Letters to the Editor: 12.26.96

Not-For-Profit

East Hampton

December 21, 1996

Dear Helen,

I am writing in response to Jean K. Hoffmann's letter, "Commercial Venture," that appeared in the Dec. 19 issue of The Star. Ms. Hoffmann, unfortunately, is misguided and apparently misinformed in her response to quotes from Toni Ross that appeared in William Grimes's New York Times article on Oct. 16.

First, let me state categorically that the Hamptons International Film Festival is a recognized not-for-profit corporation under both Federal and state law. Part of our mission is to provide opportunities for artists to further their careers.

Ms. Hoffmann seems to conclude that the mission of fostering business relations between filmmakers and purchasers of this product makes the festival a commercial venture. Festivals and markets provide filmmakers, who have taken the commercial risk, with a venue in which to show their product to distributors who will bring these movies to theaters around the world. The festival does not benefit financially from any deals consummated through the festival.

We join with Ms. Hoffmann in bemoaning the reduced public funds supporting the necessities of life. Most great civilizations are remembered for their arts and the nonfinancial contribution they have made to the future.

We decry the current attitude that suggests that it is improper to spend government funds on something as intangible as the arts. Shrewd public servants know that a small amount of economic stimulus to the arts yields a disproportionate financial and cultural return.

We are very grateful for the support we receive from public funding bodies such as the Town of East Hampton. The monies we receive aid us directly in enlarging the scope of cultural and artistic voices presented in the community. These funds also provide an indirect financial boost to the community.

The festival spends over $500,000 annually in the Town of East Hampton to operate. These expenses are direct payment to merchants, craftspeople, and service suppliers in the community. This is more than a 100-fold return on the financial investment the town makes.

In addition, residents have benefited during the year from free outdoor summer screenings (attended by over 4,000 this past summer), screenings of silent pictures with live orchestra, and the current documentary program addressing racism and discrimination.

Finally, Ms. Hoffmann's attempt to equate us with a celebrated fiasco from last summer is a simplistic and malformed analysis. The only potential financial benefit that the festival and the filmmakers who show here can reap is a chance to present their wares again in the future.

I am sorry that Ms. Hoffmann does not think this is a fair deal for the citizens of East Hampton. The Hamptons International Film Festival serves this community and filmmakers. It is completely appropriate and worthwhile for the Town of East Hampton to spend public funds on a venture that yields economic benefits for the residents, raises the level of cultural activity here, and enriches the lives of many people.

Sincerely,

KEN TABACHNICK

Executive Director

Please address correspondence to [email protected]