Glenn Kaino And Afshin Shahidi’s “With Drawn Arms” To Open 28th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival

After a summer of successful drive-in screenings, HamptonsFilm will continue the nostalgic viewing experience this fall during the 28th annual Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF), which will also include virtual screenings.

The 28th iteration will open with the World Premiere of Glenn Kaino and Afshin Shahidi’s With Drawn Arms. The film explores the legacy of Olympic athlete Tommie Smith, who along with John Carlos raised a black-gloved fist in protest of civil rights injustices during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner at the 1968 Olympic games. With Drawn Arms includes interviews with the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, soccer gold medalist and activist Megan Rapinoe, and actor Jesse Williams, who executive produced the feature film along with musician John Legend. In addition to serving as the Opening Night Film, With Drawn Arms will be awarded the Film of Conflict & Resolution Award, which is accompanied by a $5,000 cash prize from the Brizzolara Family Foundation.

Rick Korn’s Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something will also make its World Premiere at HIFF. The film delves into the life of award-winning songwriter Harry Chapin, whose work includes Taxi, W*O*L*D, Flowers Are Red and Cat’s in the Cradle. Chapin, a committed humanitarian, founded Long Island’s first food bank, Long Island Cares. Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something will screen in the Views From Long Island section.

The 2020 HIFF will also feature Florian Zeller’s The Father starring Academy Award® winner Sir Anthony Hopkins and Academy Award® winner Olivia Colman, as well as the East Coast Premieres of Edson Oda’s Nine Days starring Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz and Elizabeth Lo’s documentary Stray. The Father takes a look at the relationship of a father and daughter as the family’s patriarch struggles with an ailing memory. Nine Days, a science fiction film, follows a recluse as he attempts to select one soul to be born. Stray documents life through the eyes of three Istanbul stray dogs.

“In the face of these unprecedented times, we are thrilled to continue to present unique and fascinating films for our audiences—from thrilling narratives like The Father and Nine Days to powerful documentaries like Stray and Harry Chapin: When In Doubt, Do Something. We are particularly proud to be opening this year’s 28th edition with a film that explores a seminal moment from the civil rights movement that continues to resonate with today’s climate of conflict and change in With Drawn Arms,” said HamptonsFilm Artistic Director David Nugent.

“While this year’s festival may look different, we look forward to supporting filmmakers by following our mission to showcase new voices and the best of cinema from around the world, plus we are delighted to continue giving over $28,000 in cash awards, as well as another $130,000 in goods and services to our competition winners,” added Anne Chaisson, Executive Director of HamptonsFilm. “Now more than ever, audiences need a place to escape, whether through a virtual or a drive-in screening, and can immerse themselves in entertaining, gripping and enlightening movies this fall.”

The 28th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14.

For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.