East Hampton, N.Y. — This year’s Hamptons International Film Festival, renowned for celebrating significant contributions in cinema, saw an eclectic mix of winning films ranging from foreign dramas to insightful documentaries at its 32nd annual gathering. The event, which extended over 11 days, concluded on Monday evening, unfolding across numerous venues on the East End.
Among this year’s standout entries was “Armand,” a penetrating Norwegian drama directed by debut filmmaker Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel. The film, which stars Renate Reinsve of “The Worst Person in the World” fame, tells the heart-rending story of an actress whose young son faces grave accusations. Winning the jury award for best narrative feature, “Armand” previously clinched the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and it is also Norway’s official submission for the Oscars.
The best documentary category was sharply contended, with the prize going to “Viktor,” a compelling portrayal of a deaf young man’s quest for significance amidst the early tumult of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This documentary highlights personal narratives that provide unique perspectives on global conflicts, enriching the festival’s diverse showcase.
In the audience selection categories, heartfelt stories resonated strongly. “Bob Trevino Likes It,” a poignant American comedy-drama by Tracie Laymon, won the audience award for best narrative feature. Inspired by Laymon’s personal experiences, the film features Lily Trevino, played by Barbie Ferreira, who encounters a lonely man sharing her father’s name, portrayed by John Leguizamo. The film’s warm reception at the festival follows its acclaim at the SXSW film festival where it also garnered attention.
The documentary that captured the audience’s hearts was “The World According to Allee Willis.” This film celebrates the life and works of the quirky yet relatively obscure songwriter Allee Willis, whose hits include timeless tracks like Earth Wind & Fire’s “Boogie Wonderland” and the omnipresent theme song “I’ll Be There For You” from the TV show “Friends.” The feature provides a detailed look at Willis’s creative process and her impact on the music industry.
Further emphasizing local talent, the festival earlier awarded the $3,000 Suffolk County Next Exposure Grant to “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point.” Directed by Tyler Taormina and co-written with Eric Berger, both natives of Smithtown, the film is a heartfelt comedy set during the festive season. After its premiere at Cannes, it is eagerly anticipated for theatrical release on November 8.
As the film festival continues to be a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers, its contributions to the arts and its encouragement of diverse voices in cinema remain evident. The diversity of this year’s winners—from the intense narrative of “Armand” to the intricate portrayal in “The World According to Allee Willis”—illustrates the broad spectrum of storytelling that the Hamptons International Film Festival seeks to honor. The festival not only provides a venue for showcasing exceptional films but also sparks conversations and reflections that resonate with audiences long after the final credits roll.