Holly Hunter, Kara Hayward, Mike Mills And Others To Attend 24th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival

The 24th annual Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) has announced its Centerpiece Films: Manchester by the Sea and 20th Century Women. Both titles will play at Guild Hall in East Hampton. Southampton’s Opening Night Film will be Strange Weather starring Holly Hunter – which will screen on Friday, October 7th.

“We are so proud to showcase films made by New York based, independent film directors, and it is an exceptional pleasure to showcase their works in these coveted festival slots,” said HIFF Executive Director Anne Chaisson. “For 24 years our mission has been to celebrate independent voices, and the films of Katherine Dieckmann, Mike Mills and Kenneth Lonergan embody what the word independent truly means.”

Manchester by the Sea is the story of Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) who learns he is the sole guardian of his brother’s son (Lucas Hedges) after he passes away. Amazon Studios and Roadside Attractions will release Manchester by the Sea in limited theaters on November 18th and the film will screen at HIFF on Saturday, October 8th. Kara Hayward – one of the film’s stars – will be in attendance at the Festival. Hayward and Hedges were both chosen for the Variety 10 Actors to Watch list and will be honored at HIFF.

20th Century Women is a comedy-drama by writer and director Mike Mills. It tells the story of three women who find themselves exploring love and freedom in 1970s Southern California. The film stars Annette Bening, Greta Gerwig, Elle Fanning, and Billy Crudup. Mills will be in attendance at the Festival and A24 will release 20th Century Women in limited theaters on December 21st. It can be seen at HIFF on Sunday, October 9th.

Holly Hunter stars in Strange Weather. (Courtesy Photo)

Strange Weather is a portrait of an unconventional woman, played by Holly Hunter, who discovers what it takes to change your life mid-stream. The film is lyrical, emotional, and rich. Characters search for answers to unanswerable questions and learn what it means to be fully alive.

“Our Southampton Opening Night and Centerpiece Films bring an array of talented filmmakers, actors, and diverse storylines to HIFF this year,” said HIFF Artistic Director David Nugent. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to screen these bodies of work.”

The 24th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place Thursday, October 6th through Monday, October 10th. Founder Passes and ticket packages are currently available for purchase.

For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.