Hamptons International Film Festival 2025
East Hampton, NY | October 3–5, 2025
By Robert Hicks
The 2025 Hamptons International Film Festival returned to East Hampton with a star-studded lineup of premieres, Q&A sessions, and industry spotlights celebrating creativity, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of film.
The festival opened on October 3 with the pre-release screening of “Eternity,” a romantic comedy starring Elizabeth Olsen. The film follows a woman who, upon entering heaven, must choose who to spend eternity with—her first love who died in war, or the partner she built a life with on Earth. Olsen attended the screening alongside fashion icon Donna Karan. Eternity is set for theatrical release on November 26, 2025.
Over the following days, filmmaker Robert Hicks captured exclusive moments from several standout features and Q&A events:
The Eyes of Ghana — Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, this powerful 90-minute documentary examines the role of filmmaking in safeguarding democracy. Photos feature producers Ben Proudfoot, a two-time Academy Award winner, and Moses Bwayo.
Ask E. Jean — A 90-minute documentary chronicling the story of journalist E. Jean Carroll, featuring E. Jean, Ellen Barkin, and attorney Roberta Kaplan.
Blue Moon — Starring Ethan Hawke, who participated in a Q&A moderated by journalist Alison Stewart, host of All of It with Alison Stewart on WNYC.
Fantasy Life — An indie comedy starring Amanda Peet and Bob Balaban, exploring themes of self-doubt and personal discovery.
Kiss of the Spider Woman — A film adaptation of the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical, featuring rising star Tonatiuh and directed by Bill Condon, known for Dreamgirls.
Christy — Based on the true story of boxer Christy Martin, starring Sydney Sweeney, who received the festival’s Achievement in Acting Award.
The 2025 Hamptons International Film Festival once again affirmed its place as a premier destination for filmmakers, artists, and audiences celebrating cinematic excellence.
All photography by Robert Hicks.
