The fourth annual Hamptons Whodunit crime and mystery festival begins April 16 and continues through April 19.
A collaboration of the village, the East Hampton Library, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the East Hampton Historical Society, and BookHampton, the festival, founded in 2023 to create affordable off-season programming for the community, brings together celebrated mystery and thriller authors as well as true-crime experts who participate in panels and social events with audience members.
East Hampton High School students participate in interactive learning experiences, including simulated crime scenes to learn forensic skills, tours that describe mysteries of the region, and “escape rooms” that require problem-solving. “It’s very popular,” Carrie Doyle of the East Hampton Village Board said last month. “We have about 200 kids from the high school that participate each year.”
New this year is an international sponsor, The Daily Mail, which will host panels and post content for its 30 million followers on TikTok, Ms. Doyle said. Also new is the Whodunit PitchFest, presented with Blackfin, a division of Lionsgate Alternative Television. The PitchFest is intended to discover compelling stories with the potential to go beyond development and into production. Participants have been encouraged to submit projects that demonstrate original insight, proximity to a case, or a fresh investigative approach. At least one selected project will receive up to $10,000 in development funding and creative guidance to further develop a documentary or series.
The inaugural Whodunit PitchFest happens on April 19, but story ideas must be submitted in writing via FilmFreeway (see filmfreeway.com) by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow. Applicants must purchase a weekend or Sunday day pass to Hamptons Whodunit, or pay the Whodunit PitchFest submission fee. Selected creators will be invited to present their projects in person or via video call on April 19 in a closed-door, 20-minute pitch session with Geno McDermott, a Blackfin producer and executive.
Hamptons Whodunit launches with a kickoff cocktail party next Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Maidstone Club Tennis House at 29 Maidstone Lane. A ticketed event, those attending the V.I.P. preview at 5 p.m. can mingle with authors and true-crime experts for one hour before the cocktail party. Tickets include complimentary beverages and a caviar tasting.
Hamptons Whodunit continues at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 17, and April 18 with panel discussions, lectures, and book signings. At 5 p.m. on both evenings, Hugh King, the village historian, will lead the Goody Garlick Graveyard Tour, “which is the first thing to always sell out,” Ms. Doyle said, with participants asked to meet at 4:50 at 28 James Lane. The fun and intrigue continue on April 19.
More information, including the full schedule, is at hamptonswhodunit.org.
