Film Festival Update

The Hamptons International Film Festival has expanded its board of directors and begun a new fund-raising pitch.

Tinka Topping, one of the founders of the festival and its secretary until last month, has resigned from the board of directors. Taking her place as secretary is Bruce Feinberg. Karen Fifer Ferry, the former treasurer of the board, has become one of four vice chairs, as has Pat Swinney Kaufman. Robert Wiesenthal took over Ms. Fifer Ferry's position.

In addition, two new faces, Rodney Miller and Patricia Weeks, have joined the board of directors.

Sapphire Anniversary

The fifth annual Film Festival will come to town in October and to make the sapphire anniversary all the more sparkling, the board is soliciting platinum, gold, and silver patrons. Those who give $5,000 to the festival become platinum patrons and gain unlimited access to all festival events. A $2,500 donation turns a donor into a gold patron and contributors of $1,000 earn the title of silver patron.

Of these, only the platinum patrons will receive tickets to the festival with their donation. The names of all patrons will be listed in the 1997 festival program book. For those who wish to see the films, the Film Festival will also continue to offer founders passes for $1,000 donations, and film buff passes for a minimum donation that has not yet been determined.