As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, the Hamptons International Film Festival has scheduled a summer-long series of special benefit events, including dinners, cocktail parties, screenings, and talks.
Jane Wenner and Taylor Barton will host a cocktail party with Sonita Alizadeh, the Afghan activist-rapper and subject of the documentary "Sonita," Friday evening at 6. The event will include a conversation with the actor and director Bob Balaban, who is a festival board member.
The filmmaker Barry Avrich will provide a sneak peek, to be held at a private residence, of his upcoming documentary, "The Talented Mr. Rosenberg," a portrait of a notorious swindler, on Friday, July 15. Dinner will follow. The hosts are Myrna and John Daniels.
Stephen Apkon, the co-director and producer of the award-winning 2016 documentary "Disturbing the Peace," will be the honoree at a dinner and conversation hosted by Patti Kenner on July 16.
Prior to the SummerDocs July 23 screening of "Navalny," a documentary about the imprisoned Russian opposition leader, the director Daniel Roher will discuss the film with Alec Baldwin at the home of Kim Brizzolara, the vice chairwoman of the HIFF board.
Cristina Cuomo, editor of The Purist, which focuses on wellness, will host a luncheon celebrating Women in Film as well as a shopping and wellness experience on Aug. 4.
The film festival's 30th anniversary poster, created by Stanley Whitney, who has a house and studio in Bridgehampton, will be unveiled at a cocktail party on Aug. 18. Guests will include John Alexander, Bruce Weber, Eric Fischl, Toni Ross, Cindy Sherman, and Bastienne Schmidt. Debi and Steve Wisch will host.
Sailing aboard the 50-foot motor yacht Kingfisher on Gardiner's Bay, Kevin McAllister, founder of the nonprofit Defend H2O, will discuss the importance of saving our waters on Aug. 22.
The anniversary celebration will conclude on Oct. 8 with the festival's Southampton opening and afterparty, which will be hosted by Randy Mastro, chairman of the festival's board, and Jonine Bernstein.
Friday's program is sold out. Tickets for the remaining events are available from the festival's website.
