Sag Harbor - The Third Annual Hamptons Take Two Festival kicked off last weekend, with a lovely showcase of film-making talent and the art of the documentary film genre on Saturday, November 20.

For three years, the Hamptons Take Two Festival has shed light upon the elasticity of outstanding documentaries, bringing together an inspiring crowd and local talent from across the East End. Sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank and Brown Harris Stevens, the festival unfolded Saturday afternoon at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. For participants who were unable to attend Saturday's screenings, the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor held the same screening schedule on Sunday. This year's hosts were award-winning broadcaster, producer and interviewer, Bonnie Grice as well as former Press News Group Associate Editor, Andrew Botsford, each holding a passion for film.

Tom Murray and Andrew Hart Adler.

Filmmaker and festival director, Jacqui Lofaro believes the festival offers a refreshing perspective when it comes to the documentary film genre and how it translates well to a larger audience. "The Hamptons Take Two Festival is dedicated to the art of documentary film and celebrates local filmmakers whose work is worthy enough to have a second chance, a 'take two,' as they say in the movie-making business," Lofaro exclaimed. "It's 'all docs, all day.' There are so many wonderful films and the audience response has been just great."

It all started in 2008, when Lofaro had some films of her own in the festival, leading her to create the festival as a way to expose the genre as well as her works. "I love the genre of the documentary, it's so elastic. It has broad parameters," Lofaro remarked. "What makes a good documentary is a good story, if you have a good story, you have a good doc."

Each screening had a unique story to tell. Some of the screenings included "Tale of Two Schools," "Bette and Dale's Organic Produce," "Lessons for the Living," "The Artist and His Model," "Wildlife," "Nascence," "Such Great Heights," "Funny Business" and "Dad's in Heaven with Nixon."

Fran White.

Besides showcasing local talent, this year's festival dedicated a portion of screenings to filmmaking legends whose talent and direction left a lasting impression on the film industry. This year the festival celebrated the work of renowned filmmaker and Academy Award Winner, Nigel Nobel, whose award-winning documentary, "Close Harmony," deserved a second take. Painter and filmmaker, Howard Kanovitz produced "Hamptons Drive-In," which was selected for a second screening as well.

Noble's award-winning documentary, "Close Harmony," is a film that warms the heart. Noble follows a chorus of fourth and fifth graders at the Brooklyn Friends School and a chorus of elders at the Brooklyn Jewish Seniors' Center who prepare for an annual joint concert. Prior to the performance, they communicate as pen pals for several months, making for an unexpected realization as he explores the connection between the young and the old. The film delves into the stereotypes and misconceptions that children have towards their elders as Noble captures the essence of growing older and the reflection of their past in the youth.

The Hamptons Take Two Festival is on the rise and continues to expose local filmmakers from across the East End with hopes of showcasing a genre that is sometimes misunderstood.

For more information go to www.ht2ff.com.

Hope Sandrow, Grania Bralin, Jim Schwarter and Marsha Kranes.