Press

The Southampton Press
31 October 2006
by Rachel Collins

A Buffet For the Hungry Movie Lover

… My first film of the festival this year was the Opening Night Film, Philip Haas’s “The Situation,” which was given several screenings to accommodate the crowds on Wednesday, October 18.

The East Hampton UA1 theater was packed with eager viewers, ready to take in what promised to be a thought-provoking film and anxious to begin their four-plus days of immersion in every aspect of the world of contemporary cinematic art. The director and several of the actors, including Connie Nielsen, were on hand to discuss the movie in a Q & A session after the screening, adding the kind of personal touch that helps to distinguish the festival experience.

One of the defining advantages of attending a film festival, no matter the venue, is the opportunity to speak with the writers, directors or actors involved in the projects, and it’s not uncommon to have all three on hand.

“The Situation” served up a powerful and timely look at the current situation in Iraq. Focusing principally on the journey of a fictitious freelance journalist in the region, Anna Molyneux, the plot weaves together the lives of several characters and reveals the different ways each of them are affected by the conflict.

Chatter following the screening seemed to indicate that the rest of the audience was as moved by the film, set for release in early 2007, as I was. And while I didn’t join the throngs heading out to Gurney’s in Montauk for the opening night reception, I heard afterward that it was packed with locals and industry people alike …