It is movie time again in East Hampton. Next Thursday at Guild Hall, the Hamptons International Film Festival officially opens with the screening of “Just Mercy.” From then until the afternoon of Oct. 14, it will be a cinephile’s delight, with dozens of features and short films, as well as talks and parties, from all over the world and homegrown directors, writers, and producers, famous and not so famous. With this much to choose from in a short few days, just choosing what to see can seem daunting. Tickets have gone on sale, and while some of the biggest titles might be sold out, there are always plenty of other choices.
One tip: Buttonhole festival employees or volunteers and ask what they were excited to see. Then, hustle over to the “rush” lines, where there is almost always a last-minute ticket. Or, ask other festival patrons on line, what they looked forward to. Often the unexpected films, the ones that we had not intended to see, turn out to be the ones that stick with us the longest.
Our bottom line advice? Take chances, talk to the people around you, and see as many “small” films as you can fit in. It’s not called a festival by accident — get out there and have a good time. See you on the rush line!