bazaar on Saturday and Sunday.  The preview cocktail party on Friday from 5pm – 8pm will also host various book signings.  The halls open to the public on Saturday 11am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 4pm with retailers offering unique items of clothing, accessories, art, and home décor.  There’s also a market brimming with second hand treasures and a silent auction with priceless antiques, jewelry, and luxury home and designer accessories.

Tickets for cocktail party start at $125 – shopping is open to the public $5 per person.

Parish Art Museum 25 Jobs Lane Southampton 631 283 2118 www.parrishart.org

Saturday Nov. 26^th 4:30p – 7:00p

Montauk Lighting of the Lighthouse

Music, entertainment, and refreshments. 

Insider tip – this is a beautiful site but the opening lighting ceremony creates lot of traffic so keep in mind you can see it lit up every night until Jan. 1 2012

www.montauklighthouse.com

Jonathan Nash Glynn from Wings Over Haiti

Book Signing to Benefit Haiti Saturday Nov. 26th

Lily In The Sky With Kindness, the fearless story of Lily, the dauntless dachshund who travels with her human companion Jonathan Glynn, (both of Sag Harbor), to earthquake stricken Haiti to aid in disaster relief, will be celebrated at a community book signing event hosted by Sylvester & Co. on Main Street in Sag Harbor on Saturday, Nov. 26 on Thanksgiving Weekend.

The book signing reception, to be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sylvester & Co. on Main Street in Sag Harbor, will feature a “paw signing” by Lily herself and pilot/companion Jonathan Nash Glynn, as well as readings by members of Karma Kids, a Sag Harbor based youth group dedicated to philanthropic endeavors.

A companion community event dubbed “Hamburgers for Haiti” will kick off the day’s events at Bay Burger in Sag Harbor from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Youngsters and their families are encouraged to attend prior to the book signing later in the afternoon at Sylvester & Co. 

Spend the day with Lily! 

Families with young children are welcome (or encouraged) to join Lily on all three stops of her book tour of Sag Harbor.

-11am to 1pm:  A companion event dubbed “Hamburgers for Haiti” will kick off the day’s events at Bay Burger in Sag Harbor  

-2pm to 4pm:   Lily and Jonathan will also be reading at the Sag Harbor Library 

-5pm to 8pm:  The official book party opening, reading and paw signing will take place at Sylvester & Co.

www.wingsoverhaiti.org

Dance Party SL East Saturday Nov. 26th

SL East with Ocean Light and Sound and East Hampton Studio continues the Saturday Night Dance Party.  Expect a tremendous turnout November 26 for this weekend’s much-anticipated favorite act New Life Crisis (photo attached) with special guest singer Frank Vestry.  It’s live music from 9 – midnight then a DJ spinning away.  No cover before 11pm.

Expect a tremendous turnout November 26 for this weekend’s much-anticipated favorite act New Life Crisis (photo attached) with special guest singer Frank Vestry.

SL East 44 Three Mile Harbor Road, East Hampton www.SLEast.com

By Heather Buchanan

Santa has a new stylish spot to load up on goodies for all the naughty and nice girls, and guys too.

Just in time for the holiday season, Alex and Ani opens a new store in SoHo.  First introduced to the brand at Bridgehampton Polo, we loved the luxury experience with affordable prices.  With flagship locations in Newport, Boston, Palm Beach, Martha’s Vineyard and Rhode Island, and carried in the finest stores you might be surprised to know that the average sale price point is $70.

More is more here where their famed bangle bar lets you customize with as few or as many as you would like.  And why do we love to shop for bangles?  Our wrists never have a “Do I look fat in it?” day.

But while some jewels reflect light away from their wearer, Alex and Ani is jewelry is designed to reflect inward.  Their mission statement is to design products that adorn the body, enlighten the mind, and empower the spirit.   Everyone can use some emotional protection these days but we know Kevlar just isn’t flattering so these decorative symbols can encourage peace, power, faith, and love.

Alex and Ani owner and designer Carolyn Rafaelian comes from a family of jewelers, continuing a valued tradition.  The family affair continues as the brand is named after her first two daughters.  Launched in 2004, the line is anchored by a patented signature expandable technology for the bangles, earrings, rings, and necklaces.

Owner and Designer Carolyn Rafaelian

Carolyn comments on her journey, “This has been a dream in the making this last decade.  You know you’ve reached the pinnacle when you open a store in SoHo, especially no matter what the economy.”

CEO Giovanni Feroce helps guide the brand’s expansion and foray into its new SoHo location, “In New York City it’s hard to find space,” he notes, “But the culture in this company is, ‘When it feels right, it’s right.’   After we made the decision the Wall Street Journal declared West Broadway the new hot spot.”

As one of the fastest growing jewelry brands reaching as far as Europe, Alex and Ani is hitting a responsive retail chord.  Says Feroce, “People wear it for different reasons: it’s infused with positive energy technology, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s made in America.”  If we are going organic in terms of food and beauty products, why not adornments as well.

Carolyn keeps a deep focus on spirituality, believing one can infuse thought into material to recognize one’s power and unique essence in everyday wear.  She describes her process, “It’s organic when I start a design.  I ask what is the purpose and how do you connect, whether it’s with a season or an emotion.  Also this brand lets people express themselves.”

While we love the philosophy behind the brand we also have to admit – it’s just pretty.

Alex and Ani, 425 West Broadway, New York NY 646 484 5099

www.alexandani.com

SL EAST PARTNERS WITH EAST HAMPTON STUDIO AND OCEAN SOUND AND LIGHT TO HOST LIVE MUSIC DANCE PARTIES FEATURING
THE AREA’S BEST COVER BANDS EVERY SATURDAY FROM 9PM TO 12AM FOLLOWED BY DJ BIGGIE SPINNING ‘TIL CLOSE
NOVEMBER 19 WILL FEATURE THE BAND FULL HOUSE

SL East at 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd in East Hampton, NY with East Hampton Studio and Ocean Sound and Light will host weekly Saturday night dance parties with live bands and DJ Biggie starting November 19. Doors will open at 8:30PM and the live bands will perform from 9:00PM until midnight. DJ Biggie will then spin until closing. The live shows will feature Top 40 dance music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, to current.
 
The first band, presented by Ocean Sound and Light, is FULL HOUSE, The Ultimate Cover Band from Long Island, NY. There is no cover charge before 11:00PM.
 
East Hampton Studio and Ocean Sound and Light (both in Wainscott, NY) have collaborated before on several events including concerts, parties, theatrical shows and art exhibits. SL East, the well-known East Hampton venue, has joined the mix and the three companies are working together to create a regular party every Saturday night for year-round residents and their guests.
 
Sponsors: The Enclave Inn, Dan’s Papers, WVVH-Hamptons TV, East Hampton Studio, Ocean Sound and Light, East Hampton Indoor Tennis, Hampton Access, Dan Bailey & Living Rhythm, Hospitality Capital Advisors, Beach 101.7, SoozyPR
 
All bottles will be half price. For table reservations call (631) 324-3332.

As if darkness setting in at 4pm wasn’t enough to make you bring out Sylvia Plath and Mozart’s Requiem, the cold and flu season is upon us as well.  If you’re looking for a natural way to fight not only the dreaded germs but the depression brought on at this time of year, Maureen Dodd of WellNEST has a solution. 

She will be conducting free medicinal oil consultations on Saturday Nov. 12th from 11am to 3pm at WellNEST located at 125 Main Street in Sag Harbor.  Be sure to check out all their natural products and also get the schedule for great yoga and meditation as well as healing oil classes held in the studio.

Maureen works with the finest aromatherapy oils.  Once you smell the real deal you will never be able to use a Glade air freshener again.

WellNEST 125 Main Street Sag Harbor 631 899 4600 www.wellnest.us

HipHampton-istas know that our favorite four letter word is SALE.  Only more enticing when preceded by SPA.  There are a few specials this week at Top Hamptons Spas.

NATUROPATHICA in East Hampton not only has some of the best massage therapists on the East End, they also subscribe to a wholistic approach with their own natural line of bath and beauty products.  If ever you want to treat someone special give them a Naturopathica gift certificate and see the results come back in spades.

Naturopathica Specials Monday through Friday Oct. 31^st

Arnica Muscle Repair

The Arnica Muscle Repair Treatment with deep pressure and focused trigger points.  20% off (usually $140)

Signature Facial

The Plant Stem Cell Facial delivers deep hydration and gently tones and firms your skin.  20% off (usually $160)

Wind Down Fridays

The Nirvana Massage is flowing, ethereal, and heavenly.  Ever Friday in October you can enjoy this Nirvana Massage for $95 (usually $135)

*BE SURE TO MENTION SPECIAL AT TIME OF BOOKING

www.naturopathica.com 631 329 2525

ANANAS SPA in Southampton is a lovely, tranquil, boutique experience.   They have experienced aestheticians and staff who deliver great service.  Be sure to sign up for their Loyalty Rewards Program so you can build up frequent spa-goer points for free services.

In honor of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week from Oct. 23 – 29 Ananas Spa is offering Massage specials.

60 Minute Swedish Massage

Was $125 now $95

60 Minute Aromatherapy Signature Massage

Was $140 now $115

60 Minute Deep Tissue

Was $150 now $130

60 Minute Sports Massage

 Was $150 now $130

90 Minute Swedish/Deep Tissue massage

Was $200 now $170

Add on 30 minute Scalp Massage & Foot Scrub for $50 or 15 minutes Reflexology for $25

*Be sure to mention promotion at time of booking.

There are also monthly specials on other services to be sure to check out their website

www.Ananasspa.com 631 287 9099

Photos courtesy of CIRCA – photo credits Billy Farrell Agency, Juan La Marca (polo shots)

By Heather Buchanan

If ever someone embodied the phrase “Go big or go home,” it would be Chris Del Gatto.  What started as a childhood fascination with the back room of a cousin’s jewelry store grew into a world leadership role in the jewelry business.  Chris Del Gatto founded CIRCA in 2001 which has become the leading global buyer of jewelry, diamonds, and watches from the public with offices all over the world.

This is a man who was called in by one of the royal families to fly to Geneva to buy a tiara that Napoleon’s sister once owned.  Del Gatto recounts, “I was bidding against a Saudi sheik at the bar of the Four Seasons.  It was a real James Bond weekend, and I wound up winning.”

He’s also travelled half way around the world to buy a 56 carat cushion cut diamond from a wealthy Turkish family and renamed it the CIRCA Cushion.

But CIRCA is nothing if not democratic.

Says Del Gatto, “On any given day we can write someone a check for an $800 gold bracelet or buy an $8 million dollar estate piece.  We write a check right on the spot.”

A gemologist at the age of 17 and diamond cutter by 18, Del Gatto was always on the fast track.  However he reports, “I quickly found out I was a much better business person than a diamond cutter.  I helped the firm grow until they offered me a partnership.  I sold my interest when I was 23 and retired and started travelling the world.”

THE TRILLION DOLLAR MARKET

Forget the backpacking version of the go-west-young-man.  “I started buying important diamonds and important estate jewelry at auctions in London and Geneva and St. Moritz,” says Del Gatto, “I saw a huge opportunity in the estate jewelry market.”

What Del Gatto tapped into was the trillion dollars worth of unworn jewelry sitting in safety deposit or jewelry boxes to establish the ultimate eco-luxe company CIRCA recycling existing gems and pieces back into the market instead of having to mine new diamonds and precious gems (think Leo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond.)

 Says Del Gatto, “You can play a part in the reduction of mining which is terrible environmentally.   We have to be the voice of education.  We commissioned a study by NYU of the environmental impact of mining.  We knew it would be scary but it was even worse than we anticipated.”

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Dayssi Olarte de Kanovos, Sophie Theallet, Chris Del Gatto, Veronica Webb, Shirin von Wulffen

CIRCA AT MERCEDES-BENZ NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff head of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week noted the importance of not only luxury but eco-friendly brands at September’s Fashion Week.   “Chris Del Gatto has done so much for sustainability,” Wolkoff commented, “He made us understand it is not a trend.”  Wolkoff personally expressed the importance of jewelry be it five dollars or a fortune, “Jewelry is a signature look.  It’s sexy and bold and adds an element of style that you can dress up or down.”  She worked with Del Gatto to create CIRCA’s booth at Fashion Week designed to promote accessories and jewelry and their designers which have traditionally not been featured.  Along with CIRCA’s fabulous estate pieces, the jewelry and accessories of hand-picked designers who embodied the notion of sustainability were also displayed.

CIRCA Jewelry

EVERY JEWEL HAS A STORY

Aside from monetary and planetary considerations, however, the success of CIRCA rests on the realization of the emotions surrounding jewelry.  While many women dream of the prince who arrives bearing jewels, where’s the prince when it’s time to sell them?  

Visions of sweaty men in pawn shops or faceless online sites send shivers down a damsel’s spine.  After all, these are pieces which she once treasured and either due to a change of taste or a low down dirty prince she no longer wants to be reminded of, she wants to sell.   In rides the knight in shining armor although in Chris Del Gatto’s case he may be astride his favorite tricked out polo pony Playgirl.  “She’s a beast, I love her,” says Del Gatto smiling.

While he’s a reported fierce competitor on and off the field, the captivating dark and handsome Del Gatto reveals a sensitive side.  “Jewelry has a high sentimental value.  Every piece has a story.  People should go to an equally nice place to sell the jewelry as they did to buy it.” 

So maybe if it’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s maybe it’s time for Cocktails at CIRCA. 

They welcome people into their offices in NYC, Chicago, Palm Beach, Greenwich, San Francisco, Washington DC, Hong Kong or Barcelona.

 Explains Del Gatto, “We have knowledgeable experts who care about consumer advocacy.  It’s not only the price we pay but the experience of our staff.  All the buyers are trained in product knowledge and how to deal with the client.  They’re trained for a year before even seeing a client.”

The part of the business that’s private is what happens with the gems CIRCA buys.  They only sell to vetted private clients.

A PASSION FOR POLO

Chris Del Gatto has also turned his Midas touch on the sport of polo.   “I’m drawn to polo and jewelry because there’s so much tradition,” states Del Gatto.  In his signature fashion Del Gatto took up the sport with no past experience and in a few years was a major player with his CIRCA team reaching the finals in a 20 goal tournament in its first year.  Polo is a huge part of his life with his time spent in the Hamptons, Palm Beach and Argentina.

He made a splash this summer with the CIRCA Championship Field at Bridgehampton Polo – introducing the well-heeled Hamptons crowd to his successful brand.  He was enticed to the sponsorship by Shamin Abas who took the reins this summer.  “I knew Shamin wouldn’t do it unless she had the wherewithal to do it right.  I was really happy and she did an amazing job.”

THE CROWN JEWELS

Brilliance clearly comes from being multi-faceted whether you’re a prized diamond or a business leader, your light has to shine brightly all around you.

Del Gatto reports, “I gather a polo team the same way I build a company — with people who have the same ideals and passion for winning.  And they have to be people I want to hang out with and who fit in.  As Steinbrenner said, ‘They may be a good player but they’re not a Yankee.’”

Del Gatto’s crowning jewel, however, is not the priceless gem or a ten goal player on his team but his children.  Del Gatto is divorced but reports a fantastic relationship with his ex.  “As passionate as I am about business and polo nothing comes close to my children,” he says,” They’re with me as much as I can.”

While many would think Chris Del Gatto has certainly attained the pinnacle of success, he’s still going bigger before he’s going home.

Like a diamond on glass, Del Gatto says, “I’m Just scratching the surface – I haven’t even started yet.”

HIFF is ready for its close up.  Filmmakers are coming in from all over the world so this is your chance to explore the myriad of cinematic talents both virtuosos and fresh new voices.  The box office opens September 30th.  You can either stop by Design Within Reach in the parking lot behind Main Street in East Hampton or go online to buy tickets at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

INSIDER TIP:
The only way to get party tickets is by buying a pass, either the all-access Founders Pass for $1200 or the Filmmaker’s Discovery Package for $125.

THE 19^TH ANNUAL HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13^TH – MONDAY, OCTOBER 17^TH, 2011

ANNOUNCES SPOTLIGHT, COMPETITION AND WORLD CINEMA FILMS WITH HIGHLIGHTS SUCH AS THE RUM DIARY, MELANCHOLIA, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN AND MANY OTHERS.

BUTTER to kick-off Southampton on Friday, October 14^th

The Festival continues a wide-range of programs including Films of Conflict & Resolution, “Pitch In” for Social Documentaries-in-Progress, Views from Long Island, A Conversation With, Rowdy Talks and many additional programs.

Among those expected to attend the Festival are Lauren Ambrose, David Bailey, Bob Balaban, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Barkin, Harry Belafonte, Joe Berlinger, Matthew Broderick, Emily Browning, Carter Burwell, Dick Cavett, Stine Fischer Christensen, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jim Denevan, Martin Donovan, Jay Duplass, Terry George, Felicity Jones, Ed Lachman, Josh Marston, Ezra Miller, Penelope Ann Miller, Matthew Modine, David Morse, Clifford Ross, Susan Sarandon, Bobby Valentine, Rufus Wainwright, Lucy Walker, Wim Wenders, Anton Yelchin and many more…

Breakthrough Performers are Emily Browning (Sleeping Beauty), Stine Fischer Christensen (Cracks in the Shell), Ezra Miller (Another Happy Day, We Need to Talk About Kevin) and Anton Yelchin (Like Crazy).

East Hampton, NY (September 27, 2011) The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) is proud to announce its Southampton opener, Spotlight Films, the World Cinema Section and the films in this year’s Competition.  Now in its 19^th year, the Festival comes to life boasting a diverse and wide-range of films, as filmmakers, talent and industry come to the Hamptons to premiere and discuss their work.  The 2011 Hamptons International Film Festival runs from Thursday, October 13^th through Monday, October 17^th in East Hampton with additional venues in Southampton, Sag Harbor, Westhampton and Montauk.  Festival headquarters are located at the beautiful c/o The Maidstone Hotel on Main Street in East Hampton.

“With a strong line-up of international films from cinema masters as well as the “next generation” — the Festival offers incredible access and a tremendous opportunity to our East End audiences, allowing them to experience powerful cinema and filmmaking at its best,” says HIFF Executive Director Karen Arikian.  “Our Spotlight section continues to impress this year with high profile films including Ralph Fiennes’ directorial debut Coriolanus, Lars Von Trier’s epic Melancholia, The Rum Diary starring Johnny Depp and the chilling We Need to Talk About Kevin starring Tilda Swinton, as well as one of this year’s Breakthrough Performers, Ezra Miller,” says HIFF Director of Programming David Nugent.  “We are also excited to present the emerging voices of the filmmakers in our competitive sections, as well as the diverse viewpoints represented in our World Cinema sections which form the backbone to this year’s line up,” continues Nugent. 

The heart of the Hamptons International Film Festival has always been its Golden Starfish Award and the films in the Competitions for Best Narrative Feature (over $125,000 in goods and in-kind services), Best Documentary Feature ($3,000 in cash) and Best Short Film ($1,000 in cash).  Jury participants include filmmaker Andrew Rossi, Entertainment Weekly’s Lisa Schwarzbaum, Melbourne Film Festival Director Michelle Carey, Watermill Center’s Sherry Dobbin, William Morris Endeavor’s Mark Ankner and Producer Jay Van Hoy. 

Additionally, HIFF will kick-off in Southampton, on Friday, October 14^th with The Weinstein Company’s dark comedy Butter starring Jennifer Garner, Olivia Wilde, Ty Burrell, Yara Shahidi, Hugh Jackman and Alicia Silverstone. 

As previously announced, the Festival’s Opening Night Film on Thursday, October 13^th is the Jason Segel and Susan Sarandon heartwarming comedy Jeff, Who Lives at Home, Closing Night Film is the Cannes Film Festival critics’ darling The Artist and the Centerpiece Film is winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival Like Crazy.  

HIFF also provides a great home for the New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) with many of its members attending the Festival as mentors, panelists and jurors and this year will be no exception.

“Members of the New York Film Critics Circle are always eager to swap ideas and opinions with audiences at the Hamptons International Film Festival,” said this year’s Circle Chairman, John Anderson.   “And where better to be than in the Hamptons in October, watching terrific films,” continues Anderson.

The Festival will be presenting a number of special presentations, including its 12^th year of the Films of Conflict & Resolution Program, a 7-film sidebar of films dealing with the realities of war, violence and crucial social issues around the world. The Festival will celebrate new Italian films with the sidebar Per Piacere: Italian Cinema.  Additionally, the festival will present a selection of films by Long Island filmmakers in its longstanding Views From Long Island section.  Details of the films in these programs follow.

The full slate for the Festival is listed below.  Several additional titles will be added to the program prior to the Festival’s opening and will be announced in the coming weeks.

OPENING NIGHT, CENTERPIECE & CLOSING NIGHT FILMS

JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME

Opening Night Film 

East Coast Premiere

Directors: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass

Cast: Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Susan Sarandon, Judy Greer, Rae Dawn Chong

Directors Mark and Jay Duplass take on brotherly dynamics as well as fate and love in this delightfully authentic and moving comic gem. Thirty-four-year-old Jeff (Jason Segel) spends his days steadily unlocking the profound mysteries of the universe … from the comfort of his mother’s basement. A call from his exasperated mom (Susan Sarandon) begging him to complete a simple errand shakes a begrudging Jeff off the couch. Suddenly, the universe begins to deliver important signs that could unlock his destiny. Jeff crosses paths with his disgruntled older brother (Ed Helms), who is embroiled in a crisis of his own. A hysterical, madcap journey ensues, forcing the two very different brothers to face earth-shattering challenges side by side. The Hamptons International Film Festival is thrilled to present JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME as the Opening Night Film of our 2011 Festival.

LIKE CRAZY

Centerpiece Film

East Coast Premiere

Director: Drake Doremus

Cast: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Charlie Bewley, Alex Kingston, Oliver Muirhead

It is rare for sweet, implacable first love portrayed on screen to connect wholly with the heart. LIKE CRAZY is a dazzling exception, featuring two brilliant young actors, Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, with remarkable screen chemistry. A modern twist on star-crossed lovers, Jones plays Anna, an undergraduate from the UK studying abroad in Los Angeles. A crush on classmate Jacob (Yelchin, HIFF Breakthrough Performer) turns into an exceptional love affair.  Rash, youthful decisions and a visa debacle threaten to separate the two indefinitely, and they are thrust wide-eyed into a world of confounding adult decisions. A smartly wound love story with a soul, LIKE CRAZY is magical, as well as sincere, in its approach to newfound love. The Hamptons International Film Festival is honored to present LIKE CRAZY as our 2011 Centerpiece Film.

BUTTER

Southampton Opening Night Film

East Coast Premiere

Director: Jim Field Smith

Cast: Jennifer Garner, Olivia Wilde, Ty Burrell, Yara Shahidi, Hugh Jackman, Alicia Silverstone

Art, politics, and food collide in this star-studded dark comedy. Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell) is the undisputed king of butter carving throughout the Midwest. His artful carvings of Newt Gingrich and scenes from SCHINDLER’S LIST have earned him the title, “The Elvis of Butter.” Now that he’s decided to withdraw from the world of competitive butter carving, the championship title is up for grabs. His wife, Laura (Jennifer Garner), will stop at nothing to keep the title in the family, but first she’ll have to beat working girl Brooke (Olivia Wilde) and the young orphan Destiny (Yara Shahidi). When Laura teams up with her former flame, sleazy car salesman Boyd Bolton (Hugh Jackman), all bets are off in this uproarious and outrageous comedy.

THE ARTIST

East Hampton Closing Night Film

Director: Michel Hazanavicius

ANOTHER HAPPY DAY

Director: Sam Levinson

Cast: Ellen Barkin, Ezra Miller, Kate Bosworth, Demi Moore, Thomas Haden Church, George Kennedy, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Nardelli
Ellen Barkin gives a stunning lead performance as Lynn, a once-divorced, twice-married mother of four, returning home to Annapolis, Maryland for the wedding of her eldest son, Dylan. There are no shortages of demons in the closet in Lynn’s immediate family, and the antics of her defiant teenage son, and impossibly toxic relationships with her mother and ex-husband, threaten to derail the weekend. Memorable performances capture the humor and hardship of family living: Ellen Burstyn, Demi Moore, Ezra Miller (HIFF Breakthrough Performer), and Kate Bosworth round out the stellar ensemble cast.

COLLABORATOR

East Coast Premiere

Director: Martin Donovan

Cast: Martin Donovan, David Morse, Olivia Williams, Melissa Auf der Maur
Director and star Martin Donovan (INSOMNIA, THE SENTINEL) takes on class, celebrity, and writer’s block in this tightly wound psychological drama. Donovan plays Robert Longfellow, a New York-based playwright whose latest failures seem to signal the end of an otherwise successful career. After a string of soul-crushing meetings during a brief visit to his native Los Angeles, he has two strange encounters: the first with a celebrity actress and former flame; the second, his ex-con former neighbor.  When an unthinkable scenario endangers his return trip to his wife and children, the tools of Longfellow’s craft may surface as his rescue device.

CORIOLANUS
Director: Ralph Fiennes 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, James Nesbitt

Ralph Fiennes’s directorial debut CORIOLANUS transforms one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest, most imposing tragedies into an intensely modern cinematic experience. A skilled and brutal war hero of the Roman army, Coriolanus (Fiennes), is persuaded to take political office by his mother (Vanessa Redgrave) and other bureaucrats after a successful campaign against Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler) and the Volscian army. Soon though, political machinations and Coriolanus’ own pride enrage the public. Forced into exile, Coriolanus exacts his revenge alongside the unlikeliest of allies. Anchored by searing performances, CORNIOLANUS will leave you on the edge of your seat.

THE GOOD DOCTOR

Director: Lance Daly

Cast: Orlando Bloom, Riley Keough, Troy Garity, Rob Morrow, Taraji P. Henson, Michael Peña

Suspenseful medical dramas are a dime-a-dozen, but Lance Daly’s THE GOOD DOCTOR is a rare exception, an enthralling mix of psychological thriller and intense character study with a riveting (and against-type) Orlando Bloom performance at its center. Bloom stars as Dr. Martin Blake, an initially unassuming first-year medical resident. Failing to achieve approval and confidence from both his superiors and the hospital staff, Blake soon becomes close with an alluring Diane (Riley Keough) whom he has recently cured. This intimacy transforms into something more disturbing as Blake grows more and more infatuated with his former patient. Taraji P. Henson, Rob Morrow and Michael Peña add to the impressive cast.

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE

Director: Sean Durkin

Cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Brady Corbet, Hugh Dancy, John Hawkes, Sarah Paulson

Good luck finding another feature-length debut this year as startlingly assured as Sean Durkin’s MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE. This masterfully wrought psychological drama concerns a troubled young woman who flees an upstate New York cult and seeks refuge in the quiet home of her sister and sister’s husband. Durkin boldly floats between past and present, lodging viewers firmly inside Martha’s troubled mind. Featuring a magnetic performance by newcomer Elizabeth Olsen, as well as standout supporting turns from Sarah Paulson and John Hawkes, Durkin’s haunting thriller is one of the finest American films of 2011.

MELANCHOLIA

Director: Lars von Trier

Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlotte Rampling, John Hurt, Alexander Skarsgård, Stellan Skarsgård
When does the end of the world become a welcome event? Lars von Trier’s magnificent apocalyptic epic explores the darkest corners of self-destruction in the face of terrifying planetary events. MELANCHOLIA is a twisted fairytale in two parts: the first, the story of a wedding that begins to go mysteriously awry; the second, a family struggles with the realization that life as they know it will soon come to an end. Together, these stories form a powerful, personal saga about pain, sabotage, and survival, one that will certainly be talked about for years to come. Kirsten Dunst’s arresting lead performance garnered her the Best Actress award at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

ORANGES AND SUNSHINE

US Premiere

Director: Jim Loach

Cast: Emily Watson, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham, Richard Dillane, Tara Morice, Tammy Wakefield
In this stirring drama based on a true story, Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson) is a British social worker who stumbles upon one of the largest scandals in the United Kingdom in recent memory. Humphreys uncovers the heartbreaking “home children” program, which deported 130,000 youths from the country without the knowledge or consent of their families. In the face of bureaucratic opposition, Humphreys embarks on a journey to unite these lost sons and daughters with their loved ones, often risking her own safety. ORANGES AND SUNSHINE is the story of a seemingly ordinary but truly courageous woman.

PINA in 3D 

Director: Wim Wenders

Featuring: Pina Bausch, Ensemble of the Tanztheater Wuppertal

In this mesmerizing 3D experience, world renowned director Wim Wenders (WINGS OF DESIRE) and the late iconoclastic choreographer Pina Bausch team up to bring you one of the most extraordinary cinematic events of the year. Starring Bausch’s own Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble, this performance-driven documentary film features many of Bausch’s most acclaimed pieces of modern dance performed in school gyms, industrial parks, and, in one riveting sequence, a water-logged stage. The strange-yet-powerful art of Bausch stunned audiences for over 35 years and has now found its perfect compliment in Wenders’ sumptuous, lively fusion of film, movement, music, and spectacle.

THE RUM DIARY

East Coast Premiere

Director: Bruce Robinson

Cast: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins

Thirteen years after FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, Johnny Depp once again channels the gonzo exploits of Hunter S. Thompson in THE RUM DIARY, the long-awaited fourth feature from filmmaker and novelist Bruce Robinson, best known for the cult classic WITHNAIL AND I. Depp (a real life friend of Thompson) stars as Paul Kemp, a freelance journalist in the ‘50s who travels to Puerto Rico for a story. Soon, he finds himself enmeshed in a love triangle with an American woman whose fiancé who is deeply involved with illegal business practices. Fueled by lust, corruption, and rum, and set amidst stunning Caribbean landscapes, THE RUM DIARY is a wild ride that could only come from the inimitable imagination of Hunter S. Thompson.

THINK OF ME

US Premiere

Director: Bryan Wizemann

Cast: Lauren Ambrose, Audrey Scott, Dylan Baker, Penelope Ann Miller, Adina Porter, David Conrad
Beyond the money, glamour and lights of Las Vegas, the city’s invisible families teeter on the edge of abject poverty and its underlying dangers. THINK OF ME plunges us into this world. Lauren Ambrose (best known for her award-winning work on HBO’s SIX FEET UNDER) shines as Angela, a struggling single mother failing to make ends meet for her little daughter. Regular drug and alcohol use clouds her already questionable judgment. Desperate for cash, Angela plunges into short-lived moneymaking schemes.  Pushing the limits of safety and sanity, Angela’s best-laid plans endanger the welfare of her daughter.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

East Coast Premiere
Director: Lynne Ramsay
Cast: Tilda Swinton, John C. Reilly, Ezra Miller, Siobhan Fallon

Eva (Tilda Swinton) must cope with her confusion, anger, and guilt in the wake of a horrific school massacre perpetrated by her son Kevin (Ezra Miller). Acclaimed director Lynne Ramsay (RATCATCHER) sifts through Eva’s tangled feelings about her deeply troubled son and her now estranged husband (John C. Reilly) through a chilling reverie of scenes from Eva’s life. From Kevin’s birth through the long-term aftermath of the tragedy, Swinton’s tremendous performance evokes Eva’s conflicted state of mind with gut-wrenching precision. Powerful, gorgeous, and haunting, KEVIN addresses the uncomfortable subject of parental indifference, challenging audiences and their notions of parenthood.

THE WOMAN IN THE FIFTH

“La femme du 5è”

US Premiere

Director: Pawel Pawlikowski

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Kristin Scott Thomas, Joanna Kulig, Samir Guesmi
Ethan Hawke delivers a career-topping performance in Pawel Pawlikowski’s eerily captivating new film. An American writer, Tom Ricks (Hawke, in a French- and English-speaking role), moves to Paris to be closer to his young daughter, though Ricks’ ex-wife forbids him to visit. Wandering about the city, he’s eventually robbed and left penniless. He stumbles upon a run-down inn where the proprietor offers him a room and a shady job in an underground bunker. With its evocative lensing and elliptical rhythms, THE WOMAN IN THE FIFTH casts an unsettling spell on the viewer, suggesting a mysterious undercurrent to the film’s events and foreshadowing a shocking climax.

GOLDEN STARFISH AWARD (GSA) NARRATIVE COMPETITION

BULLHEAD

“Rundskop”

East Coast Premiere

Director: Michaël R. Roskam

Cast: Matthias Schoenaerts, Joroen Perceval, Jeanne Dandoy, Barbara Sarafian, Sam Louwyck

BULLHEAD plunges us into the corrupt underbelly of a mafia-run meat industry, where illegal use of growth hormones on cattle runs rampant. After a detective is murdered, Jacky (Matthias Schoenaerts)––a grotesquely muscular man supped-up on steroids––becomes suspicious of a potential partnership with a rival manufacturer. Compounding his weariness is the presence of Diederik (Joroen Perceval). Flashbacks into Jacky’s childhood soon reveal the two men are linked by a physically traumatic, life-altering tragedy. At center of this startling feature debut is Schoenaerts, whose astonishingly layered performance as, and physical transformation into, the hulking Jacky culminates into one of the most searing portraits of a scarred male psyche in modern cinema.

CRACKS IN THE SHELL

 “Die Unsichtbare”

US Premiere

Director: Christian Schwochow

Cast: Stine Fischer Christensen, Ulrich Noethen, Dagmar Manzel, Christian Drechsler, Ronald Zehrfeld
The tension between actors and directors is painted in explosive dramatic detail in Christian Schwochow’s edgy, thrilling CRACKS IN THE SHELL. Stine Fischer Christensen stars as Fine, a struggling theater student whose lackluster stage performances result from a difficult home life. Fine is therefore shocked to receive an invitation to audition for, and to be subsequently cast in a famous director’s newest production. Her new director encourages self-discovery in order to connect with her difficult role, but Fine’s lack of boundaries prompts the full-scale excavation of her latent dark side. Christensen (AFTER THE WEDDING) gives a stunning performance that won her a top acting prize at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival.

THE FAIRY
“La fée”

US Premiere

Directors: Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon, Bruno Romy

Cast: Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon, Philippe Martz, Bruno Romy, Vladimir Zorano, Wilson Goma
THE FAIRY is the latest irreverent gem from the team behind L’ICEBERG and RUMBA. A man prone to comic mishaps, Dom works the late shift at a motel in a sleepy seaside town. One night, a strange and slender “fairy” checks into the hotel and grants Dom three wishes. Caught up in her topsy-turvy world––a head-spinning series of foot chases, underwater dances, and hospital breakouts––Dom can’t help but fall in love. This gloriously silly romp pays homage to film greats like Chaplin, Keaton, and Tati, and stands as one of the most delirious comedies in years.

THE FORGIVENESS OF BLOOD

East Coast Premiere

Director: Joshua Marston

Cast: Tristan Halilaj, Sindi Lacej, Refet Abazi, Ilire Vinca Celaj
With his piercing and compassionate storytelling voice, director Joshua Marston follows his breakthrough film, MARIA FULL OF GRACE, with this equally riveting drama, winner of the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival. Set in a small, present-day Albanian town, where horse-and-cart transportation co-exists with cars and cell phones, a blood feud erupts when a father is accused of slaying a neighbor over a road dispute. The family’s life is now dictated by the strictures of the Kunan, a 15th-century Balkan code of traditions, which maintains that all men in the family, old and young included, must remain under house arrest for the unforeseeable future to atone for the crime.

WITHOUT

New York Premiere

Director: Mark Jackson

Cast: Joslyn Jensen, Ron Carrier, Darren Lenz, Piper Weiss, Bob Sentinella
WITHOUT is a daring, provocative, and uniquely sensitive look at the intersection between technology and social isolation. A young woman travels to a secluded, wooded island to be the temporary caretaker of an ailing and mute elderly man. Deprived of the Internet and phone reception, the woman makes desperate attempts to connect. Mysterious clues surface, and point to a recent tragedy that might be eroding her sanity. Actress Joslyn Jensen delivers a remarkable performance that fully explores the boundaries between connectivity and isolation in a story confronting the timely issue of Internet privacy.

GSA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE

East Coast Premiere

Director: Julia Ivanova
A tender and tragicomic tale of unusual family dynamics, generational gaps and cultural anachronisms, FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE is a captivating study of modern dilemmas in the former Eastern Bloc. In Ukraine, reigning ethnic xenophobia has resulted in a number of Caucasian mothers abandoning their unwanted bi-racial children in orphanages. Mrs. Olga Nenya is a hearty, fierce foster mother who shelters sixteen mostly bi-racial children in an old Soviet farmhouse with few modern conveniences, and puts all of the children to work. Already outsiders in their own country, the children struggle to adopt Mrs. Nenya’s Soviet-era mentality.

LAURA

World Premiere

Director: Fellipe Barbosa
Imagine if GREY GARDENS’ Little Edie had actually realized her dream of moving into a studio apartment on 10th Avenue: her life might have resembled that of Laura’s, a Brazilian immigrant in New York City who lives two contradictory lives. At night she crashes the most glamorous and exclusive parties, while each day she struggles to cheat poverty and eviction. Director Fellipe Barbosa follows Laura from a film premiere at MoMA to the New York subways at night, and soon becomes a character in his own film, completely enchanted with this fabulous and mysterious woman.

MY REINCARNATION

US Premiere

Director: Jennifer Fox

Two decades in the making, the story of exiled Buddhist Dzogchen master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu and his Italian-born son, Yeshe, is both a riveting family drama and a chronicle of an intense spiritual journey. Yeshe, acknowledged to be the reincarnation of a great Buddhist monk, struggles to reconcile the expectations placed on him with his desire for a normal life, finally making a revelatory decision. Capturing a father-son relationship evolving before crowds of students hungry for the master’s spiritual wisdom, director Jennifer Fox creates a tribute to the life-altering complexity of true faith.

SCENES OF A CRIME

New York Premiere

Directors: Blue Hadaegh, Grover Babcock
Winner of the Grand Jury Award at the 2011 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, SCENES OF A CRIME deftly navigates the case of Adrian Thomas, a young father in Troy, New York accused of killing his four-month-old son. Directors Grover Babcock and Blue Hadaegh masterfully edit ten hours of interrogation footage into a suspenseful documentary rift with plot twists and changing conclusions. What at first seems like a film about an open-and-shut case against Thomas becomes in this riveting documentary a subtle investigation of the interrogation process itself and questions the viewers’ own assumptions of guilt and innocence.

VODKA FACTORY

“Vodkafabriken”

US Premiere

Director: Jerzy Sladkowski
Like many of the residents in the snowy Russian town of Zhigulyovsk, young single mother Valetina works full-time at the local vodka factory, mindlessly packaging bottles off a conveyor belt. But unlike her co-workers, Valentina dreams about leaving her job and moving to Moscow to pursue a career in acting. VODKA FACTORY, the award-winning documentary from director Jerzy Sladkowski, compassionately explores the dissatisfaction that seems a requisite for life in Zhigulyovsk. As Valentina plots her escape, her mother, friends, and coworkers wrestle with the dreary ennui built into their provincial lifestyle.

WORLD CINEMA NARRATIVE

BOY

East Coast Premiere

Director: Taika Waititi

Cast: James Rolleston, Te Aho Eketone-Whitu, Taika Waititi, Waihoroi Shortland

Like any eleven-year-old kid in 1984, Boy’s idol is Michael Jackson. Unlike most others, he is growing up in rural New Zealand on a farm with his “gran,” cousins, and brother––the latter claiming to possess special powers––in a town full of “aunties” and “uncles.” When gran goes on vacation, Boy’s father shows up fresh from prison. With a dose of magical realism, Boy imagines his father as a Jackson-esque hero, only to learn the man is an ex-con hunting for a long buried bag of money. BOY is a fresh comedy that makes light of life’s darker moments.

THE COLOR OF THE OCEAN

“Die Farbe des Ozeans”

US Premiere

Director: Maggie Peren

Cast: Alex Gonzalez, Sabine Timoteo, Hubert Koundé, Friedrich Mücke, Nathalie Poza
German writer/director Maggie Peren positions herself as a filmmaker to watch with this tense and powerful film about a chance encounter in the Canary Islands. José is a hardened Spanish border patrol officer. He has little compassion toward impoverished African refugees who have washed up by the boatful on the shores of the island. Nathalie, a German tourist, witnesses one such boat landing, the refugees on-board nearly dying of thirst. She involves herself in the fate of a desperate Senegalese man and his young son who are attempting to escape the detainee camp from which José has ordered their deportation.

CORPO CELESTE

Director: Alice Rohrwacher

Cast: Yile Vianello, Salvatore Cantalupo, Pasqualina Scuncia, Anita Caprioli

A thirteen-year old girl navigates the precarious crawlspace between childhood and adulthood in Alice Rohrwacher’s striking fictional debut. Marta (Yile Vianello) has just moved from Switzerland to Calabria, Italy with her mother and older sister. Often left to her own devices and constantly berated by her bratty sister, Marta must also endure daily catechism classes in preparation for her upcoming confirmation. Rohrwacher examines Marta’s crisis of faith and adolescence with her finely attuned and immersive direction, giving vivid, intimate dimensions to both Calabria’s Catholic community and one girl’s search for answers amid the confusion of coming of age.

SPECIAL SCREENING: ELECTION (1999)

Director: Alexander Payne

Cast: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell
Alexander Payne’s ELECTION is not only one of the funniest movies made about high school, but also one of the most insightful and intelligent. Matthew Broderick is at his comedic best as Jim McAllister, a devoted, well-meaning history teacher whose personal and professional life is thrown into a tailspin over a school election. Vengeful overachiever Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) desperately wants to be Student Body President, and doesn’t care how many lives she ruins in order to realize her dream. As hilarious as it is tragic, ELECTION is a certifiable modern-day classic. Broderick will sit down with Alec Baldwin in A CONVERSATION WITH discussion of his life and work on Saturday, October 15 at 3:15PM at Guild Hall.

THE FIFTH HEAVEN 

“Barakia Ha’ Chamishi”

US Premiere

Director: Dina Zvi-Riklis

Cast: Yehezkel Lazarov, Amit Moshkovitz, Alena Yiv, Guy Adler, Aki Avni
A sensitive coming-of-age drama, THE FIFTH HEAVEN begins during the last days of WWII as thirteen-year-old Maya is abandoned by her father at an orphanage for Jewish girls in Palestine. The orphanage is so isolated that the few British soldiers patrolling nearby and a handyman in the Jewish Resistance are the only evidence that the war is drawing to a close. But the traumas of wartime show on the faces of the malnourished girls and in the lonely routines of their adult supervisors. Director Dina Zvi-Riklis deftly weaves together the lives of orphans and exiles into a portrait of a world on the brink of transformation.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

New York Premiere

Director: K. Lorrel Manning

Cast: Michael Cuomo, JD Williams, Monique Gabriela Curnen, Tina Sloan, Alan Dale
Based on his award-winning short, K. Lorrel Manning’s HAPPY NEW YEAR vividly portrays the heartbreak and the humanity in the story of a young American soldier, Sgt. Cole Lewis, admitted to the psychiatric wing of a stateside VA hospital following a botched military operation in Iraq. As the narrative unfolds, we meet a colorful cast of personalities, all with their own horror stories of loss and of pain, who aid Sgt. Lewis on his quest to find inner peace––at any cost. HAPPY NEW YEAR is a tender, moving portrait of what it means to be willing to sacrifice one’s own safety (and sanity) in pursuit of protecting the American dream.

LE HAVRE

Director: Aki Kaurismäki

Cast: André Wilms, Kati Outinen, Jean-Pierre Darroussin
Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismaki is known for his unique cinematic style and offbeat sense of humor. LE HAVRE, one of the most talked about films of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, is Kaurismaki at his best, displaying an original blend of satire, sincerity, and slapstick comedy that is a recipe all his own. Marcel is an aging shoe shiner in the French port town of Le Havre. He makes an accidental discovery of a young African refugee escaped from a shipping container. Their unlikely friendship awakens new life in Marcel’s otherwise idle, self-centered, and hopelessly aloof existence.

HELL

US Premiere

Director: Tim Fehlbaum

Cast: Hannah Herzsprung, Stipe Erceg, Lars Eidinger, Lisa Vicari, Angela Winkler

HELL is a stark, post-apocalyptic thriller in the tradition of THE ROAD and NO BLADE OF GRASS, a rare horror film that relies on character and atmosphere instead of gore. Five years from now, the world as we know it ceases to exist. Water and food are scarce. The sun has turned Earth into a scorched world. Yet three people have not yet given up hope. Sisters Marie and Leonie drive their car into the mountains with Phillip in hopes of finding water. But after Leonie is kidnapped, their loyalty and faith are put to the test. Executive Produced by Roland Emmerich (INDEPENDENCE DAY), HELL is an eco-conscious disaster movie driven by strong human emotions.

THE KID WITH A BIKE

“Le gamin au vélo”

Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Cast: Cecile de France, Thomas Doret, Jeremie Renier, Fabrizio Rongione, Olivier Gourmet
Celebrated master filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (Palme d’Or winners ROSETTA and L’ENFANT) deliver a staggeringly profound drama about parenting in their latest tour de force, THE KID WITH A BIKE. Recently abandoned at an orphanage, young Cyril embarks on a string of runaway attempts in the hopes of finding his missing father and moving back home. He meets a lovely salon owner named Samantha (Cécile de France), who falls for Cyril’s charms and offers to be a part-time foster parent. When Cyril’s behavior begins spiraling out of control, their relationship enters confusing terrain, causing Samantha to question her motives, and abilities, as a parent.

MY BEST ENEMY

“Mein bester Feind”

North American Premiere

Director: Wolfgang Murnberger

Cast: Moritz Bleibtreu, Georg Friedrich, Ursula Strauss, Uwe Bohm, Marthe Keller
On the eve of WWII, the disappearance of a priceless Michelangelo drawing in Austria sets the plot of MY BEST ENEMY in motion. A Jewish family of art collectors is forced to hide the drawing after their son Victor (Moritz Bleibtreu) shows it to his friend Rudi, who has secretly joined the Nazi party. When Hitler decides to use the Michelangelo to cement the Axis alliance with Italy, Victor embarks on a picaresque journey through an absurdist maze of Nazi bureaucracy, grappling with Rudi for survival during the darkest days of the Third Reich.

NATURAL SELECTION

New York Premiere

Director: Robbie Pickering

Cast: Rachael Harris, Jon Gries, Matt O’Leary
NATURAL SELECTION is a quirky comedy that follows the sexual and emotional awakening of Linda (Rachel Harris). Linda’s sheltered, devoutly Christian life is shaken to the core when her husband, Abe, has a stroke at a sperm bank, where––unbeknownst to Linda––he has been a donor for over a decade. Setting out across the country, Linda finds Abe’s biological son, a mullet-headed ex-con named Raymond, and together they form an unlikely relationship. With a strong performance by Harris and a pitch-perfect script, this unique film finds a way to humanize even the most unfortunate of characters.

OK, ENOUGH, GOODBYE

“Tayeb, khalas, yalla”

US Premiere

Directors: Rania Attieh, Daniel Garcia

Cast: Daniel Arzruni, Nadime Attieh, Walid Al-Ayoubi, Nawal Mekdad, Sablawork Tesfay
OK, ENOUGH, GOODBYE is as much a striking portrait of Tripoli, Lebanon, as it is the offbeat story of a helpless middle-aged man who lives at home with his elderly mother. When his mother, fed up with cooking and cleaning for her grown son, leaves without notice, he seeks out the company of an unusual mix of characters: a prostitute, a six-year-old boy, and an Ethiopian maid. This astonishing feature film debut is a coming of age story of an adult on his own amidst the landscape of a multi-cultural, modern day Lebanon.

A QUIET LIFE

“Una Vita tranquilla”

Director: Claudio Cupellini

Cast: Toni Servillo, Marco D’Amore, Francesco Di Leva, Juliane Köhler
For the past twelve years, Rosario (Toni Servillo, IL DIVO) has run a restaurant-hotel in a small German town where he lives unassumingly with his wife and child. But the sudden appearance of two young Italian men threatens to expose a criminal past Rosario has worked hard to leave behind. Servillo’s brilliant turn explores the complexity of Rosario’s relationship with one of the men––soon revealed as his estranged son. His captivating performance shows a man torn between the guilt over abandoning his eldest son and the knowledge that a close relationship with him will be the end of his quiet life.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

East Coast Premiere

Director: Julia Leigh

Cast: Emily Browning, Rachael Blake, Ewen Leslie, Peter Carroll, Chris Haywood
Featuring a riveting performance from former child actress Emily Browning, Australian novelist Julia Leigh’s psychosexual drama was one of the most hotly debated films at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. College student Lucy’s life is split between the ennui of her days and the unexplored territory of her nights in an unusual high-end brothel. Delving the murky territory between sex and death, SLEEPING BEAUTY proves that the most compelling works of art are often the ones that most drastically divide audiences.

SMALL, BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS

East Coast Premiere

Directors: Annie J. Howell, Lisa Robinson

Cast: Anna Margaret Hollyman, Richard Hoag, André Holland, Mary Beth Peil

In this charming comedy, a pregnant “freelance technologist”, Sarah Sparks, questions her readiness to become a parent. Passionate about gadgetry, technology, and mechanical problems, Sarah is at a loss when faced with questions lacking an empirical solution. As her due date draws near, Sarah traverses the Southwest visiting her zany family along the way in search of her long distant mother, who now lives off the grid in the desert. Filmed amidst the beautiful landscapes of California and Arizona, this film is a sweet and delightful tale of a technology whiz confronting motherhood. For its unique look at technology, SMALL, BEAUTIFULLY MOVING PARTS is this year’s recipient of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Feature Film Prize.

STOPPED ON TRACK

“Halt auf freier Strecke”

US Premiere

Director: Andreas Dresen

Cast: Milan Peschel, Steffi Kuhrnert, Bernhard Schutz, Talisa Lilly Lemke

What would your life look like if you realized you had only six months to live? In the Cannes award-winning film STOPPED ON TRACK, director Andreas Dresen paints a compelling, sincere, and honest portrait of an ordinary man facing brain cancer. Frank and his wife Simone grimly bear the earth-shattering news about Frank’s illness, but they are at a loss when sharing it with their young children and aging parents. As Frank’s health declines, terminal illness becomes a part of everyday life for the family. The film delivers a distinctly raw depiction of human emotion in the face of devastating tragedy.

SUL MARE

Director: Alessandro D’Alatri

Cast: Dario Catiglio, Martina Codecasa, Nunzia Schiano, Vincenzo Merolla, Raffaele Vassalo

With its bittersweet treatment of young love and heartbreak, and bolstering two beautifully wrought lead performances by Dario Catiglio and Martina Codecasa, SUL MARE affirms director Alessandro D’Alatri’s place as one of the most beloved filmmakers in contemporary Italian cinema. Salvatore (Catiglio) works summers at home on Ventotene, taking tourists on boat tours around the sun-soaked island and flirting with pretty young women. Off-season, he works dangerous construction jobs, undocumented and paid under-the-table. Searching for stability and purpose in his life, Salvatore meets Martina (Codescasa), a charming yet distant young women vacationing on Ventotene while on leave from university.

SWERVE

North American Premiere

Director: Craig Lahiff

Cast: Jason Clarke, Emma Booth, David Lyons, Travis McMahon, Vince Colosimo, Roy Billing

Shot in the hot, rocky, Australian outback and featuring a talent-packed cast, this neo-noir thriller hits the ground running and never lets up. Colin (David Lyons) is driving cross-country when he witnesses a fatal car crash and finds in its wake a distressed blonde (Emma Booth), a dead drug trafficker, and a cash-filled suitcase. Our hero does the honorable thing, turning in the money to the local cop (Jason Clarke), but his good deed triggers a series of fateful events, drawing him into a deadly game of survival. Writer/director Craig Lahiff keeps the adrenaline pumping in this sexy, gripping actioner from down under.

THIN ICE

East Coast Premiere

Director: Jill Sprecher

Cast: Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, Billy Crudup, David Harbour, Lea Thompson, Bob Balaban
In this Midwestern comedy, Greg Kinnear stars as Mickey, a smooth-talking insurance agent with a knack for alienating the most important people in his life. Less the everyman than a failed confidence man, his luck seems to shift when he makes the acquaintance of a farmer (Alan Arkin), a cantankerous man with no idea he owns of a very valuable violin. Mickey’s new luck, however, is short-lived thanks to a less-than-fortuitous arrangement with a local locksmith (Billy Crudup), forcing Mickey to make the kind of tough decisions he’s spent his entire life running from.

TOMBOY

Director: Céline Sciamma

Cast: Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson, Sophie Cattani, Mathieu Demy
Laure, a ten-year-old tomboy living with her family outside of Paris, reinvents herself as Mikael, allowing her to at last explore her masculine curiosities. As Mikael strikes up friendships with the neighborhood boys and finds a romantic interest in another young girl, Mikael’s secret becomes increasingly close to being exposed to those around her––including her parents, who remain oblivious to their daughter’s hidden life. The heart of this beautifully realized coming of age tale lies squarely in Zoé Héran’s multilayered, remarkably controlled performance that effortlessly captures the simultaneous confusion, heartache, and joy of one young girl’s moment at a crossroads.

VOLCANO

“Eldfjall”

East Coast Premiere

Director: Rúnar Rúnarsson

Cast: Theodor Juliusson, Margret Helga Johannsdottir, Thorsteinn Bachmann
After spending 37 years as a school custodian, Hannes should be looking forward to retirement, but lately everything makes him grouchy. He hates the car his daughter just bought, his son doesn’t want him to smoke, his wife serves the wrong soup, and his boat leaks. But after his wife suddenly falls ill, Hannes is forced to confront the future as never before, and he must make amends with his family before it is too late. A profound work of quiet tragedy, VOLCANO is a universal story about family and aging that is sure to resonate with viewers’ own lives.

WE HAVE A POPE

“Habemus Papam”

East Coast Premiere

Director: Nanni Moretti

Cast: Michel Piccoli, Nanni Moretti, Jerzy Stuhr, Renato Scarpa, Margherita Buy

The Pope is dead. Cardinals walk in a solemn procession through the Vatican. The media place odds on whom among the robed will be elected the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Throngs of the faithful descend upon the Apostolic Palace. The stage is set for Italian master Nanni Moretti’s deeply satisfying satire, starring the inimitable Michel Piccoli as Cardinal Melville, the surprise choice for successor so paralyzed by fear he refuses to greet the public. At wit’s end, the Vatican’s spokesperson calls in a psychoanalyst (Moretti), pitting Melville’s existential crisis against the responsibilities of a divine calling.

WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY

77 STEPS

East Coast Premiere

Director: Ibtisam Salh Mara’ana

A politically charged self-portrait from acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ibtisam Mara’ana, 77 STEPS centers on Mara’ana’s relationship with Jonathan, a Canadian-born Jewish immigrant. Against the backdrop of increasing Israeli and Palestinian hostilities, Mara’ana trains her camera inward, capturing her personal struggle as she attempts to reconcile her Muslim heritage with her current life in Tel Aviv. Equal parts intimate love story and wide-reaching social commentary, 77 STEPS is more than just a compelling study of one couple’s quest towards mutual understanding: it’s a tense meditation on one of the world’s most heated political quagmires.

ALL ME: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WINFRED REMBERT

World Premiere

Director: Vivian Ducat

Subject: Winfred Rembert
For Winfred Rembert, art is autobiography. Sprung from the scenes of his turbulent life, Rembert’s work evokes his memories with a beauty and boldness all their own. ALL ME traces the progression of Rembert’s painted leather work as he parlayed this craft into arresting portraits of his life in the segregated Georgia of the 50s and 60s. Now an acclaimed artist at the age of 67, Rembert transforms his most harrowing of trials–extreme poverty, brutal Jim Crowe encounters, civil rights rallies, and even years spent on a chain gang–into vibrant and ultimately triumphant works of art.

APPLE PUSHERS

World Premiere

Director: Mary Mazzio

Narration: Edward Norton
Narrated by Edward Norton, APPLE PUSHERS profiles five New York City immigrant push-cart vendors with a common goal: to find success in America. As part of the “green cart initiative” started by the City Council, these vendors achieve this dream by selling fruits and vegetables in the “food deserts” of the Big Apple. These vendors are not only carving out an economic niche for themselves but are counteracting the high rates of obesity and diabetes in the City’s low-income communities. APPLE PUSHERS is an uplifting story, which shows how passionate small business owners can be part of the solution to one of the nation’s biggest problems.

SPECIAL SCREENING: BEATON BY BAILEY (1972)

Director: William Verity

Producer: David Bailey

“Sir Cecil Beaton influenced the course of modern photography with his emphasis on lush set design and staging. David Bailey, a giant of 20th century photography, was highly influenced by Beaton’s work. In his light-hearted biography, Bailey captures Beaton in all of his delightful idiosyncrasies and high brow wit. Featuring many cultural icons of the era, including a soft-spoken Twiggy, a smirking Truman Capote, and even Mick Jagger in a priceless cameo, BEATON BY BAILEY is a glorious portrait of an era, and raises fascinating questions about the legacy of the two photography luminaries. BEATON BY BAILEY will be presented at Watermill Center, during the conversation program between photographers David Bailey and Bruce Weber.”

BLOOD IN THE MOBILE

“Blod i mobilen”

US Premiere

Director: Frank Piasecki Poulsen

In this searing investigative documentary, director Frank Piasecki Poulsen blows the whistle on the traffic of rare “blood minerals” used to build nearly every cellular device known to man. He traces these minerals to the civil war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, the beleaguered nation home to the UN’s largest peacekeeping operation of all time, a closed airspace, and a death toll surpassing WWII. In his investigations, Poulsen discovers a universal refusal––by Nokia, Congolese bureaucrats, and UN officials, among others––to verify claims of the minerals’ peaceful harvest, adding fuel to a seemingly unquenchable fire and threatening a people already torn apart by war.

THE BULLY PROJECT

Director: Lee Hirsch
Capturing the experiences of the victims of America’s overlooked bullying crisis, THE BULLY PROJECT sounds an alarm on the harassment and violence taking place among children in the US––and right under our noses. The film chronicles five families whose children have been severely bullied, with the consequences often tragic: prolonged school absences, academic hardship, and, most catastrophically, suicide. For its attention to this crucial issue, as well as its illustration of the vital movement concerning reconciliation and change, the Festival is pleased to announce THE BULLY PROJECT as the honored recipient of the 2011 Brizzolara Family Foundation Award for a Film of Conflict & Resolution.

CARIS’ PEACE

World Premiere

Director: Gaylen Ross

Collaborating Director: Rebecca Nelson
What is an actress without her memory? Caris Corfman was forced to confront this strange question when, at the height of her acting career, an operation on a brain tumor eradicated her short term memory. Once at the top of her Yale School of Drama class, and subsequently a leading Broadway actress of the 80s, Caris had to give up the theater and struggled to remember even small tasks. But one day, out of sheer frustration, she began to write a one-woman show. CARIS’ PEACE chronicles her triumphant and deeply moving return, against all odds, to the New York stage.

CRAZY HORSE

Director: Frederick Wiseman

Acclaimed documentarian Frederick Wiseman, best known for his landmark films TITICUT FOLLIES, HIGH SCHOOL, and more recently LA DANSE: THE PARIS OPERA BALLET, turns his camera on the women of the Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris. With beautifully intimate cinematography, Wiseman details the preparations and rehearsals for the new show DÉSIR, staged by Philippe Decouflé, a celebrated French choreographer. The production is a humorous and colorful spectacle that, the pinnacle of “nude chic” and the embodiment of this legendary Parisian cabaret.

FIRST POSITION

New York Premiere

Director: Bess Kargman

Featuring dazzling and moving performances by six young ballet dancers (ages 9 to 19), FIRST POSITION reveals the struggles and successes, and the pain and extraordinary beauty of, an art form that children across the globe are determined to dedicate their lives to. Providing an exclusive and unprecedented look behind the scenes, the documentary follows the yearlong, inspirational journey of these talented dancers as they fight to maintain form in the face of injury and personal sacrifice on their way to the most prestigious international student ballet competition: Youth America Grand Prix.

HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND

World Premiere

Director: Marc Levin

Before spreading to the rest of the country, the suburban dream was born in Levittown, Long Island after World War II. What began as an eight thousand dollar housing market evolved into today’s four hundred thousand dollar home. But with a dwindling economy and the average term of unemployment longer than ever before, homeowners struggle to make their mortgage payments. HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND follows a group of Long Island residents as they courageously describe the effect that their long time unemployed status has had on their families, finances, and ultimately their American dream.

IN HEAVEN UNDERGROUND: THE WEISSENSEE JEWISH CEMETERY

US Premiere 

Director: Britta Wauer

IN HEAVEN, UNDERGROUND explores the Weissensee Cemetery, the historic Jewish cemetery in the center of Berlin, through the eyes of the workers and the Jewish community who continue to cherish it as a sacred place and a link to German Jewish life prior to the Holocaust. Explored from every angle, the history of the cemetery is profoundly rich: it has served as a place of work and refuge, a playground, a wildlife sanctuary, an artist’s retreat, and even a home. Charming, moving and inspiring, this visit to the Weissensee is one you’ll never forget.

INSIDE LARA ROXX

US Premiere

Director: Mia Donovan

A Montreal bad girl turned X-rated movie actress, Lara Roxx moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 to become a star in the American adult film industry. Within two months after arriving in Los Angeles, Lara discovered that she had been infected with HIV while having sex on camera. A short-lived media sensation, Lara Roxx’s story soon faded from the public eye and the porn industry’s consciousness. Documentary filmmaker Mia Donovan tracked down Lara Roxx to investigate her story and the events leading up to her infection, and discovered a young life dramatically altered by the sex industry.

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI

Directors: David Gelb

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is an exquisitely shot documentary about 85-year-old sushi master Juri Ono. Ono owns and operates the world’s smallest three-star Michelin restaurant in the basement of a Tokyo office building. Although Ono’s survived a recent heart attack, he is reluctant to have his oldest son take over the business. While critics question whether Ono’s culinary style will die with him, Ono reflects on a life spent in the obsessive pursuit of culinary perfection. His own story is juxtaposed with the history of sushi itself and its fragile future as global fish stocks deplete.

THE LOOK

US Premiere

Director: Angelina Maccarone

Subject: Charlotte Rampling
With her alluring screen presence, Charlotte Rampling blossomed in roles as an object of desire by such maverick directors as François Ozon, Woody Allen, Sydney Lumet, and Luchino Visconti. Throughout her career, audiences have regarded Rampling as a taboo-breaker and style icon. THE LOOK offers a different perspective. Rampling’s undeniable talents and intelligence take center stage in this fascinating documentary. Described as “a self-portrait through others,” this cinematic exploration of Rampling’s career uses insightful conversations between the actress and artists (such as Peter Lindberg and Paul Auster) to discuss her views on age, love, death, and taboo.

THE LOVING STORY

Director: Nancy Buirski
Director Nancy Buirski’s insightful new film follows the poignant journey of Richard and Mary Loving through their historic lawsuit, Loving vs. Virginia. In 1958, Richard and Mary, an interracial couple, wed in Virginia, where “mixed” marriages were not only illegal but punishable by permanent exile from the state. Removed from their home and families, the Lovings fought their case all the way to the Supreme Court, culminating in a triumphant legal victory. As told through extensive archival footage and home recordings, THE LOVING STORY provides a personal panorama to this landmark civil rights case, chronicling the Lovings’ resilience and courage with incredible intimacy.

MATCHMAKING MAYOR

“Nesvatbov”

East Coast Premiere

Director: Erika Hníková
In the Slovak village of Zemplinske Hamre, Mayor Jozef Gajdos has improved living conditions substantially. Now, he’s turned his attention towards a nobler cause: “(stopping) our planet from dying out.” His plan? To make sure all the lonely, unwed citizens in his village find love. In MATCHMAKING MAYOR, Mayor Gajdos’ actions oscillate between patriarchic and overbearing, while director Erika Hnikova trains her camera on several of Gajdos’ loneliest constituents. Wryly funny and emotionally generous, Hnikova has crafted a big-hearted, hilarious documentary about small-town isolation and the elected official who vows to overcome it.

PARADISE LOST 3: PURGATORY

Directors: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky

Subjects: Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin, Jessie Misskelley, Jr.
Culling footage from PARADISE LOST and its sequel, filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky revisit “The West Memphis 3,” Arkansas men who as teenagers were charged with killing three young boys in a trial motivated more by frenzy than fact. Nearly 17 years later, the men have exhausted almost every appeal, but new forensic evidence leads to one last court date. Like Errol Morris’ films, the PARADISE LOST trilogy transcends the screen to create a perceptible change in the real world, culminating in an astonishing coda that made headlines around the world.

PELOTERO

World Premiere

Directors: Jonathan Paley, Ross Finkel, Trevor Martin

Narration: John Leguizamo
Baseball is a way of life in the Dominican Republic. Major League Baseball has wisely invested in recruiting Dominicans with a training program that has the world’s largest number of future major leaguers per capita. Each year, a handful of Dominican players, almost always from low-income families, are selected to begin their careers in the United States. That invitation comes with a signing bonus and the promise of a secure future for their families. The system, however, is flawed. A must-see for fans of baseball, PELOTERO tells the story of two of the nation’s most talented hopefuls, and their long, rocky road towards achieving their dreams.

THE PRICE OF SEX

Director: Mimi Chakarova

THE PRICE OF SEX is Bulgarian-American photojournalist Mimi Chakarova’s first-person investigation of the modern slave trade ravaging the countries of the former Eastern Bloc. Sex trafficking is an international crisis of staggering proportions:  hundreds of thousands of women, many of them from the poorest of former Soviet countries, are subjected to abuse, poverty, imprisonment, and rape while living illegally (and against their will) in developed countries as prostitutes. Chakarova’s incisive film investigates the bigger picture of this global affliction in which poor women are treated as commercial commodities by the people and governments of some of the most powerful countries in the world.

RETURN TO THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

“Fughe e Approdi”

Director: Giovanna Taviani

Nestled off the coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands possess a fertile history, their jagged Mediterranean landscapes attracting both movie stars and political exiles. RETURN TO THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS is a personal journey though the history of the islands by Giovanna Taviani, daughter of the legendary Italian filmmaker Vittorio Taviani. With extensive archival footage, the film interweaves her memories of the islands with the many films shot there, including Antonioni’s L’AVVENTURA, Rossellini’s STROMBOLI, and the Taviani Brothers’ masterpiece, KAOS. Scenes from these cinematic touchstones, and interludes from other historical events, reverberate against the remote splendor of the islands today, bringing Taviani’s recollections to life.

SING YOUR SONG

Director: Susanne Rostock

Subjects: Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poiter, Tony Bennett
Harry Belafonte shot to fame in the ‘50s and ‘60s as a remarkably versatile singer and actor on Broadway, television, and the silver screen. On top of his career achievements––which include Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Awards, and a National Medal of Arts––Belafonte ranks as one of the most passionate, outspoken, and tireless activists and humanitarians to come out of the American Civil Rights Movement. Director Susanne Rostock takes a pointed look at Belafonte’s life and work in this expansive, moving biographical documentary, and finds Belafonte, at 84, still fighting vigorously for many global humanitarian issues.

SOMEWHERE TO DISAPPEAR

East Coast Premiere

Director: Laure Flammarion, Arnaud Uyttenhove

Photographer Alec Soth’s 2008 project, “How to Disappear in America”, captured middle American loneliness through stark still-lives and telling portraits of men and women living on the outskirts of society. Now, directors Laure Flammarion and Arnaud Uyttenhove present SOMEWHERE TO DISAPPEAR, a documentary chronicling the 20,000 mile road trip Soth undertook to complete his project. As Soth travels the country, capturing a distinct humanity in his colorful backwater subjects, Flammarion and Uyttenhove replicate his vision, presenting one artist’s attempt to connect with the outliers of the American equation.

TO BE HEARD

Directors: Roland Legiardi-Laura, Edwin Martinez, Deborah Shaffer, Amy Sultan

Shot with casual immediacy over four years, this inspiring and poignant documentary follows three high school friends as they overcome the challenges of daily life in the Bronx through poetry, expressing their personal hopes and frustrations. Empowered by the message of a radical poetry workshop whose motto is, “If you don’t learn to write your own life story, someone else will write it for you,” Anthony, Pearl, and Karina emerge as a group of accomplished, self-aware artists. These teenage friends––the “Tripod,” as they call themselves––use their creativity to alter their circumstances and, ultimately, write their own life stories.

THE TSUNAMI AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

US Premiere

Director: Lucy Walker

Directed and produced by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker (WASTE LAND), THE TSUNAMI AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM is a breathtaking visual haiku about the ephemeral nature of life, with a beautiful score by Moby. Survivors in the areas hit hardest by Japan’s recent disaster struggle to revive and rebuild their communities as cherry blossom season begins. A fable about the healing power of Japan’s most beloved flower and the courage to move forward after loss, the film opens with devastating footage of the March 11, 2011 tsunami, and climaxes with the trees reaching full bloom six weeks later.

UNDEFEATED

East Coast Premiere

Directors: Dan Lindsay, TJ Martin

They were more than underdogs: the Manassas High School Tigers football team were the butt of many jokes in Memphis, having never won a playoff game in 110 years and rumored to sell regular season games to other local schools. In 2004, filmmakers Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin went inside the inner city school to document an unexpected sea change: Bill Courtney volunteered to coach the befallen, under-funded team, and, through dedication and determination, the Tigers found themselves on the brink of rewriting their history. Zeroing on the lives of three players during this landmark season, UNDEFEATED is an inspiring and deeply moving testament to the power of perseverance.

SPECIAL SCREENING: WARHOL (1973)

Director: William Verity

Producer: David Bailey

Provocative and untamed, legendary photographer David Bailey’s avant garde meta-biography of Andy Warhol caused a veritable circus of controversy in 1973 when it was to be released on television in the UK, declared by authorities as, “likely to offend millions.” Attempting a Warholian portrait of Warhol himself, Bailey’s ease with the famous faces of the Factory bring out their humor, candor and reverence for unknowable Andy. A gem both for its filmmaking style and the history it captures, Bailey’s WARHOL is essential viewing for lovers of 20th century art and culture. David Bailey will be present for a discussion following the screening of WARHOL.

YOU’VE BEEN TRUMPED

New York Premiere
What happens when an American billionaire celebrity developer tries to displace Scottish villagers to build, “the world’s greatest golf course?” YOU’VE BEEN TRUMPED passionately documents the fight that ensues after the Scottish government gives Donald Trump permission to bulldoze one of Europe’s most environmentally sensitive stretches of coast to make way for a luxury resort. Troubling, amusing, and rousing all at once, this film documents the clash between a deeply rooted Scottish community and the jet-set, media-hungry, and controversial tycoon, while a growing eco-disaster looms on the horizon.

GSA SHORT FILM COMPETITION

The Golden Starfish Awards Short Film Competition represents the finest achievements of the year in short form filmmaking. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday, October 16 and will qualify for consideration for the 2011 Academy Awards.

PIONEER

Director David Lowery

A little boy awakens from a nightmare, his cries waking his father. Entering the boy’s room, the father proceeds to narrate a dark, epic bedtime story: one part history, two parts make-believe, and riddled with the honest-to-goodness truth.

THE EAGLEMAN STAG

Director: Michael Please

Entomologist Peter has an obsession with a very peculiar beetle, in this award-winning and groundbreaking animated short film.

Swimsuit 46

“Badpakje 46”

US Premiere

Director: Wannes Destoop

Chantal, a chubby girl of twelve with few friends and a tough mother, is training intensely for an upcoming swimming competition. When her goggles break in the days before the match, she finds that she will do anything for a new pair.

CROSS

US Premiere

Director Maryna Vroda

Set in the woods of Ukraine, CROSS follows a teenage boy who cuts a physical education class, only to witness an horrific event. Winner of the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

THE STRANGE ONES   

Directors: Christopher Radciff, Lauren Wolkstein

A man (David Call, TINY FURNITURE) and a boy stumble upon a small roadside motel after their car has broken down. The motel manager (Merritt Wever, NURSE JACKIE) offers to help them, but an unseen tension begins to mount between the three of them, leading to a startling discovery.

BABY

New York Premiere

Director: Daniel Mulloy

When a young Bosnian woman interferes in a petty robbery, she forms an unlikely, brief relationship with the young thief. Each one is hiding a devastating secret, unbeknownst to the other.

SCREAM OUT LOUD: COMEDY SHORTS

Odd encounters are the setting for this collection of hilarious and eccentric short films.

SUGAR

“Suiker”

Director: Jereon Annokkeé

When Bert’s scantily dressed downstairs neighbor comes by to borrow a cup of sugar, destiny strikes.

HANDS & EYES

North American Premiere

Director: Michael Meredith

In this wonderfully succinct comedic short, an eccentric art critic visits a painter’s studio and carries on a three-minute rollercoaster diatribe on the artist’s work. When at last the critic requests a word from the artist, the painter finds himself embarrassingly speechless.

THE INTERVIEW

New York Premiere

Director: Michelle Steffes

Sam survived the pigeon-borne apocalypse, but his career is going nowhere.  When he hears about an available position at his favorite radio station, he makes the trek across LA to show the KPOW President that he’s the man for the job.

THE SECOND BAKERY ATTACK

East Coast Premiere

Director: Carlos Cuarón

Newlyweds Nat (Kirsten Dunst) and Dan (Brian Geraghty) awake one night with an overwhelming hunger. With their cupboards bare, they fight and are eventually pushed to commit petty larceny at fast food burger joint. Will this be enough to quell their hunger and save their marriage? Based on a Haruki Murakami short story.

Worst Enemy

Director: Lake Bell

After being wooed by an infomercial, lonely and insecure Wooly (Michaela Watkins) purchases a full body girdle only to find herself stuck in the spandex suit.

BukowskI

Director: Daan Bakker

While on holiday with his family, a young boy spends the night befriending the hotel staff and posing as the age-inappropriate author Charles Bukoski.

THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF

Director: Jess Brickman

Daniel’s father died yesterday. He seems to be totally fine. Luckily he has friends to teach him to be miserable. Your friends are always there for you, when they need you.

Las Palmas

Director: Johannes Nyholm

This comedic short casts a one-year-old baby as a middle-aged woman on holiday and a group of marionettes as fellow travelers watching in dismay at her disruptive antics.

The Unquiet Ones: Dramatic Shorts

Something’s a little off in these films that deal with uncomfortable situations. These shorts are bound to make you look at everyday encounters in a whole new light.

HENLEY

Director: Craig Macneil

Living with his father in a rundown hotel, Ted Henley is a budding nine-year-old entrepreneur who earns an allowance by collecting roadkill littering the highway. When the motel’s cash register starts to run dry, Ted decides to turn his attention to bigger game.

Animal Love

East Coast Premiere

Director: Mollie Jones

In a near-future of environmental degradation, a man (Jeremy Davies) arrives at an animal lover’s (Selma Blair) apartment for an anonymous hook-up arranged on the Internet.

STEVE

New York Premiere

Director: Rupert Friend

Steve, the neighbor, has come to tea, and he won’t leave without it. Starring Colin Firth and Keira Knightley.

LOFT

New York Premiere

Director: Elizabeth Wood

A young pretty woman in New York City, living with an emotionally and physically absent boyfriend, forms a brief attachment to the charismatic homeless man who lives on her street.

THE WHOLLY FAMILY

New York Premiere

Director: Terry Gilliam

A dreamlike journey between reality and imagination throughout the most hidden places and symbols of Naples, captured by director Terry Gilliam (BRAZIL, THE FISHER KING, FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS) with all its contradictions.

THE LOST EXPLORER

New York Premiere

Director: Tim Walker

In this coming of age story, a young girl discovers an explorer from Africa dying of malaria at the foot of her garden and manages to keep his existence, death, and burial a secret from her parents.

LIFE UNSTILL: DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

Inspirational portraits of individuals who refuse to sit back and let life pass them by make up this collection of documentary short films.

LIVING FOR 32

Director: Kevin Breslin

LIVING FOR 32 follows Colin Goddard, a survivor of the shooting massacre on the Virginia Tech campus in 2007, as he goes undercover to gun shows across the country, proving how easy it is to buy a gun without identification or a background check.

FLYING ANNE

“Anne Vliegt”

New York Premiere

Director: Catherine van Campen

Eleven-year-old Anne suffers from Tourette’s syndrome and copes with her various frustrating “tics” by flying through life. Whether climbing a rope or navigating a matrix of old shipping containers, Anne is most at home when in motion.

GOODBYE MANDIMA

“Kwa Heri Mandima”

New York Premiere 

Director: Robert-Jan Lacombe

Through home-movies discovered at his grandparents’ home in Bordeaux, Robert-Jan Lacombe recounts his childhood in Mandima, a little village in northeast Zaire.

JIM DENEVAN: LAKE BAIKAL

New York Premiere

Director: Meredith Danluck

Artist Jim Denevan is on a quest to create the world’s largest artwork on Siberia’s frozen Lake Baikal and struggles to stay sane while doing so.

NEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM AND TELEVISION

We are pleased to continue our partnership with New York Women in Film and Television for our eighth annual showcase of outstanding achievements by female filmmakers.

ANYTHING FOR YOU

East Coast Premiere

Director: Laura Belsey

A lunch between two women veers unexpectedly off the menu, as Lynette reveals a secret that forces her best friend, Gail, to drop a bombshell of her own.

SMILE

Director: Lauren Elmer

A young, adolescent girl forms a crush on her handsome-yet-arrogant orthodontist. The girl becomes crestfallen when the day arrives to get her braces taken off.

SNOWBALL

World Premiere

Director: Mary Gillen

Leo loves his wife, Sylvia. Sylvia loves her goat, Snowball. Snowball has an agenda of his own.

WANTLESS

“Wunschlos”

World Premiere 

Director: Kat Rohrer

This highly personal film exposes a woman whose daily struggle has become a life and death decision. Can the weight on her shoulders be lifted?

THE WIND IS BLOWING ON MY STREET

“Dar kouche baad miayad”

Director: Saba Riazi

A girl in Tehran gets stuck outside of her apartment without her headscarf on.

THE SEA IS ALL I KNOW

Director: Jordan Bayne

Melissa Leo and Peter Gerety star as as two estranged parents struggling to balance their spiritual beliefs with their dying daughter’s last wishes. THE SEA IS ALL I KNOW paints a brutally honest portrait of a family coming to terms with death.

SHORTS FOR ALL AGES

This collection of family-friendly short films appeals to viewers of all ages and includes creative and hilarious animations, quirky comedies, as well as the World Premiere of a new short by Bill Plympton!  

Hinterland

New York Premiere

Directors: Jost Althoff, Jakob Weyde

A domesticated bear buys an iPod for some easy listening at home. When a crow breaks in and steals the bear’s new contraption, it unleashes his animal instincts.

The First Anders

“Den Forste Anders”

New York Premiere

Director: Kristian Ussing Andersen

When a little boy is teased at school, his father sits him down and tells him the story of the first male descendant in their family, who proved it might be better to be bullied than the other way around.

BOTTLE

Director: Kirsten Lepore

Animated on location at the beach, in snow and underwater, BOTTLE is a stop-motion short detailing a trans-oceanic conversation between two characters via objects.

The Maker

New York Premiere

Director: Christopher Kezelos

In this beautifully animated tale, a strange creature races against time to produce the most important creation of his life: a mate.

LAIKA

Director: Avgousta Zourelidi

LAIKA is an animated re-imaging of the true story about the first dog launched into outer space by Russian scientists in 1957.

APOLLO

New York Premiere

Director: Felix Gönnert

More than 40 years after the first step on the moon, and almost 50 years after the first manned space flight, finally comes an answer to the question why boys love rockets.

FLYING HOUSE (1921): Remastered

World Premiere

Directors: Winson McCay, Bill Plympton

Winsor McCay’s 1921 classic, Dream of the Rarebit Fiend: The Flying House, follows a woman’s dream about escaping foreclosure, taking to the skies with her husband, using their own house as a vehicle. In 2011, Bill Plympton remastered the neglected film, digitally cleaning each frame of damaged footage, and added color, voices, and a new score in hopes of bringing the genius of Winsor McCay to the attention of a new generation of animation fans.

EAST END SHORTS

The East End of Long Island is home to many wonderful filmmakers and this exceptional collection of short films showcases not only the region’s talent, but also its beautiful settings.

TWO’S A CROWD

Directors: Jim Isler, Tom Isler

The key to Allen and Collette’s midlife marriage has been keeping separate apartments, twenty blocks from each other, in New York City. Soon, financial pressures force the couple to take the plunge and cohabit in Collette’s one-bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village.

How It Ended

New York Premiere

Director: Gabriel Nussbaum

A terminally ill wife (Debra Winger) spends her last night with her husband (Larry Pine) and their friend (Hallie Feiffer). When her plan to end her life that evening doesn’t go according to plan, she discovers a painful truth. Based on a James Salter short story.

THE SHORE

New York Premiere

Director: Terry George

Directed by Terry George (HOTEL RWANDA), this is an inspiring story of two boyhood best friends, Joe (Ciarán Hinds, THE DEBT) and Paddy, whose lives took very different paths after the escalating conflicts in Belfast shattered their friendship.

SPECIAL FREE SCREENING: LOCAL STUDENT FILMS

A free program of award-winning short films by local students. Featuring the Guild Hall Award winner Saving Caroline by Ross School senior Devon Leaver and more to be announced. 

Saving Caroline

World Premiere

Director: Devon Leaver

A psychological thriller about a young boy who finds a diary at a yard sale and falls in love with the writer.

SHORTS PLAYING BEFORE FEATURES

BROKEN DOORS

Director: Goro Toshima

Rico and Starr are a young, homeless couple struggling to survive on the streets of Hollywood.

DECLARATION OF IMMORTALITY

“Deklaracja niesmiertelnosci”

Director: Marcin Koszalka

With stunningly amazing cinematography, Declaration of Immortality is as much a beautiful portrait of rock climbing as it is an art film about the passage of time, told by Piotr “Mad” Korczak, a legend among Polish climbers.

Good Luck, Mr. Gorski

New York Premiere

Director: Arron Shiver

GOOD LUCK, MR. GORSKI is a love story based on an urban legend about Neil Armstrong, his neighbors, and the day the “kid next door” walked on the moon.

Harmonium Mountain

World Premiere

Dir. Clifford Ross

Set to a score by Philip Glass, HARMONIUM MOUNTAIN is a lyrical odyssey through an unlikely mixture of natural and digital landscapes.

JESUS WAS A COMMIE

New York Premiere

Directors: Matthew Modine, Terrence Ziegler

This avant-garde short, co-directed by actor Matthew Modine (FULL METAL JACKET), follows “John Doe” (Modine) around New York City as he examines history and science and poses the question: Was Jesus a utopian communist?

KNIFE

Director: James Johnston

Set in rural Texas, a nameless man returns home from an unknown place, unable to shake the memory that his family’s land has been stolen and plundered in the name of greed. With a knife in his hand, the man sets off to the home of the one person who represents all that has been destroyed.

Sun city picture house

Director: David Darg

After the earthquake in Haiti, a group of people comes together to help bury the dead and rebuild the first movie theater for a community that has lost everything.

THE THIRD ONE THIS WEEK

New York Premiere

Director: Felix Thompson

A doctor only has one chance to deliver bad news… or does he?

LA TOMA

New York Premiere

Director: Paola Mendoza

The people of La Toma, Colombia, face displacement, death threats, and the extinction to their way of life because of the rich gold deposits they live on. A young woman speaks out against the government and one of the world’s largest corporations, demanding that her human rights be respected.

You Have the Right to an Attorney

Director: Matt Bockelman

Contrary to the popular stereotype of a lawyer, this short documentary follows two young public defenders in the South Bronx with little time to clear their caseload and odds always stacked against their clients.

STUDENT AWARDS PROGRAM

These six student films showcase all the passion and imagination emerging filmmakers should demonstrate. From fantasy-tinged films to animation, stark dramas to terrific crowd-pleasers, this year’s program will transport you around the world.

Clear Blue

Director: Lindsay Mackay, American Film Institute

The haunting story of Simon, a young lifeguard working his first few days at a community pool. The mundane becomes mysterious when he notices Flova, an older woman with a capacity to stay submerged.

Solstice

Director: David Stoddart, National Film & Television School, London

The lives of a young schoolgirl and a woman in rural Scotland become inextricably inked in events linked leading up to a fateful night on the summer solstice.

Pinion

Director: Asuka Baskett, Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne, Australia

Suffering from a mysterious affliction, a young boy is taken to a secluded hospital by his fearful parents. He soon learns that more harm is being done than good.

Night at the Dance

“Noc Na Tanecku”

Director: Annie Silverstein, University of Texas-Austin

A profile on the last days of a Czech dancehall in rural Texas, and the old-timers who come there to polka.

The Birds Upstairs

Director: Christopher Jarvis, New York University

Frustrated attempts to bear children overwhelm the lives of an aristocratic, avian couple in the early 19th century.

Rolling On the Floor Laughing

Director: Russell Harbaugh, Columbia University

Two grown brothers return home for their widowed mother’s birthday, only to find themselves competing with a strange man for her affection.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Films of Conflict & Resolution

This year, the Hamptons International Film Festival recognizes seven stellar films under the esteemed banner of Conflict and Resolution. As previously announced, THE BULLY PROJECT has been selected as this year’s Brizzolara Family Foundation Award Winner for a Film of Conflict & Resolution.  Additionally, six films throughout the program will be recognized for their creative and enlightening portrayal of the complex issues and effects of war and violence, and the attendant human dramas.

The Advisory Board for the films of Conflict & Resolution section includes the following filmmakers and industry experts: 
Maria Cuomo Cole (Producer, LIVING FOR 32 & founder of HelpUSA) Sandi DuBowski  (Films That Change The World), Terry George (HOTEL RWANDA). Philipp Engelhorn (Cinereach). Nancy Gerstman (Zeitgeist Films), Tamara Gould (ITVS), Kim Snyder (WELCOME TO SHELBYVILLE), Ricki Stern (THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK), Marc Urman (Palladin).

The films in this program include:

Views From Long Island
A selection of films by Long Island Filmmakers:
HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND directed by Marc Levin
TO BE HEARD, directed by Roland Legiardi-Laura, Edwin Martinez, Deborah Shaffer, Amy Sultan
THE SEA IS ALL I KNOW, directed by Jordan Bayne

HOW IT ENDED, directed by Gabriel Nussbaum

THE SHORE, directed by Terry George

TWO’S A CROWD, directed by Jim Isler, Tom Isler

PITCH IN For Social Justice Documentaries In Progress & Hot Docs Presents

PITCH IN returns to HIFF for a sophomore season in continued partnership with the Hot Docs Toronto Documentary Film Forum. Two documentaries in progress will be presented at an invitation only pitch session.  This year’s projects are HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE, directed by David France, and UNSTABLE ELEMENTS, directed by Madeleine Sackler. 

In addition to PITCH IN, the festival will continue its partnership with the Hot Docs Film Festival by presenting two Canadian documentaries from this year’s Hot Docs in our official program. This year’s selections are INSIDE LARA ROXX and FAMILY PORTRAIT IN BLACK AND WHITE. 

Per Piacere:  Italian Cinema

HIFF celebrates Italian cinema with six excellent new films, which introduce some of Italy’s most talented artists to the Hamptons audience.  

CORPO CELESTE, directed by Alice Rohrwacher.

A QUIET LIFE, directed by Claudio Cupellini. 

SUL MARE, directed by Alessando D’Alatri.

RETURN TO THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS, directed by Giovanna Taviani.

WE HAVE A POPE, directed by Nanni Moretti.

THE WHOLLY FAMILY, directed by Terry Gilliam.

BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMERS PROGRAM

Emily Browning, appearing in SLEEPING BEAUTY
Stine Fischer Christensen, appearing in CRACKS IN THE SHELL

Ezra Miller, appearing in ANOTHER HAPPY DAY & WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN. 
Anton Yelchin, appearing in LIKE CRAZY

A CONVERSATION WITH

This year, the Hamptons International Film Festival welcomes the following guests to their In Conversation Series, a live, moderated conversation with actors and the public.

David Bailey with Bruce Weber, 10/15 at 7PM Watermill Center

Harry Belafonte, moderated by Dick Cavett, 10/15 3:30 PM Bay Street Theater
Matthew Broderick, moderated by Alec Baldwin, 10/15 3:15 PM Guild Hall
Susan Sarandon, moderated by Bob Balaban, 10/15 5:30 PM Bay Street Theater
Rufus Wainwright, 10/16 12:00 PM Bay Street Theater

SCREENPLAY READINGS

Selections from the Alfred P. Sloan Screenwriter’s Lab
10/16 4PM First Presbyterian Church Hall, East Hampton
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Hamptons International Film Festival read hundreds of science- and technology-themed screenplays each year, searching for the most exciting and promising work on these topics. Just two of these scripts are invited for table readings at the Hamptons International Film Festival each year.  This year, = (“Equals”) by Sheryl Glubok and NEWTON’S LAWS OF EMOTION, by Eugene Ramos will be read.  Screenplay Reading Director: Jay Anania (SHADOWS & LIES, HER NAME IS CARLA, DAY ON FIRE).  Producer and Casting: Amy Devra Gossels, C.S.A.

PANELS & MASTER CLASSES

Amnesty International 50th Anniversary Panel Discussion: The Legacy of the American Civil Rights Movement

10/15 2PM First Presbyterian Church Session House, East Hampton

For 50 years, the Amnesty International global community has worked to end grave human rights abuses around the world. Amnesty’s vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights standards. On the occasion of this important anniversary, the Hamptons International Film Festival looks at the 50-year legacy of the American Civil Rights Movement as witnessed by three feature films in our 2011 program: SING YOUR SONG, THE LOVING STORY, and ALL ME: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF WINFRED REMBERT.

Kodak Cinematography Master Class with Edward Lachman

10/15 12:15PM East Hampton Regal

Each year, the Hamptons International Film Festival and Kodak partner to present a Master Class with a leading cinematographer. This year, Edward Lachman veteran cinematographer and Director of Photography on the recent mini-series MILDRED PIERCE, will participate in an insightful, hour-long discussion about his tremendous career. The Master Class will feature clip presentations, trade secrets, and in-depth conversations about technique.

Rowdy Talks
Morning coffee talk style conversations will take place at the festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the brand new Rowdy Talks series at East Hampton’s Rowdy Hall.  Each morning, a guest artist will be featured in a moderated conversation. Coffee and light breakfast items will be served free of charge to attendees.
Guest Speakers at Rowdy Talks include:
Carter Burwell 10/14
Bingham Ray 10/15
Jennifer Fox & Khyentse Yeshe from MY REINCARNATION 10/16

HIFF greatly appreciates the support from their corporate sponsors including, Altour International, American Airlines, The Wall Street Journal, Baume & Mercier, Prudential Douglas Elliman, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Clarins, Jeep, Fiat and Silvercup Studios.

The Hamptons International Film Festival headquarters are located at the beautiful c/o The Maidstone Hotel on Main Street in East Hampton.

The 19th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place this year from October 13th – 17th.   For further information on the 2011 Hamptons International Film Festival, please visit www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

ABOUT THE HAMPTONS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to celebrate the Independent film – long, short, fiction and documentary – and to introduce a unique, varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to the public. The Festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all.

For more information about the Festival, and to become a member, please visit our website at www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

Victoria LaCerra, Rob Gobright, Bonnie Huber

If ever there was a high end pu pu platter of the best of the Hamptons food and wine it could be found at Harvest East End.  The weekend long event dedicated to showcasing local food and wine proved definitively how important it is to protect and nurture our local farms and vineyards.  At the Festival Tasting at the Ludlow Farm in Bridgehampton, guests were enjoying their favorite nibbles and wine from local restaurants and vineyards but more importantly making new discoveries.

Distinguished local artists got in on the scene by creating handmade labels for the auction bottles of Merliance 2008 Merlots.

Proceeds from the fundraising events went to the Group For The East End, Peconic Land Trust, and East End Hospice.

Here were a few HipHamptons heard it on the grape vine highlights:

Paula and Michael Croteaux of Croteaux Vineyards

 

Can you imagine creating a North Fork wine which is so popular that you actually have to put Jean Georges restaurant on the waiting list.  Croteaux Vineyards with its all rosé all the time has a hit in both its still and sparkling wines.  They also have one of the most charming country courtyards tasting areas.

We loved the 2010 Sauvage Merlot Rosé

www.croteaux.com

Our red wine vote was the Roanoke Vineyards 2006 Gabby’s Cabernet Franc – Gabby is the 82 year old who is the Lorax of the wines protecting them.

While 2006 wasn’t necessarily the stellar year like 2010 might be, they point out it’s easy to make good wine in a good year but in an off vintage the winemaker shows his or her truest talents.

www.roanokevineyards.com

Sparkling Pointe is redefining fine sparkling wine on Long Island at affordable price points.  While you can go for the richer 2001 Brut Seduction (and who doesn’t need a little of that on a cold rainy day) we were just as pleased with the crisp 2007 Brut.  You will even find Sparkling Pointe served at the Waldorf Astoria’s Peacock Alley.

www.sparklingpointe.com

Ami Davey of Sherwood House Vineyards

Sherwood House Vineyards is quickly distinguishing itself as one of the best boutique vineyards on the North Fork.  Its 2008 Chardonnay was voted Best In Class at the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

www.sherwoodhousevineyards.com

A new vineyard we were introduced to is Clovis Point and we loved the hint of French oak in their 2007 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay which interestingly enough has 1% Gewurztraminer.

www.clovispointwines.com

A few of our favorite nibbles:

Crab Claws from South Edison which distinguished itself as a major culinary player in Montauk. www.southedison.com

Love Lane Duck Sausauge – Love Lane Market in Mattituck creates homemade cheeses, sausages from their In-house butcher, artisanal breads, pastries etc. 

www.lovelanecatering.com

Bay Burger Lobster Roll – This popular Sag Harbor burger joint also knows its way around seafood.  Be sure to check out their Thursday night jazz jams.

www.bayburger.com

The Beacon is Sag Harbor’s waterfront gem and a seasonal favorite of ours.  Its sister restaurant Fresno in East Hampton is also amazing.  We loved their Chilled Heirloom Tomato Soup with Lobster.

www.beaconsagharbor.com

www.fresnorestaurant.com

As the weather begins to turn, jet setters start fueling up for their next destination.  We’ll be letting you in on some of our favorite travel spots and great deals here at HipHamptons.  Our pick for fall is the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club in Palm Beach which is only two blocks from the ocean and a walk to Worth Avenue’s famous five star shopping.  Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels 2010 ranked them #1 in South Florida and #3 in Florida State.

It’s only a hop skip and a jump from Islip to West Palm airport and you can revive your summer tan at their swank private beach club and sun drenched highlights at their Frédéric Fekkai Salon & Spa.

If the walls could talk you’d hear echoes of Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo and Judy Garland among other luminaries who have stayed at this Palm Beach landmark hotel.  The rooms have been redesigned by Florida based interior designer Leslie Schlesinger who also consulted with famed Palm Beach landscape architect Mario Nievera to preserve the hotel’s Monterrey-villa roots and blend it with the spirit of Provence and the Mediterranean.

Flowing fountains, secluded courtyards, lush pools, and old world charm with modern amenities make you feel that you’ve entered a sophisticated wonderland.  And at your beck and call is a 24 hour concierge who’s there to have you at “hello.”

For New Yorkers like us who are huge fans of the award-winning chef Daniel Boulud, the Brazilian Court boasts Café Boulud serving breakfast lunch and dinner both in the elegant dining room and al fresco.  Executive Chef Jim Leiken is adding his flare to the ever popular dining destination.  The sexy bar is the place to sip fine wines and spirits, enjoy live music, and meet the most interesting people (shhh we won’t tell.)

While you’ll want to be enjoying all the gorgeous amenities and interior and exterior spaces of the hotel, if you’re channeling Greta Garbo and want to be alone, you can enjoy Café Boulud’s fine fare and Frédéric Fekkai Salon & Spa services in the privacy of your own room.

And if your BFF is of the four legged variety, you will be glad to know the Brazilian Court Hotel & Beach Club welcomes dogs up to 20 pounds.

Be sure to check out their art gallery and special authors’ breakfast series while you’re there.

Note the hotel is also a wedding and conference destination.

Insider Tip:

The special Autumn Sale includes complimentary Continental Breakfast for 2 at Cafe Boulud each morning, a welcome gift upon arrival and room upgrade upon availability.   Rates from $299 (2 nights minimum required.) Valid from October to December 21, 2011.  Based on availability.

RESERVATIONS
Toll-free:                    1 (800) 552-0335

Toll free Leading Hotels

of the World:             1 (800) 745-8883

WEBSITE: www.thebraziliancourt.com

McLain Ward on Antares F

What started as a one day local horse show with a lemonade stand has turned into the prestigious and elegant Hampton Classic where patrons can sip Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal ringside as the top grand prix show jumpers in the world compete.  As an ode back to the days when the show first grew to its 5 day rated status, a hurricane again derailed the show.  But in what is now called “miracle Monday” the entire show grounds were re-assembled in a herculean effort to get the Classic off to a delayed but full force start.

Not only a destination for the world’s top equestrians, the Hampton Classic is also a huge draw for spectators.  They have the chance to watch everything from the lead-line class with pig tailed tykes to Olympic Gold Medalists.  In different divisions there are the hunters known for their beauty and grace, equitation classes where juniors compete in top form, and jumpers which thrill the crowd soaring over enormous fences hoping for a clear round in the fastest time.

Shakespeare would have given his kingdom for a horse but he’d still need to do some shopping.  Along with stylish equestrian apparel and every accoutrement for the high performance steeds and riders, there are clothes, cars, jewels, antiques, hats and more in the Boutique Garden.  From coveting the newest fabulous Sam Edelman ankle boots to ogling the newest Range Rover Evoque the high end Hampton’s shopper had plenty of eye candy.

For the animal lover the Hampton Classic also partnered with the ASPCA with pet adoptions and chances to learn more about contributing to animal welfare.

Michael Cinque, Janet O'Brien

Grand Prix Sunday brought out the elegant equestrian crowd to the VIP Tents.  Everyone from Mayor Bloomberg to Matt Lauer were on hand to watch the excitement.  McLain Ward aboard Antares F thrilled the crowd with his win of the $250,00 FTI Grand Prix.  This was his third year in a row win.  Table décor competition was fierce with creative, colorful, and classic decorations. 

Wolffer Vineyard VIP Table

Nespresso's VIP Tent Table

We especially loved the Nespresso table decorated with their signature blue coffee capsules and Wolffer Vineyard’s beautiful pink amaryllis and silver décor accented by their wildly popular Rosé. 

Mayor Bloomberg

Guests were also stopping by the Pama table to have their sparkling wine infused with their pomegranate flavored liqueur.

Pama Liqueur

Hats off to the entire Hampton Classic team for grace under pressure and presenting the wonderful world of horsemanship despite wicked winds blowing.  For sure next year we are going to get our own special Dubarry of Ireland boots for the occasion.

Dubarry of Ireland

Labor Day is time to play.  For everyone who has spent hours at their computer or inside an office or cursing Irene because you are still using baby wipes for a shower this is your chance to blow it out.  HipHamptons gives you pure pleasure permission.  Here are a few of our favorite things.

Wolffer Wine Stand

 

 

Wolffer Sunset Fridays

Put on your rose colored glasses and head to the Wolffer Wine Stand for cold wine, live music, and a setting amongst the vines to die for.  Yes it is very crowded so come early and watch out for special parking instructions.  Everyone lounges on the lawn with friends, dates, children, dates who act like children, and even dogs.  You can also shop at Joey Wolffer’s Style Liner for chic accessories – just look for the leopard print truck.

Insider tip – buy a bottle so you don’t have to wait in line for a new glass.

3312 Montauk Hwy, Sagaponack  www.Wolffer.com

Navy Beach Restaurant

Navy Beach Live Music Saturday and Sunday

Joe Delia & Thieves play a sunset set from 5 – 7 on Sat. and Telly plays a Sunset Set on Sun. 5 – 7 at Navy Beach, a super cool restaurant on 200 feet of bay beach in Montauk.  This is off the beaten path (people even arrive via boat) so a good bet to hide yourself surfside with a cold brew or bubbly. Chef Paul LaBue is creating seafood concoctions for lunch and dinner.

16 Navy Road, Montauk www.navybeach.com

Paddle Diva Stand Up Paddle

Paddle Diva

Whether you just have a Jesus complex and want to walk on water or you’ve heard this is the best chardonnay-soaked core workout you can get, make your reservation for a group of individual stand up paddle sessions.  Gina Bradley has created a water world workout — even combining yoga and other fitness tricks. 

www.Paddlediva.com

Sag Harbor Farmers Market

On Saturday from 9am to 1pm on Bay Street by the Breakwater Yacht Club come see the local produce from fruits and vegetables and flowers to exotic mushrooms, honey, jams and preserves, and the best pickles ever.  It’ may be a pickle to you but to us it is haute cucumber couture. 

Boltax Gallery Small Works

Boltax Gallery 10^th Annual Small Works

Karen Boltax gathers the chic and smart cultural set to her Shelter Island gallery openings and this is especially fun as the small works are curated from an open call to artists.  It’s worth the ferry ride to explore this cultural gem.

21 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island http://www.boltaxgallery.com/

It was hard to tell whether it was the newest Ferraris or the beautiful brunettes which were turning heads at the entrance to the JetFlite International Southampton soiree, Only The Best, on Saturday.  The evening of Fashion, Ferraris, and Fun hosted by JFI Jets brought out the well-high-heeled set to enjoy the luxury brands JFI Jets has partnered with in their effort to elevate the jet set just a little higher.

Todd & Emma Goergen

Guests were invited to play Black Jack, test-drive cars and enjoy food and drink provided by Caesar’s Entertainment; Ferrari of Long Island; STAR by Charles Ferri; and NOBU.  Fashion models were adorned with innovative jewelry designed by Cantamessa.

Keegan Wheeler, Lindley Jones

While the leader in private jet charters, aircraft management and aircraft sales and acquisitions has been gathering global attention, this was one of their first “coming out” parties according to owner Arik Kislin.  The company’s success has been based on reputation, and this was the chance to educate the high end Hamptons’ consumer.  In what Kislin refers to a wholistic approach JFI Jets has its own fuel farms, hangars, and dispatch which assures their clients safety, quality, and in terms of fuel, for example, a 30% discount.  Their 24 hour executive concierge service is also there to accommodate any need which you can only imagine must get creative with some of the world’s wealthiest clients.

JFI Jets Arik Kislin

Note that this is just not just a quick New York to Palm Beach jaunt.  The company flies to 55 countries including a recent charter to Kabul in Afghanistan.  And if you heard quite a bit of Russian amongst the guests JFI Jets has an operating base in Moscow as well as Long Beach CA and Farmingdale NY.

The evening celebrated JFI Jets luxury global partners such as the Gansevoort Hotel group which chose them as its exclusive private aviation partner.  Other partners include Summerland Winery and Code Blue.

For the discerning flyer check out their “Empty Leg” program where you might catch an existing private flight for a special price whether you’re popping from Van Nuys to Monterey, or England to Moscow.  Just think of who your set mates might be?

Gabrielle Bernstein, Rachel Paletsky, Lathan Thomas

On Saturday evening, WellNEST hosted the 1^st annual MAMA GLOW Film Festival at WellNEST Studio, 51 Division Street in Sag Harbor, which raised funds for Every Mother Counts.

The evening began with Tender Shoots Wellness founder Latham Thomas and WellNEST co-founder Rachel Paletsky introducing the festivals first film, Christy Turlington-Burns’ No Woman, No Cry, by.  With more than 500,000 women dying each year during childbirth (90 percent of which are preventable deaths) this powerful film shares the stories of at-risk pregnant women in four parts of the world, including a remote Maasai tribe in Tanzania, a slum of Bangladesh, a post-abortion care ward in Guatemala, and a prenatal clinic in the United States.

Selita Ebanks

The second film, Madame Tizo by David Belle, was introduced by supermodel & founder of Women’s Coalition for Empowerment and Opportunity Selita Ebanks.  This inspiring story of a 100 year old Haitian midwife/leaf doctor known as “Ms. Little Bones” in the town of Jacmel. The portrait of Madame Tizo is one of the rare matriarchs who embraces tradition and whose great influence resonates throughout her community.

Rachel Paletsky, Haley Binn

The films were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Niche Media’s Haley Binn with the panel including Latham Thomas, Rebecca Minkoff, Drena DeNiro, Tata Harper & Denise Albert- NBC Moms & The City.  Centering their talks around not only the problems that woman all over the world face, but ways each & every one of us can help, the woman ended the evening on a positive note.

Additional guests that attended the festival included Gabrielle Bernstein, Jeremy Davis, Chloe Davis, Marie Forleo, Constance Saunders, Carie Socol, Juhi Singh, Lyss Stern, Giuliana Torre.

The MAMA GLOW Film Festival was sponsored by wellNEST, Tender Shoots Wellness, The Ash Center for Comprehensive Medicine, Pure Essentials, Mamatini, Kiki De Montparnasse, Rebecca Minkoff, Jay Kos, GAIAM, Dapple, The Juicy Naam, Belly Bandit, G-Diapers, Exhale, Plum Organics, Tata Harper, Girly Girl Army, EGG by Susan Lazar, Moms & the City, Divalysscious Moms, Hot Moms Club & Cord Blood Registry, Basq, The Bump, Choices in Childbirth

ABOUT: Mama Glow is a maternity lifestyle brand created by Latham Thomas, prenatal wellness expert and founder of Tender Shoots Wellness. Mama Glow! is also the title of her forthcoming book on pregnancy and wellness which has been endorsed by wellness giants including Dr. Christiane Northrup, Richard Ash M.D., Frank Lipman M.D, and Kris Carr, and features influential moms like Haley Binn, Veronica Webb, Doutzen Kroes, Rebecca Minkoff, Rachel Roy, and many more. The book will be released in September of 2012.

The Mama Glow!™ Film Festival at WellNEST was created by Latham Thomas, along with Haley Binn, mother and contributor for Hamptons Magazine, and Rachel Paletsky, an advocate for integrative alternative medicine practices and founder and creative director of WellNEST and WellNEST Studio.

Gabrielle Bernstein, Richard Ash MD

The idea of creating a positive culture of birth that is empowering for women and families resonates with Haley, Latham, and Rachel. They decided to showcase two films that have taken a tremendous stance in bringing awareness to maternal health and birth options. With gratitude they welcome you to their first annual event honoring women and innate wisdom of the female body. We welcome you in joining them in shifting towards a healthier consciousness around birth.

IMAGES: © 2011 Patrick McMullan

Chris del Gatto, Veronica Webb

Proving that the Hamptons are mother’s favorite – Mother Nature that is — the threatened storms stepped aside for fabulous weather at the Hamptons Cup at Bridgehampton Polo on Saturday.  There was plenty of thunder, however on the CIRCA Championship field where team Equuleus faced team KIG and emerged victorious 7 – 5 with Kris Kampsen being crowned MVP.  Guests under the Blue Stars Jets VIP tent had the front row seat to the action.  Remember not only are the players galloping on their fine steeds, the ball is also travelling at up to 110 mph.  You get the thrill when you’re only feet away.

Veronica Webb added her good luck charm by throwing out the first ball.  She was accompanied by Chris del Gatto Founder and CEO of the successful jewelry company CIRCA who also plays polo for his namesake team (keep an eye out for a coming profile.)

You never know what will be revealed when high end Hamptonite elbows are rubbed.  We discovered the secret lives of a few high profile investment bankers.  Their passion? … Writing.  Whether it was a noted magazine they financed or a hidden blog, they confessed this was their creative drive.  How great, we counter-confessed, as we writers sometimes are investment banking on the side.

Amanda and Robert of Vita Coco

We got the scoop on the line at the Vita Coco water stand.  Not just the hydration factor but he extra electrolytes and potassium.  Not only healthy, but apparently a great hangover cure.  One Hamptons gal on a strict regimen of no caffeine, artificial sugar or flavoring was thrilled to discover they fit all her parameters.  We still were secretly thinking of adding rum to the pineapple coconut water version but that’s only because our recent sideline investment banking has been tanking.

Another thing we learned?  Pink is super sexy on polo players – Nacho Figueras and team MIG proved that you can be super studley and pretty in pink at the same time – the ultimate twenty first century male.

Joey Wolffer

We also met up with Joey Wolffer with The Style Liner.  If you’ve been wondering what the leopard print mobile home was all about  – this is it.  Super stylish shopping inside.  We can say because we were shopping at a charity event and there was such a frenzy including one of the Real Housesives that we thought it was going to tip over.  This local gal has global taste for the best in accessories and accoutrement.  Tired of traffic and parking – no problem – she can come to you.  You’ll also see her at Wolffer Farm Stand at Sunset Fridays.

Charles Ferri, Christine Schott

The moral to the story of polo?  Don’t judge a book by its cover – discover everyone’s inner story.  And maybe ask for a few stock tips.

Next Saturday August 28 is the last chance to catch all the action for the season.

For up-to-date polo information, please contact the Bridgehampton Polo Line at 631-613-1377.  Field sound lounges and tailgate tents are available for purchase or fans can simply enjoying the afternoon in the grandstands.  Gate entrance fee is $20 for standard parking and $40 for premier parking with the proceeds benefiting The Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreational Center. For more general information or questions, please email bhpolo@shaminabaspr.com.

In part of their Make A Difference program Uptown Pilates is offering a special fundraising charity class on Tuesday Aug. 23 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  The class will be held at their Sag Harbor 126 Main Street location from 3:30 – 5pm and the $50 donation goes entirely to the charity.  The Ronald McDonald House is a national organization which provides housing for families of seriously ill children while they are getting treatment. 

Uptown Pilates also extends their pilates lessons free of charge to these families in need as part of their goal of health and wellness for caregivers and the children who are able to participate.

Call to reserve your spot – 631 725 5994 uptownpilates.com

Wayne Pacelle, Frances Hayward

“The dog days of summer” can be a beautiful thing in the Hamptons when you have animal welfare activists working tirelessly for their four legged friends.  Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States launched his new book, The Bond: Our Kinship With Animals, Our Call to Defend Them, at Georgica Restaurant on Saturday.  Hosted by Amanda Hearst, Annie Churchill, and Frances Hayward the launch party treated guests to cocktails and vegan bites.

Pacelle thanked Frances Hayward for her incredible dedication to animal welfare and her fundraising activities saying, “Frances is an ambassador every day of her life.”  Pacelle met Frances a day after Katrina as they pulled together to raise money for animal rescue after the hurricane.

Pacelle recounts the numerous stories they heard of people who stayed behind during Katrina because shelters wouldn’t take their animals, a testament to the human animal bond and a lesson for evacuation efforts in future storms.  The treatment of animals he points out tells us who we are as a society.

“How we handle our power in this relationship tests our humanity.  It’s not just animal welfare — everything is intertwined.”

The treatment of animals for food consumption is not just about their humane treatment but the overcrowding and food safety issues which accompany them.  He points out that 60% of diseases in humans start in animals.

With issues which range from seal killings, to the exotic animal trade, to institutionalized animal cruelty, the Humane Society reaches all corners of the world. 

Jana de Peyer, Sarah from ARF, Frances Hayward

Wayne offered a few ways everyone can help:

• When looking for a pet, go to the rescue groups instead of pet stores which support the puppy mills.
• Buy products which are not treated on animals.
• Faux is fabulous.  Find a beautiful alternative to fur.
• In food choices, even if you’re not vegan you can be a conscious consumer.

Representatives from ARF – the Animal Rescue Fund and Best Friends were also on hand in their united efforts to rescue and repatriate pets.  Co-Founder of Best Friends  Animal Society’s Jana de Peyer had travelled from Kanab, Utah to support the event.  We love their program where you can “virtually” adopt a dog or cat where they still live at the Best Friends sanctuary but write to you all the time.  Makes a great gift for animal lovers who can’t take care of a pet.

The event was also kick off to the To The Rescue! Gala to be held in NYC on October 5^th

Also check out the Walk Humane! fundraising walk in Montauk on Sept. 18^th

I have a few great loves in my life: dogs and jewelry and occasionally men.  Here’s the chance to combine my passions.  The Pet Project which will be held Friday August 19 at 6pm at London Jewelers in East Hampton benefits ARF, the Animal Rescue Fund.  There will be raffles and a silent auction and the chance to adopt a new love (four legged loves definitely, two legged loves we’ll see who shows up.)  They’ll have cocktails and shopping and pet portraits by Ellen Silverberg.  Bring the hatch back because there’s a chance for adopting pets and I usually want to take as many dogs as can fit in the Hyundai.  I’d like to say the same of the jewelry but we’ll see how my VISA limit holds up.  Your pets are also welcome.

You can visit ARF to see about adopting dogs like Brittany 631 537 0400.

Brittany

Reservations are a must – please contact Maria Gillen at 516-627-7475 or mariagillen@londonjewelers.com

London Jewelers 2 Main Street East Hampton

Exhibit running from August 21 through October 9, 2011

Artists Choose Artists is the Parrish Art Museum’s second juried exhibition celebrating artists on the East End and the dynamic relationships that unite the area’s creative community. For this exhibition, seven distinguished East End artists served as jurors, each making two selections from 200 online submissions and subsequent studio visits. Artists Choose Artists will include painting, sculpture, photography, and video.

The exhibition is comprised of work by the seven jurors and fourteen artists as follows:

Alice Aycock with Kryn Olson and Mike Solomon

Ross Bleckner with Renate Aller and Mary Ellen Bartley

Dan Rizzie with Ross Watts and Tad Wiley

Matthew Satz with Terry Elkins and Liliya Lifanova

Gary Simmons with Perry Burns and Melinda Hackett

Agathe Snow with Alice Hope and Nella Khanis

Frank Wimberley with Fulvio Massi and Julie Small-Gamby

An opening reception will be held Saturday, August 20, from 6 to 8 pm. At 6 pm, Parrish Director Terrie Sultan will introduce a forty-minute film shot and edited by Andrea Grover from footage collected at the fourteen selected artists’ studios. (The 6 pm program is sold out, but the film will be screened again Saturday, August 27, at 2 pm.) The 7 pm reception, including wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live music is free for Parrish Members, $10 for Nonmembers.

Dr. Emily Splichal & Catwalk Girls

photo credit Jerritt Clark

Stilettos can be an effective weapon, either the small thin knife to slay an attacker, or the super sexy high heels which can slay Prince Charming.  The love/hate relationship women have with their high heels is the subject of Dr. Emily Splichal’s business.  “Dr. Legs” as she is known kicked up her heels in the Hamptons with her successful #1 fitness dvd’s Catwalk Confidence and Stiletto Recovery.  Dr. Splichal hosted the very first Catwalk Confidence & Dasha Wellness Hamptons Fitness & Wellness Soiree to benefit Soles4Souls. The fitness and wellness event, held on August 13, 2011, was hosted by PIX 11’s Dr. Steve Salvatore.

Dasha Wellness massages

The chic private Hamptons home was filled with 70 guest who quickly lined up to sample services from Dasha Wellness, who provided massages.  Dasha Wellness Center in Manhattan takes an integrated approach to wellness from the inside out with a myriad of services from accupuncture to massage and beauty treatments and nutritional and fitness coaching.

Other treatments wee Wink Eco Beauty (manicures/pedicures), and reflexology services provided by Shana Lee, The Body Sattva.  Sponsors including Chef Brian Johnson delighted guest with an array of healthy appetizers from fruit skewers to Curry chicken salad on cucumber rounds. Pearl Vodka wowed VIP guest with cucumber specialty cocktails. Hint Water and Magners pear and original cider kept guests nice and cool throughout the day.

Dasha Wellness owners Shannon Pollack and Dr. Darren Pollack , Dr. Steve Salvatore, Dr. Emily Splichal

Major highlights of the day included Dr. Emily Splichal and Dr. Steve’s speech which focused on overall health and wellness, while inspiring others. Dr. Emily gave a heart-felt speech as to why she chose Soles4Souls as the benefactor. Other highlights included the Ask The Doctors panel sponsored by Aetrex. The Ask The Doctors panel was an open forum for all of your health questions led by Dr. Daren Pollack (Chiropractor), Dr. Emily Splichal (Podiatrist), Dr. Steve Salvatore (Emergency Physician) and Dr. Ancy Verdier (Periodontist).  Last but not least, Dr. Emily Splichal transformed into her infamous Dr. Legs alias and featured copies of her new book “Everyday Is Your Runway” as well as pre-signed copies for guest. Dr. Legs then ended the event with a very fun runway showdown with stiletto lovers from her Catwalk Confidence dvd.

Flip flops beware – your days are numbered.

This Wednesday August 17 from 5 – 8pm Main Street and Newtown Lane in East Hampton will host Shop at Sunset to benefit The Retreat of East Hampton.  A percentage of proceeds from all sales will benefit The Retreat,  the East End Provider of safety, shelter and support to victims of abuse dedicated to breaking the cycle of family violence.  Shoppers will be treated to trunk shows, gifts with purchase, sips and snacks, music and more.

Susan Lucci

By Heather Buchanan

The 7^th annual Authors Night to benefit East Hampton Library gathered enough literary talent under the big top tent to entertain, educate, and enlighten us for years to come.  As a card-carrying member of the East Hampton Library it was a pleasure to see the success of the fundraising event and the passion for reading more than “U R HOT.”

Christina Oxenberg

I caught up with Christina Oxenberg – attracted not only by her book’s title Do These Gloves Make My Ass Look Fat, but for the chocolate kisses she offered.  “You have to get people to dawdle,” she explained of her strategy to stand out in the crowd of 170 authors signing books, “Next year I’m going to put out a bowl of cash.”  Oxenberg says of her newest work, “It’s a comment on female neuroses because I’m an expert.”  Well a charming and witty expert then.

Jack deLashmet

Following another passion of mine namely gardening – yes Lady Chatterley is my literary hero – I sought out famed Hamptons landscaper Jack deLashmet and his new book Hamptons Gardens.  “It’s the heaviest book here,” deLashmet laughed of his gorgeous tome.  His amazing garden designs and beautiful photographs make this the ultimate glimpse behind the hallowed Hamptons hedges.  “It’s doing incredibly well,” he reports, “I even had friends in Portugal who saw it in a book store window there.”

Tom Clavin & Danny Peary

Tom Clavin and Danny Peary’s compelling biography of baseball’s great Roger Maris, Roger Maris: Baseball’s Reluctant Hero was also popular.  “He was a controversial figure and writing the biography we came to understand why he was the way he was,” says Peary.  “You discover the secret private lives.”

Steven Petrow

 Steven Petrow, author of the column “Queeries” was on hand with Complete Gay & Lesbian Manners.  He explained this is both the instruction on how to have the best gay life and the straight person’s instruction manual.  It includes everything from sex and dating to on the job etiquette.  In a true poignant moment which proves why this event is amazing is a woman approached him and said how glad she was to meet him and talk to him about his book because her son had just come out.  “The book is meant to engage people,” said Petrow who indicates how many conversations is starts.

And speaking of conversations, the interview with Bonnie Grice and Honorary Co-Chair Dick Cavett was priceless.  The king of the interview himself, Cavett describes his encounter with the great Bette Davis.  “She agreed to the interview saying that she thought I was true gentleman.  I then proceeded to ask her how she lost her virginity.”  (which was at 26 apparently).  Good humor all the way around.  For more check out his new book Talk Show Confrontations, Pointed Commentary, and Off-Screen Secrets.

The A list literary group supported the event from Founding Chairs Alec Baldwin and Barbara Goldsmith to Honorary Co-Chairs Robert A. Caro, Dick Cavett, Nelson DeMille, and Michael Connelly.

Beth Ostrosky Stern tosses out the ball in style. 

Aside from the excitement on the Circa Field, Bridgehampton Polo draws an interesting and eclectic crowd  – both spectators and sponsors.  Getting their inside story is half the fun.

Myra Magaletta, Janera Soerel of Urban Zen

We had the chance to catch up with Janera Soerel Program Director and Myra Magaletta Executive Director of Urban Zen which has a tent next to the Blue Star Jets VIP lounge.  They are using the opportunity for the foundation’s Hope, Help & Rebuild Haiti initiative.  “We’re combining retail with philanthropy,” explains Soerel.  She recounts that founder Donna Karan actually goes down to Haiti to work with the local artisans to create beautiful jewelry like the paper mache beads they were selling which believe it or not are made from things like Corn Flake boxes.  All of the proceeds go back to supporting the Haitian artisans. 

The goal, explains Soerel is to not only give aid to the women in Haiti but help them become self sufficient.  Urban Zen which also has a store in Sag Harbor sells these artisanal wares be it jewelry, clothes, or furniture.

Along shopping guilt free for the items for sale you can also enjoy a moment of Zen peace at the Urban Zen lounge.  Reiki practitioners will take a moment to work with you and some amazingly powerful Young Living essential oils to get you grounded.  The calming effects can be seen on people of all ages.

Another of the goals of the Urban Zen Foundation is the Integrative Therapy Program which brings back integrative health and focuses on the patient and not just the disease.  It’s personal for Donna Karan whose husband Stephen Weiss died of cancer.  The program was established to train healthcare workers and yoga and massage and Reiki therapists on eastern healing techniques, yoga therapy, essential oil therapy and nutrition.

Check out their Sunday healing sessions in conjunction with Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor and upcoming fundraiser on August 28.

http://yogashanti.com/hamptons/sag-harbor-yoga-workshops.htm#southampton

The sport of polo sees its fair share of thrills and spills and you have great respect for the athletes both two and four legged.  No doubt after a hard game, they could benefit from some of these healing techniques as well.

Bridgehampton Polo continues on Saturday afternoons through August 31st.

The tres chic Lifestyle Boutique in Sag Harbor expanded their space this season to include women and men’s clothing and accessories.  On Saturday Aug. 13 from 1pm to 6pm J Brand fit specialists will be on hand to help you into your perfect pair of jeans.  Jean shopping is an all hands on deck experience to find the perfect flattering fit.  Whether we gals are having what we call a muffin top issue or a skinny girl day we can use all the help we can get to keep positive body issues.  We’ve been living in our J Brand shorts all summer and are ready to stock up for fall fashion.

Be sure to ask owner Debbie Rudoy for some styling help as she knows how to put an outfit together like nobody’s business.

And dudes, hello this event is for you too – we’ve got an eye on flattering fitting jeans for you as well.  It’s not just the girl but the guy from Ipanema we watch go by.

At the event, with the purchase of a pair of J Brand Jeans buyers will receive a gift and be entered in a raffle to win a second pair. 

Lifestyle boutique 127 Main Street, Sag Harbor www.shopatlifestyle.com 631 725 1667

photo credit Suzanne DeChillo/the New York Times
Harboring Hearts will host its Summer Fête, sponsored by The Phoenix Foundation at The Paige Estate in Sag Harbor on Saturday, August 13^th 2011 from 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm. Guests will be treated to dinner by Stone Rose and Benchmarc Events by Marc Murphy. Moët Hennessy will provide the night’s open bar.  Attendees will also receive complimentary admission to Harboring Hearts’ Official After-Party at AXE Lounge (1181 North Sea Rd, Southampton) beginning at midnight.   Advanced tickets can be purchased for $125 at HHSummerFete.CharityHappenings.org.  Tickets will be $150 at the door.  Proceeds from the Summer Fete will benefit Harboring Hearts, which provides heart patients and their families with support through a home-like haven and a nurturing community of resources.   For more information please visit www.harboringhearts.org

If you haven’t been over to the programs at Robert Wilson’s Watermill Center you are missing some of the best and most creative talent from around the world.  Always fascinating, these cutting edge artists who are either in residence to work on new projects or visiting for lectures thrill and delight and stretch the imagination.  Be sure to make reservations as these are highly in demand evenings.  Thursday August 11 the magnificent Eric Fischl reveals his creative process.

Tonight at Watermill : Eric Fischl
How I paint what I paint

Thursday, August 11, 2011
7:30 p.m.

Reservations (required)

The Watermill Center
39 Watermill Towd Road
Water Mill, New York 11976

Eric Fischl talks about his creative process and how he constructs visual narratives.

Eric Fischl is an internationally acclaimed American painter and sculptor, based on the East End, and is considered one of the most important figurative artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Fischl’s paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints have been the subject of numerous solo and major group exhibitions and his work is represented in many museums, as well as prestigious private and corporate collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Museum of Modem Art in New York City, The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, St. Louis Art Museum, Louisiana Museum of Art in Denmark, Musée Beaubourg in Paris, The Paine Weber Collection, and many others. Eric Fischl is a Fellow at both the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the American Academy of Arts and Science. He lives and works in Sag Harbor, NY with his wife, the painter April Gornik.

Eric Fischl
Reservations (required)

Watermill Summer Exhibition Reminder

July 30 – August 22, 2011
Alvin Baltrop
Alvin Baltrop : Selected Works

Alvin Baltrop produced some of the most powerful photographs taken on the Island of Manhattan. His photographs are both voyeuristic and intimately composed portraits of friends, lovers, and strangers – many of them commingling at the Hudson river piers in the 1970s and 80s.

All works courtesy of The Alvin Baltrop Trust and Third Streaming (NY).
With special thanks to Randal Wilcox and Yona Backer.

July 30 – December 15, 2011
Ben Schmidt
As We Turn in Fluctuating Circles

This exhibition includes six framed works titled: portal / universe / measurement / patterns / the missing link / prophesy – all exploring that the world is constanly in flux.  In his work, Schmidt distills a mythological and archetypal archive of devices inherent to humankind into an essential context.  Schmidt is a Watermill alumnus.

For more information watermillcenter.org

Read a good book lately?  And no The Great Tweets of Ashton Kutcher doesn’t count.  If you venture to the 7^th Annual Authors Night benefit for the East Hampton Library on Saturday August 13 you will have literally an entire tent full of good options from some of the most talented writers around.  Whether it’s fiction, poetry, biography, non-fiction, self help, or cook books, you will find amazing options.  The best part is you have the opportunity to talk to the authors who will be there in person to inscribe books for sale.

The evening’s Co-Founding Chairs Alec Baldwin and Barbara Goldsmith, and Honorary Co-Chairs Robert A. Caro, Dick Cavett, Nelson DeMille and Michael Connelly will be joined by more than 160 distinguished authors.  

Featured authors include Martin Amis, Georgina Bloomberg, Jennet Conant, Kathy Freston, Andrew Gross, Victoria Hagan, Hilary Thayer Hamann, Shere Hite, Duane Hampton, Robert Klein, Katie Lee, Robert Lipsyte, Susan Lucci, Jeffrey Lyons, Gretchen Morgenson, Adam Ross, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Beth Ostrosky Stern, Colson Whitehead and many more!

The book signing cocktail party from 5 to 7:30 is held under a tent on the Library grounds, where guests will hors d’oeuvres and wine.

Tickets are $100 and are available at the door.

You also have an amazing opportnity to continue on to have dinner with many of the authors at a private home with hosts who are a who’s who of the Hamptons.  Tickets start at $250 and you can go to the website to see all your guess who’s coming to dinner options.  Totally cool.

Insider tip:  Go early – it’s hugely popular and you want the chance to get face time with your favorite scribes.

For complete event details, visit: www.authorsnight.org or contact Library Director Dennis Fabiszak at (631) 324-0222 ext. 7.

East Hampton Library 159 Main Street, East Hampton.

By Heather Buchanan

I’m the first one to play in the sandbox, dive down the rabbit hole, or pull the genie out of the bottle so when I had the chance to go through the Grey Goose Blue Door – I was the first one to arrive at the blue velvet rope.

Grey Goose Vodka launched their Blue Door series to celebrate the best in life, inviting guests into their Hamptons summer wonderland for a curated cultural experience.  Held in a private estate in East Hampton, the three day series brought in movers and martini shakers to partake in amazing food, entertainment, signature Grey Goose cocktails, and even ping pong.

The first night we met up with Grey Goose Brand Ambassador Nick Mautone to learn about the art of mixology.  With the theme of farm and field to table we had the freshest ingredients to play with from fruits and herbs to liqueurs and spices as well as the different flavored Grey Goose vodkas.  This was better than playing dress up in Lady Gaga’s closet.

I’ve been a fan of Grey Goose, even making it a part of my HipHamptons Slutty Strawberry Tart so I was excited to learn more.  The farm and field theme tied into Grey Goose which is made from French wheat to the exacting standards of Maitre de Chai “cellar master” Francois Thibault.

Nick Mautone explained he creates Grey Goose cocktail portfolios which change seasonally to utilize the freshest ingredients.  “Less is always more,” he cautioned me as I grabbed for the peaches, seedless cucumber, ginger beer, cinnamon, rosemary, Grey Goose La Poire and piece of prosciutto.  “Only combine four or five ingredients… after that it just becomes punch,” he explained.  “The trick,” Nick said, “Is choosing ingredients to balance the sweetness and acidity with the level of alcohol.”

My coaches Ron Patric and Randy Evans

I was ready to roll up my sleeves, even if I was in a sundress, and dive in.  I started by muddling fresh blackberries then chopped fresh basil and lavender to add in.  Then I squeezed in fresh lemon juice balanced by organic agave nectar and with restraint stuck with the unflavored Grey Goose vodka.

The shake, as any girl north of Ipanema knows, is the most important part.  My other mixology coaches Randy Evans and Ron Patric advised me to shake the cocktail like I was throwing a football.  The key is not to shake too much which muddles the flavor and reveals not-properly-toned triceps.

Nick Mautone and Heather Buchanan

I chose a basil leaf and blackberry skewered on a lavender blossom as a garnish which my guides told me was intended to be smelled to add to the cocktail sensory experience.

Not only was it a magnificent smelling and colorful cocktail, it was delicious.

The Grey Goose Blackberry Lavender Martini

Now I was on a roll – the next concoction of Crenshaw melon, mint, Grey Goose Le Citron, simple syrup and Licor 43 (a Spanish liqueur made with citrus and fruit juices flavored with vanilla and other herbs and spices) was also amazing.  But it blew my mind when Nick came over and put in a few drops of chocolate bitters.  I will never look at a cocktail the same again.

Cynthia Sestito of Top Chef and her catering company Cynful Food prepared the best of local bounty.  Guests were treated to everything from fresh oysters to roasted whole fish to crisp vegetable salads and lobster and steak BBQ.

Guests also got to enjoy a Ping Pong tournament from the legendary pros of SPiN with Susan Sarandon getting in the game.

The Pros of SPiN Galactic

Susan Sarandon and Jonathan Bricklin

As part of the Grey Goose Rising Icons series, Saturday was an elegant soiree with singer Jake Troth.

Grey Goose Rising Icon Jake Troth

The sculpture gardens of LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton are one of the most zen peaceful places in the Hamptons and now you have the chance to take in the view from Downward Dog.  Saturdays on August 13, 20, and 27th at 8am, you can bring your yoga mat and blanket and practice Integral Hatha Yoga with Tsuyumi Aikawa, a respected instructor of 30 years.  Aikawa brings a love of gardening and yoga together for the personal transformative experience — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  The sessions are 75 minutes and $15 per session.  Bring your own yoga and mat and leave all your stresses at home.

Keep an eye out for extended garden hours in August Wednesday to Saturday from 2 – 5pm and a variety of educational and cultural programs at the LongHouse Reserve.

Insider tip:  Become a member and be on the front line with news and discounts – memberships start at $75.

LongHouse Reserve, 133 Hands Creek Road, 631 329 3568 www.longhouse.org

wellNEST Studio Sag Harbor

This Saturday, August 6th 4-6pm wellNEST Studio welcomes Terri Cole and her ”Live Fearless and Free” campaign!  

Terri is a life coach, psycho-therapist, natural comedienne,  an original member of the Kris Carr- Crazy Sexy Posse- co-authoring Crazy Sexy books, VH1 TV host, and won her own battle with cancer.  This will be a fun 2 hour event of motivation, movement, getting you out of your own way, and revamping your blue print of getting your life moving forward NOW.  Terri will be joined by health and wellness guru Latham Thomas. Tickets are $25. To reserve a space contact danielle@wellnest.com or call 631-899-4270.  (See below for more info on Terri’s campaign)

This Sunday, August 7th, 7:30pm @ wellNEST Studio Dr.Paul Canali, founder of The Evolutionary Healing Institute, as he lectures on his profound Unified Healing method.  They will be scheduling private sessions w/Dr. Canali throughout the week.  Dr. Canali will be spending the week  holding private healing sessions Sun, 8/7,  Wed,8/10- Sat, 8/13 @ WellNEST. He will be in NYC at The Ash Center for Comprehensive Medicine on Monday, 8/8.  Dr. Canali will be hosting a secondary lecture Thursday, August 11th at 7pm @ wellNEST Studio. Dr.Canali’s work features cutting edge, scientific approaches to releasing pain and trauma in the body.  His work has provided dramatic relief to war veterans, those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, physical injuries, emotional trauma, weight loss, etc. He creates transformation and release on a whole new level. Please watch this video clip to find out more:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP1C9eLcxi8

Lectures are $25.  Private appointments with Dr. Canali are $300.  To book contact danielle@wellnest.com or call 631-899-4270.

Live Fearless and Free

Live Fearless and Free was born out of my many years as a life coach and licensed psychotherapist in New York City.  After seeing the same issues over and over again with my clients, I started keeping a journal of interventions and actions that actually produce sustainable change and concrete results.  This research has become the foundation for the Live Fearless and Free movement.

I believe you have everything you need right this minute to create the life of your dreams.  By learning the importance of:

• ·         Kicking the Crap out of Your Mafia Mind!
• ·         Tapping into the AMAZING Power of Your Intention!
• ·         Creating Your Blue Print for Daily Living.

I have witnessed clients become liberated and transform their lives with ease.

8 Keys to Unlocking the Life of Your Dreams with Ease:

1. Fear IS a Four Letter Word
Learn techniques to control your fear mind.

2. A Fearless Inventory
Take a fearless inventory in all areas of your life.

3. Flip Your Script
Become mindful of your inner dialogue and learn to change deeply held negative beliefs.

4. Dare to Declare
Boldly declare what you are creating in all areas of your life. Whooooo Hooooo!

5. Life in Balance
When you are in balance your abundance flows with ease.

6. Zen Den
Create your personal Zen Den.  Everyone needs one!

7. Flip Over and Float
Learn how to STOP swimming upstream, since it is the wrong direction and a ton of unnecessary work!

8. Gratitude in Motion
The fastest way to create your own happiness is to give it to others.

I am honored to be a witness and catalyst for transformation from Living to Living Fearless and Free!

Bryan O'Leary

Bryan O’Leary at 4 North Main Street Gallery

Come check out the new works by this very talented artist. 

August 4 – 9 from 1p to 6p Daily

Opening Reception Friday August 5^th from 5 – 9pm

1 North Main Street, Southampton 631-283-2495  www.4northmaingallery.com

Marc Dalessio

Grenning Gallery

Paintings by Marc Dalessio – a taste of Italy in the Hamptons

Grenning Gallery shows some of the most beautiful fine art paintings.

Opening Reception Saturday August 6 from 6 – 8pm

17 Washington Street, Sag Harbor 631-725-8469 www.grenninggallery.com

jemimah Patterson

Boltax Gallery

Jemimah Patterson’s “two-in”

August 5 – 29 Thursday to Monday from 11am to 6pm

Opening Reception Saturday August 6 from 6 – 8pm

Karen Boltax always has not only the most interesting artists at her galleries but the most interesting crowds at her openings.  Not to miss.

21 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island 631-749-4062  www.boltaxgallery.com

Safe sex arrived in style in the Hamptons when the Trojan Good Vibrations Truck pulled into the Surf Lodge in Montauk during the SPIN Magazine Summer Concert series.   The truck brought treats of another good humor kind for the sophisticated young social set who rallied around the free giveaways.  Clearly the condom and cosmopolitan was the perfect complement.  Trojan is just launching a new line of vibrators so guests had the chance to find out ““What’s your vibe?” with the Trojan iPad vibes quiz.

After a series of questions about your romantic life the quiz recommends the perfect vibrator for you.  For the versatile, adventurous, and variety seeker the Tri-phoria with the variety of sensations is the one.

The new Trojan Woman

While the Surf Lodge and Ancient Greece may not have a lot in common save for the toga gone tunic and chariot parking issues, Trojan women of all the ages know that self confidence and seduction go hand in hand.  But is the battery operated love tool a threat to men?

We quizzed some men if this plethora of new and improved Trojan vibrators made them at all nervous.  “I’ve got no problem with it,” said one man, “Unless you know… she stays home from work all day with it.”

We got the inside scoop from Bruce Weiss, Vice President of Sexual Health for Church & Dwight Co. Inc., Trojan brand.

“Actually 80% of women who have used a vibrator have done so with a partner.  This is something where couples are enjoying the product and it spices things up.  Men are actually big buyers of vibrators.  They’re excited to be a part of it too.

We wanted a high quality product matched with a brand name people trust, Trojan.  The vibrators will be available in drugstores and mass merchandisers as well as online at http://www.trojanvibrations.com

We thought there’s no better place than Montauk for sun and relaxing and symbolic of what we’re about with Trojan Vibrations which is bringing enjoyment to relationships.  The target group is here.  It’s a brand new launch and you can see the excitement when they see the truck.  It’s a play on food trucks.  It’s really about mainstreaming the conversation.   We want to bring it out to the open and gain awareness about something that’s sexually healthy.”

Cheers to that!

By Heather Buchanan

You’ll never look at your tuna tartare in the same way again.

Ted Danson headlined the Hamptons Splash Party to benefit Oceana this Saturday July 30.  Guests enjoyed a lovely soiree at the luxurious oceanfront home of Margie and Michael Loeb.  With a starlit night where romantic couples could wander to our world class beaches and gaze at the Atlantic it was more apparent than ever how important it is to support Oceana which works to protect the world’s oceans.  As the sun went down the Honey Brothers got the dance floor rocking with Oceana ambassador Adrian Grenier.

Adrian Grenier and the Honey Brothers with Ted Danson

Along with the beautiful view, sponsor Lily Pultizer added splashes of color with artists painting Pulitzer inspired canvases poolside for guests to bid on.

The question of the night at the benefit was “Can You Name That Fish?”  Guests picked from two trays to taste which was the real Atlantic Cod.  Bait and switch is apparently rampant in the seafood industry.  Did you realize your seafood might be mislabeled as often as 25 to 70% of the time?  Aside from paying a premium price for a bottom feeder fish, Oceana points out, “With widespread mislabeling of fish species, legitimate businesses are losing hard-earned profits and consumers are prevented from making eco-friendly choices.”  They even put out a pocket guide of which fish species are the best choices, good alternatives, and ones to avoid in terms of caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways.

The commercial fishing industry is vital part of Hamptons’ history and for anyone who has read Peter Matthiessen’s powerful book “Men’s Lives,” you would see a future foretold in Oceana’s research.

Jessica Champness, Nicole McElory, Lianne Alcon

Andrew Sharpless CEO of Oceana states the bad news and the good news.  “Scientific indicators of ocean health point in the wrong direction.  The annual global catch of wild fish has been declining since the late 1980’s after steadily rising through all prior human history.  Three-quarters of all commercial fisheries are overfished or fully finished according to the United Nation’s FAO.  The good news is that today thanks to the support of Oceana and its supporters we have a record of more than two dozen important policy victories that are helping to restore abundant oceans.”

Ted Danson at Oceana's Hamptons Splash

Ted Danson is a major activist for Oceana and co-wrote a book with journalist Michael D’Orso published by Rodale, “Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do To Save Them.”

In Oceana’s newsletter, Danson admits that he was consumed with self-interest until his mid thirties at the height of his success on Cheers, “I knew that I needed to do something constructive with all that energy before it really screwed me up.  I needed to focus it on something outside of myself.  That something, it turned out, became the ocean.”

He describes his inspiration for the book, “I strongly believe that science and spirituality go hand in hand, and any conversation we have about the environment has to take both into account.  Unless all our actions to save the oceans are based on science, we will end up doing more harm than good.  And unless we acknowledge our spiritual connectedness to one another and to this planet we live on – unless we realize that almost everything each of us does has an impact on somebody else – we may never rise above our self-interests in order to gather the collective forces we need to face the environmental challenges that now surround us.”

The benefit also raised money through the silent auction with everything from shopping to golf to vacation to beauty and fashion items.  A few of our favorites:   a special Breakfast at Tiffany’s (so going to get out my long black gloves), the Lily Pulitzer Pretty In Pink Private Shopping Event (loving the new sexy sophisticated look of the line), and the Stay Beautiful package of La Mer Products.  Did you know that Maureen Case the president of luxury cosmetic brands, La Mer, Jo Malone and Bobbi Brown is a longtime supporter of Oceana?

Case says in their newsletter, “I strongly believe that corporations should be socially conscious and give back in a meaningful way.”  Obviously La Mer has a connection with the ocean not only in its name but in its ingredients.  Case explains, “La Mer scientists work with biological and conservation organizations that research marine life to discover sea plants that have beneficial properties for the skin.  It is because of our connection to the sea in this way that we support marine habitat protection.”

From the beaches we walk on to the fish we eat to the wrinkle prevention cream we use – it is indeed, as Danson says, all connected.

To learn more go to www.oceana.org.

You know the summer is sizzlin’ hot when safe sex arrives by the truckload to the Hamptons.  Trojan is going to get things steamy when they arrive at the Surf Lodge in Montauk on Saturday.  We of course will be getting first hand information and will report back.

Trojan takes on New York’s “Food Truck” craze by bringing vibrators to the masses via the Trojan Good Vibrations Truck Tour

On Saturday, July 30^th, the Hamptons will be buzzin’, as Trojan Brand Condoms brings the Trojan “GoodVibrations” Truck Tour to the SPIN Magazine Summer Concert Series at Surf Lodge in Montauk.  There’ll be live music from the Growlers.

Highlighted by the launch of the new Trojan® Vibrating Twister™, the truck will bring good vibes to this exclusive summer fete, showcasing its latest and greatest vibrator innovations. Pleasure-seekers will receive samples and free giveaways and have the opportunity to find the vibe right for them with the “What’s Your Vibe?” iPad quiz.      

SPIN Magazine Summer Concert Series—Surf Lodge in Montauk

Saturday, July 30^th; 5:00 pm- 12:00 am

183 South Edgemere Street

Montauk, NY  11954

 (631) 668-1562

One of the great pleasures in life is having a true local bookstore you can visit and ask “Read anything good lately?” and they can tell you everything from children’s books to beach reads to biography to historical gems.  Canio’s Book Shop in Sag Harbor at Main Street retains the personal touch.  It is a true literary gathering place with readings from authors and poets.   Along with a calendar of authors they also display work from local artists .

Rob Calvert "Summer's Time"

Rob Calvert’s art work “Summer’s Time” new works on paper will be on display from July 28 – August 31 with an opening reception on Friday July 29th from 5 – 7pm.

Photographer Kathryn Szoka’s work is also on display (note she also does custom art framing.)

On Saturday July 30th at 6pm Author Simon Van Booy reads from his novel “Everything Beautiful Happened After.”

Saturday Aug 6th at 6pm – Artist Art Donovan presents the art of Steampunk.

Monday Aug 15 – Master Poetry workshop with Mark Doty (pre-registration required $125)

Saturday Aug 20 6p – Lucette Lagnado discusses her new book “The Arrogant Years: One Girl’s Search For Her Lost Youth, From Cairo to Brooklyn

Saturday Aug 27 6p – Writer Stephen Cohen and editor of The Nation Katrina vander Heuvel discuss “Obama’s presidence on the eve of the 2012″

Please check out www.caniosbooks.com for their full schedule of events which include poetry workshops, readings, and art .

Canio’s is open daily from 10am to 6pm at 290 Main Street Sag Harbor, 631-725-4926 www.caniosbooks.com

Ted Danson headlines the Hamptons Splash Party to benefit Oceana this Saturday July 30 in Southampton.  Get ready to kick off your shoes and dance the night away at a luxurious private oceanfront home in Southampton (i.e. leave the stilettos and wingtips at home).  With Hamptons beaches as one of our most prized assets it’s important to support Oceana which works to protect the world’s oceans.

Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, musical performances, dancing, and surprise guests.  The Honey Brothers will be performing and Oceana ambassador Adrian Grenier will be there to make it even more of a hot spot.  There’s nothing like a beachfront bash to know you are in prime Hamptons social season helping to raise money for a great cause.

Shop guilt free : The online auction to support Oceana includes top spa and cosmetic services, luxury vacations, designer jewelry and fashion.  Available through August 2^nd.

TICKETS – (click here for purchase)

VIP Reception with Ted Danson reading from his new book Oceana – $750

General Reception – $500

There are a few magical moments in a Hamptons summer which embody true joie de vie.  The Cocktails at Sunset benefit for ACRIA at host Steven Klein’s West Kill Farms in Bridgehampton on Saturday was such an illuminating night.  Tiki torches with their flames aglow guided guests through fields to the tent surrounded by lanterns with a long lit lap pool and fire pits.  Another magical orange glow of the signature Veuve Clicquot bottles lined the bar along with the icy Belvedere Vodka.  The Misshapes got the music grooving on the dance floor and the moon rose in the sky.  With a sign saying “AIDS isn’t taking the summer off and neither are we,” you were reminded it was indeed good to be alive. 

“Buy art – Fight Aids” was the rallying cry.  An amazing silent auction of a broad range of art works lured guests.  

I had my eye on Jim Dine’s “Imprint from Dorian Gray’s Stomach” and a gorgeous set of cascading turquoise and 18k gold earrings from designer Ippolita.  With money going to charity the shopping is completely guilt free.

Ippolita cascading turquoise earrings

 The proceeds of the benefit go to support the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.  Since 1991 ACRIA has been helping people with AIDS lead longer and healthier lives.  The event had full support of the artistic community with a who’s who benefit committee including among others: Andre Balazs, Ross Bleckner, April Gornik, Eric Fischl, Deborah Hughes, Calvin Klein, Kelly Klein, Cynthia Rowley, Darren Star and Rachel Zoe.

Danielle Franz, Dr. Richard Ash, Rachel Paletsky, Maureen Dodd of WellNEST Healing Arts Center Sag Harbor

We made sure to hit the photo booth to document the night and noticed condoms in the money jar where people made their contributions.  “What is that worth?” we asked.  “Priceless,” was the answer.  Cheers to that!

Betsey and Lulu Johnson

By Heather Buchanan

While some elements of Bridgehampton Polo were familiar such as the lightning fast polo ponies which can turn on a dime, fearless players, and the beautiful Two Trees farm setting, others were new.  For the sophisticated spectator the Blue Star Jets VIP Tent and newly christened Circa Championship Field feltmore civilized with  a breath of fresh air (despite the sweltering heat.)

Bridgehampton Polo in action - photo by R. Cole for Rob Rich

 

 

Peter Brant has taken the reins this year for the 15^th anniversary season of Bridgehampton Polo and a new team, including Shamin Abas Public Relations which works with Palm Beach Polo, has shifted the focus back to the game and a more elegant viewing atmosphere.  The invitation-only Blue Star jets VIP tent with Hamptons’ tastemakers features a new set of sponsors for fine food, drinks, and pop up boutiques.  Guests enjoyed the Sector No Limits watch display, Alex and Ani Bangle Bar, live music by DJ Airloom, tastes from Southampton Social Club and featured drinks such as the Sobieski Mint Pony and Aperol Spritzer along with other refreshments including  4 Orange Vodka, Martin Codax, Don Miguel Gascon, Vita Coco and Smartwater. 

Cold Aperol Spritzer to the rescue

The Aperol Spritzer with the blood orange apertif mixed with prosecco and a splash of soda on ice was a cool hit on the hot day. 

Vanity Belles

The Vanity Belles started the festivities, taking to the Circa Championship Field to sing the national anthem.  Betsey Johnson in her true original style tossed out the first ball with fashion flare and a cartwheel to boot with daughter Lulu at her side.

Lulu and Betsey Johnson with Blue Star Jets President Todd Rome

In a high scoring game, White Birch defeated Yellow Cab 16 – 10.  White Birch exploded from the onset, scoring 12 goals in the first three chukkers to end the first half 12-1.  Goals from Nacho Figueras, Luis Escobar and Michael Dorignac on Simon Garber’s Yellow Cab team narrowed the lead in the second half, but Yellow Cab still fell short to the powerful White Birch team who walked away with a 16-10 victory.  White Birch’s Mariano Aguerre led all scoring and was awarded MVP.

White Birch: Mariano Gracida, Fredy Mannix, Mariano Aguerre, and Peter Brant.

Yellow Cab: Simon Garber, Nacho Figueras, Michael Dorignac, and Luis Escobar

Blue Star Jets VIP Tent

Spotted under the tent were a mix of artists and media, business, and industry leaders such as Russell Simmons, Kelly Klein, and Chairman of NBC Broadcasting Ted Harbert with wife Lisa.

Lisa and Ted Harbert

Leading dentist to the White House Nicholas Toscano D.D.S, M.S. was enjoying with wife Jennifer.  The smile perfectionist treats such high profile clients as Hillary Clinton.  He assured us with a background in the Navy that he will work both sides of the political aisle.  Luckily teeth are bipartisan.

Dr. Nicholas and Jennifer Toscano

We visited the Bangle Bar from Alex and Ani.  They bill themselves as the positive energy company with their bracelet charms with special meaning.  They feature symbols such as Path of Life: Strength, Motivation, Knowledge . . . (hmmm maybe a rich husband, thinner thighs…)

Alexandra Barbolla, April Reach of Alex and Ani

They warned us one is not enough of these bangles which are made in the US.  We have a lot of things to wish for so we’ll take a dozen.

Ian Shapolsky, Heather Buchanan, Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave, George Wayne

Writers Baroness Sheri de Borchgrave and Vanity Fair’s George Wayne enjoyed with publisher Ian Shapolsky.

Mari Malek, Imany Doucoure

Cahdlah Forsythe and Chris Lukas

Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse

By Heather Buchanan

They say if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.  Yet a capacity crowd braved the heat on Saturday to enjoy the James Beard Foundation’s Chefs and Champagne® New York at the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, tasting fare from 42 chefs from Amagansett to Anguilla and enjoying Wolffer Wines, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, and Stella Artois beers.  James Beard Foundation President Susan Ungaro said it best, “It may be hot but this is the coolest place to be in the Hamptons.  We’re celebrating 20 years of honoring the best of the best in the culinary industry.”

Honoree Emeril Lagasse thanked all the chefs and sponsors and admitted, “I’m glad I didn’t get the grill today.”

Tiffany Zeno

Tiffany Zeno, a producer at WNBC, shares Emeril’s hometown of New Orleans.  “This is fabulous,” she exclaimed, “There’s no place I’d rather be than with Emeril and good food in the heat – it feels like home.  All we need is a jazz band.”

There was a clamoring of fans eager to photograph the guest of honor Emeril.  In front of me was a blonde woman with a camera trying to get his attention.  I thought, no. . . could it be?  Yes, Martha in the mosh pit.  How much do we love that!  Susan Ungaro and Emeril pulled past honoree Martha Stewart up on the stage and poured her some champagne.

Daniel's Grilled Lamb Ribs

I was thrilled that chef Daniel Boulud and Jim Leiken did pick the grill because the Grilled Lamb Ribs “not a bashful serving” with Sherry-Honey Gastrique and Minted Yogurt Sauce were amazing.  (Jet Setters take note: Jim Leiken is the newly named Executive Chef of Café Boulud in the Brazilian Court Hotel and Beach Club in Palm Beach.)  Somehow we missed the invitation to President Obama’s dinner at Daniel’s New York eatery but what’s good enough for the president is good enough for us.  Even to lick our fingers in polite society.

Dushy and Roman Roth

While we mere humans might have been melting in the steamy weather, Wolffer winemaker Roman Roth commented, “It’s a good day to be a grape.”  The crisp Wolffer Chardonnay showcasing their terroir was cold and welcoming – made us wish we had pool full of it to dive into.

Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte

A fine cold champagne with freshness on the palate was also the order of the day.  Chris Ware pouring the Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte said the Palmes D’or Brut Vintage 1999 went quickly with its sublime bold flavor.  “People were so excited,” he said.  The Brut Blanc de Blancs 2004 was the perfect fresh accompaniment to the culinary delights.  And the pink bubbly Rosé was a hit with both sexes.  ‘I’ve seen very masculine men enjoying the Rosé,” he assured us.

Cheers!

We also queried several chefs who said that actually the cold Stella Artois beer was their drink of choice after the hot day.

Chef George Mendes

George Mendes from Aldea Restaurant in NYC got it right with “Cool” Shrimp with Gazpacho Coulis and Almonds.  “In the middle of summer it’s great to do something delicious and quick,” he noted, adding “It’s very prestigious to be here supporting the James Beard Foundation.”

Chef James Carpenter

Chef James Carpenter of the Living Room Restaurant in East Hampton at c/o The Maidstone Hotel said he was also honored to be at the event, especially as one of the local chefs who was invited.  The Swedish Shrimp Cocktail known as Toast Skagen is a favorite appetizer on his menu.

Pastry Chef Zac Young

As a child of Disco I couldn’t pass up NYC’s Flex Mussels pastry chef Zac Young’s Lemon Meringue Pie with Disco Blueberries.  I know it was meant to be as “Rapture” stared to play as I approached his booth.  And what is the secret to the disco metallic hue?  Edible cake glue.  I intend to use it on everything now.

George Oliphant of NBC's George to the Rescue, Dawn Rowan

Another part time local chef and former JBF Award Winner Marcus Samuelsson of Blue Parrot in East Hampton stressed the importance of the Foundation for supporting and nurturing young chefs with scholarships, “It gives us the chance to step up.”

In addition, Susan Ungaro President of the James Beard Foundation acknowledged Mercedes Wilby as the recipient of the 2011 Christian Wolffer Scholarship which benefits local young culinary talent.  A portion of the proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go towards a scholarship in Emeril’s name as well.

Chef Kerry Heffernan

But besides being a treat for the guests the event also a treat for the chefs and their unique camaraderie.  Chef Kerry Heffernan of NYC’s Southgate Restaurant reports he has been coming to the event for 13 years, “It’s great to see my chef friends out of the metropolitan environment.”

Susan Ungaro with Chefs

Chef Marcus Samuelsson lets the bubbly loose

Yes indeed, it’s great to be in the Hamptons – even if you’re not a grape.

Bridgehampton Polo tosses out the first ball this Saturday at Two Trees Farm for a whole new sophisticated Hamptons experience.  It will now be the CIRCA Championship Field where high goal polo action will take place each Saturday from July 23^rd to August 27^th.  Under the Blue Star Jets VIP Tent, five hundred Hamptons tastemakers will be invited to view the matches while enjoying fine fare from notable chefs and specialty bars.  Fashion boutiques such as Alex and Ani and Monacle Order will pop up as well as Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Lounge to benefit Hope Help and Rebuild Haiti.

Co-Founder and Owner of Bridgehampton Polo Club Peter Brant says, “We are looking forward to celebrating our 15^th Anniversary and have plans for an exciting season ahead. Once again Bridgehampton Polo Club will host some of the top polo players in the world and we look forward to welcoming our sponsorship partners and the thousands of fans who are expected to join us this season,” continues Brant.

CIRCA’s Chairman and CEO Chris Del Gatto, himself an active polo player and captain of the CIRCA team that reached last year’s finals, says “After having a great run last season with the CIRCA Polo Team, we are thrilled to come back for what will be a precedent-setting season; with the added excitement of sponsoring the CIRCA Championship Field.”

This season for the first time, a limited number of prime field side tables under the Blue Star Jets VIP tent will also be made available for guests interested in entertaining friends, colleagues or clients.  With seating for up to 10 guests, each table can be purchased for the season at $10,000 and will feature a personalized level of service. President of Blue Star Jets Todd Rome says “After being a proud supporter of Bridgehampton Polo for many years, we are thrilled to come on board in an even bigger way this season. VIP guests can expect a level of luxury and service synonymous with the Blue Star Jets name,” continues Rome.

Additional options for polo fans include field side tailgate tents available for purchase for the season or simply enjoying the afternoon in the grandstands.  Gate entrance fee is $20 for standard parking and $40 for premier parking.

The parking admission benefits the Bridgehampton Childcare and Recreation Center.

For up-to-date polo information the Bridgehampton Polo Line 631-613-1377.  For more general information or questions, email bhpolo@shaminabaspr.com.  Doors open at 3pm, match starts at 4pm.

Bridgehampton Polo Club is located at Two Trees Farm at 849 Hayground Road in Bridgehampton New York.

One of the defining cultural institutions in Southampton, the Parrish Art Museum brings out the Hamptons glitterati for its annual Midsummer Party with a mix of leaders in the art, fashion, and business world honoring the Parrish Art Museum’s Founding Partners.   The tent was aglow with its soothing silver scheme for the dapperly dressed crowd which morphed into the hot dance party After Ten.

 Event Co-Chairs: Parrish Trustees Deborah Bancroft, Etta Froio, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Adam Sender, and David Wassong

After Ten Co-Chairs: Josh Gaynor, Anne Huntington, Carolina Portago, Theodora Portago, and Serena Stanfill Tufo

 While guests strolled through the Dorothea Rockburne: In My Mind’s Eye exhibit (running until August 14^th) there was much speculation about the museum’s move.  In mid-2012, the Parrish will move to a new building in Water Mill designed by internationally acclaimed architects Herzog & de Meuron. The 34,500-square-foot facility will triple the Museum’s current exhibition space and allow for the simultaneous presentation of loan exhibitions and installations drawn from the permanent collection.

Colleen and Andrew Saunders

While there was a buzz of excitement about the new location there was also a bittersweet nostalgia of leaving the current location which is an iconic presence in Southampton Village.  For generations, Hamptonites have flocked for artistic, educational, and social events here and will miss the brick building and famed sculpture garden.

Melissa Witek of Porsche

Along with a taste for fine art, guests shared a taste for the other finer things in life.  Platinum sponsor Porsche of Southampton placed its new 911 Turbo S for guests to peruse.  Melissa Witek who is their Custom Consultation Specialist told us she is there to serve the Porsche enthusiast with a direct line to the factory for special feature orders.   You can even take your favorite shade of lipstick and they can match the interior to that color.  Talk about the ultimate color coordination.

In a true Midsummer Dream, guests were left of fantasies of fine art, food and wine, fashion and fast cars – a winning combination on any Hamptons night.

Be sure to check out the rest of the summer schedule at the Parrish Art Museum, www.parrishart.org.

Dorothea Rockburne: In My Mind's Eye

Top ten reasons to attend the James Beard Foundation Chefs & Champagne^® held at Wolffer Estate Vineyards on Saturday July 23

1)                  Hot Chefs – Emeril Lagasse is being honored.

2)                  Cold Bubbly – This year the Exclusive Champagne Sponsor is Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte – we’ve got a big crush on their Brut Rose.

3)                  Delectible Nibbles – Over 40 first class chefs will be offering tastes of their famous fare – note this is no time to wear white – designer bibs optional.

4)                  Amazing Silent Auction – Go often and early… and just before they close the bidding to win culinary adventures, five star travel, and food and wine packages.

5)                  Beautiful Vineyard – You have the chance to tour a little bit of Italy in the Hamptons and see who will win the Christian Wolffer Scholarship named for the much missed vineyard owner.

Wolffer Estate Vineyard

6)                  Pairings – And not just the bubbly and wine with the delicious morsels.  If you’re looking to mingle in the sophisticated social set this is your destination.  Everyone knows love springs from fine food and wine.

7)                  James Beard Foundation – if you are a foodie you need to be a card carrying member.  This is just one of a number of amazing culinary events and you get a discounted ticket price if you are a member.  Money raised helps fund the future of the next great chefs.

8)                  The Goodie Bag - We know the amazing goodie bag has gone the way of the Blue Footed Boobie Bird at most fundraisers but this event retains its high standards.

9)                  Making it personal - How often would you have the chance to converse with just one of these amazing chefs let alone 40.  This is your close up moment to ask questions, show appreciation, and revel in the gastronomic glory.

10)              Joie de vie – If everything under this tent doesn’t make you happy – you need to seek out medication.

Chefs & Champagne^® New York’s main event will take place from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday, July 23, and is open to the public—reservations are $200 for James Beard Foundation members and $275 for non members. General admission includes all tastings, silent auction bidding opportunities and gift bag.  VIP Experience admission, beginning at 4:30 pm, is $375 for James Beard Foundation members and non members.  VIP tables of 10 are available for $3,500.  The VIP experience includes an additional exclusive hour of access to all tastings, reserved table seating, silent auction pre-bidding opportunities, gift bag and invitation to VIP After-Party. Reservations can be made by calling (212) 627-2308 or at www.jamesbeard.org/chefsandchampagne.  To become a member of the James Beard Foundation, click here.

Wolffer Estate Vineyard, 139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack NY (631) 537-5106 www.wolffer.com

Hosts Ellen & Chuck Scarborough

By Heather Buchanan

The Unconditional Love Cocktail Party held on Saturday at the gorgeous Southampton Lake Agawam home of Ellen & Chuck Scarborough to benefit the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation proved that the dog days of summer in Southampton can be the very best.   The evening honored Karen LeFrak for her humanitarian contribution to the animal world.

Host Chuck Scarborough told us, “It’s a great story.  The shelter was going to be closed two years ago due to budget reasons.  Three women raised funds privately and turned it around.  There is now a 96% successful adoption rate which is extraordinary.  Here in our house my wife and I have adopted animals, and we are delighted to help raise money for the Shelter.”

NBC's Chuck Scarborough, Sarah Gore, Jeff Rossen

The event also had the support of other key NBC talent namely Sarah Gore who served as the evening’s MC and Jeff Rossen. 

"Diamond"

Yet it was hard to upstage the real stars of the show — the dogs and cats who paraded with their adorable “Looking for love – adopt me” vests.  (Wonder if those come in a woman’s size 6?)

Matt Valentino who is a trainer at the shelter explains all the work which goes into getting a pet ready for adoption, “At the shelter we evaluate the dogs and train them and play with them and work on their behavior.”  He showed us Diamond who he described as “a total sweetheart.”  Diamond is a three year old pit bull who was shot and went through physical therapy to be able to enjoy her new three legged life.  These are the sorts of stories which make you find out if your mascara is really waterproof.  (Answer no but I had tissue handy.)

Matt Valentino and Diamond

New SASF Executive Director Ed Fritz, who came from such well respected shelters as Best Friends and Dog Town, stated how impressed he was with the shelter, “This is a model for the country in the animal shelter industry which is unprecedented.  I’m honored to be a part of it.”  We were impressed with all the loving volunteers who brought around the adoptive pets and the well “heel-ed” crowd which came out to support the fundraiser.

Holly Buchanan, Dawn Rowan, Liz Alter

Honoree Karen LeFrak, Chuck & Ellen Scarborough

Honoree Karen Le Frak summed it up, “Our animals really are our best friends.”

Okay – as many of you sweet dogs can fit in the back of the Honda, let’s go.

Jill Brody, Justin Silver

The online auction to raise money is still going on until August 1^st  managed by Charity Buzz which has amazing items from travel to chef dinners to pet portraits and VIP event passes or a special Best Friend custom paw print necklace from Jill Brody of Jill Lynn & Co. in Southampton.

http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/sasf/catalog_items

Along with pet adoption the shelter offers low-cost spay/neuter in their clinic and dog obedience classes.

Mattie Stimpson, Timothy Martin of Izo Cleanze

To find out more or contribute to the shelter call 631-728-7837 or info@sasfinc.org

MacKenzie-Childs fine canine accessories

Alistair MacLean

Bastille Day arrived early on Shelter Island at La Maison Blanche with great panache: cold Gosset Champagne, hot Petanque players, a dash of French bistro fare and a pinch of ooh la la.

Raising money for the Shelter Island Lions Club, the Petanque Tournament was hosted by partners Alistair MacLean and John Sieni of La Maison Blanche, the new chic boutique hotel and restaurant (see our article).  Sponsored by Lillet, Gosset Champagne, and Ricard, the celebratory afternoon may have looked all fun and games on the outside, but this was serious sport.

Erica, Marin, and Alex

In Petanque the seasoned players each have their own secret weapons.  You will notice different techniques from the statue of liberty throw to the crouching tiger pose to the bowing waiter toss.

The Bowing Waiter Toss

The Statue of Liberty Toss

The Crouching Tiger pose

The team from Sunset Beach emerged victorious but not before serious battle was waged between the teams with referee calls, millimeter ball measurements, and a few choice words in French which we only partly understood.

Our thanks to bartender Erica who stepped in to help us on the girls team where we lost our Petanque virginity with a modicum of dignity.  The trick is that you not only have to have the concentration to toss the ball close to the “cochonnet” but then the little bit of evil to knock the opponent’s ball out of the way.

HipHamptons team member Nicole

Our vote for most fun was definitely the team from Banzai Burger of Amagansett.  How can you not love the Argentine chef, Japanese sushi master, hip restauranteur and bartender who isn’t afraid to take his clothes off as long as no health codes are violated.

Team Banzai Burger

Luckily the Lillet fans helped to keep it cool and the bubbly helped to keep it bubbly.  The HipHamptons team will be practicing so watch out guys next year – the gals are going to rule.

Erica - drink master and petanque coach

Heather, Alex, Nicole

By Heather Buchanan

If anyone has information leading to the retrieval of the missing lobster mascot for Banzai Burger “Kobe the Lobster” it might be worth a $1000 Banzai Burger tab.  It’s one thing to steal home base or even your buddy’s girlfriend but dude, don’t steal the lobster! 

Banzai Burger on the Nappeague stretch in Amagansett has been winning raves for its food which range from fine fare and yes the ultimate burger from Argentinian Chef Alan Hughes and Sushi Chef Isao Yoshimura.  And with Alex behind the bar all sorts of fun can let loose.  But laughter can turn to tears when someone makes off with your mascot.

We met the Banzai Burger team at the Petanque Tournament at La Maison Blanche on Shelter Island and if they cook anything like they play ball – they are serious contenders.  It was here that we were told of the crime and promised to spread the word to try to find beloved “Kobe.”

Petanque Team Banzai Burger

If you have any information on this crustacean caper you can call 631-267-3175.

BanzaiBurger.com 2095 Montauk Highway Amagansett

Co-hosts Mary Alice Stephenson, Peter Davis, Hilary Rhoda

 By Heather Buchanan

Guest photos by Patrick McMullan

The 12^th annual Love Heals at Luna Farm raised more than $300,000 for the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education on Saturday in Sagaponack.  The stylish young social set of the Hamptons came out to support the cause and enjoy the Coney Island Comes to the Hamptons theme, proving that you can absolutely mix Chandon sparkling wine with Nathan’s hot dogs.  Guests flocked to the Patron Margarita Bar and rollercoaster photo booth where a wind machine made them feel like they were on the famous Cyclone – just don’t mess up the expensive hairdo thank you.

Patron photo booth

After indulging in the Deforest Biggs BBQ and trying their luck at the ring toss they headed to the dance floor to catch the groove of DJ Mos.  And for a sweet indulgence, the CRUMBS Bake Shop cupcakes were whisked out for a little moonlight nibble under the stars in the Sagaponach field – very romantic. 

Hilary Rhoda, Sean Avery

As always the silent auction made you want to bid until you hit that VISA limit. Unique items like the Gossip Girl set tour and Diane von Furstenberg internship got the bids rolling.  Other great items like a year of Keds, Michelle Farmer’s sexy jewelry, and a Kris Kampsen private polo lesson were hot items as well as the Club Chandon membership (Life Needs Bubbles is the motto and we agree!) with special home delivery and Prestige Member events.

The Who’s Who of guests: Co-hosts Hilary Rhoda, fashion stylist Mary Alice Stephenson and Avenue’s Peter Davis were joined by New York Rangers Sean Avery and Brad Richards, mogul Russell Simmons, BRAVO’S Real Housewives of New York City’s Sonja Morgan and Cindy Barshop, Love Heals co-founder Dini von Mueffling, BRAVO’S “Million Dollar Listing’s” Josh Lagg, Dior’s Dianne Vavra, Jamie & Bettina Prentice, fashion designer Miguelina Gambaccini, Chris & Cristina Cuomo, model Marybeth Dupain, Tanya Zuckerbrot, Irene Albright, Elizabeth Harrison and Cinema Society’s Andrew Saffir & Daniel Benedict.

Andrew Saffir, Hilary Rhoda, Mary Alice Stephenson, Dianne Vavra, Daniel Benedict

In the end the success of the event is a testament of support for the memory of Alison Gertz and her activism which created Love Heals and the dedication of her friends to keep her mission alive:

About Love Heals (www.loveheals.org)

Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education, empowers young people in the fight against HIV. Their HIV-positive speakers are putting a face on the epidemic, and their youth empowerment programs are training a new generation of community educators and activists. Love Heals also creates and distributes educational materials, shares its expertise and advocates for young people’s right to HIV/AIDS education. They operate in partnership with hundreds of schools and community groups throughout New York City and the surrounding areas, reaching both young people and those individuals who impact their lives, and placing a special emphasis on outreach to high-risk communities.

Mary Alice Stephenson, Cristina Cuomo