Funny Business at the 2008 Hamptons International Film Festival

This year, in collaboration with Caroline Hirsch, the founder and owner of the famed Carolines on Broadway comedy nightclub, The Hamptons International Film Festival is proud to inaugurate a new award recognizing an emerging comedic talent at this year’s festival. Too often films are judged on a scale that rewards earnestness over levity and recognizes only this gravity as worthy of honor. The added irony of this situation is that it is often the comedies that provide the most trenchant and insightful commentary on societal mores and values. Well-executed comedy is truly rare and requires an innate talent and honed skill that we are honored to recognize with this new award, which will be presented by Hirsch. Films in all categories are eligible for the $7,500 prize, which will be announced at our ceremony on Sunday, October 19th.

"Caroline's support of the Festival in general has always been very strong. We are excited that she is helping us find and celebrate the next generation of comedic filmmakers. I think it is great that Caroline chose the talent behind a short film for the inaugural award, as so many great directors get their start in short form work. For Caroline to step up to the plate and initiate this award, in her arena means so much to us. She truly is a trailblazer in the comedy world, and this new award is one of the many ways that her support is invaluable to us as an organization dedicated to fostering talented filmmakers.” - David Nugent, Director of Programming

“I believe that comedy is a true art form and one that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Too often, it’s given second-class treatment. I’m proud to be working with the Hamptons International Film Festival this year to help elevate comedy’s profile in film and to create a platform for a new generation of filmmakers to showcase their work.” – Caroline Hirsch

Some of the comedy shorts in the 2008 Festival include: Flashback, The Adventure,Voyage d'Affaires, Oktapodi, How I Learned to Love Richard Gere, Goldthwait Family Home Movies, Unreel Sports, Fantaisie in Bubblewrap, Cute Couple, PATH.

Keeping the good times rolling – The Hamptons International Film Festival is thrilled to announce the host of this year’s award ceremony, The Daily Show co-creator and host of Shoot the Messenger, the hilarious and savvy Lizz Winstead.

The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to celebrate independent film - long, short, narrative and documentary - introducing a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to our audiences. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all. The 16th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival will be held October 15 through October 19, 2008.