Taking place from November 30 to December 6 in Sag Harbor, the 16th edition of the Hamptons Doc Fest treated audiences to a cinematic feast with 30 films showcased at the Sag Harbor Cinema and Bay Street Theater. Spanning seven days, the festival not only celebrated the art of documentary filmmaking but also recognized outstanding contributions.
Among the noteworthy films, “26.2 to Life” secured the coveted 2023 Brown Harris Stevens Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature. Directed by Christine Yoo, the film, which took over five years to create, delves into the world of San Quentin Prison in California. The narrative unfolds through the lens of three incarcerated men participating in the 1,000 Mile Club, a unique marathon covering 105 laps around the prison yard. Jacqui Lofaro, founder and executive director of Hamptons Doc Fest, praised the film’s message of hope and redemption. Director Christine Yoo expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the film’s inclusion in prestigious line-ups and its positive impact on audiences.
The festival, now in its 16th year, continued to evolve, implementing a two-theater format at the Sag Harbor Cinema and Bay Street Theater. Jacqui Lofaro, the festival’s executive director, highlighted the success of this approach, allowing attendees to maximize their viewing experience without scheduling conflicts. The extended seven-day duration provided flexibility and introduced new initiatives like “Shorts & Breakfast Bites,” a program presenting shorter documentaries accompanied by morning refreshments.
The festival’s commitment to diversity was evident in its film selection, covering a broad range of topics, from dance and environmental issues to music and 3D art. The inclusion of unique films, such as Wim Wenders’ “Anselm,” showcased the festival’s dedication to offering distinctive cinematic experiences.
Hamptons Doc Fest also honored accomplished individuals in the industry, including director Matthew Heineman, recipient of the Pennebaker Career Achievement Award. Notably, the festival paid tribute to the late Nancy Buirski, an influential figure on the HDF advisory board, by screening her documentary “The Loving Story.” The festival’s impact extended beyond entertainment, recognizing Regina K. Scully with the Impact Award for her support of “Obsessed With Light.” This film, co-presented with New York Women in Film & Television, explored the innovative use of light by early 20th-century dancer Loïe Fuller.
A standout feature of the festival was the screening of “999: The Forgotten Girls of the Holocaust” by Heather Dune Macadam. The documentary, receiving the Human Rights Award, uncovered the harrowing story of almost 1,000 teenage Jewish girls sent to Auschwitz in 1942. The film meticulously traces the events from Humenné, Slovakia, in 1942, where young women were deceived into believing they were undertaking government service work. The harsh reality unfolded as they became part of a slave labor force in Auschwitz, highlighting the cruelty of fascist regimes and the Holocaust. Macadam’s dedication to preserving these stories led her to track down survivors and document their accounts on film. The documentary serves as a poignant reminder of historical atrocities and the resilience of those who endured them.
As Hamptons Doc Fest concluded its 16th edition, the diverse array of films, impactful awards, and insightful discussions reaffirmed its status as a vital platform for documentary storytelling. Hamptons Doc Fest continues to create space for voices that deserve to be heard and stories that demand remembrance.
