by Larry Richman
October 18, 2006 7:20 PM

I had only a precious few days to unpack and take a breath following ten days at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival when I headed up to New York for the Woodstock Film Festival this past weekend. After a stop for a Rivertown Film Society screening in Nyack, New York on the way home, I arrived back in Philly on Monday. But this time I didn't even bother to unpack, for it's Wednesday the 18th of October and time for the kickoff of the 2006 Hamptons International Film Festival. We are in East Hampton, at the far eastern end of Long Island, New York.

It was a pleasant trip out. Just about four hours, and unlike some previous festivals I managed to arrive without getting a speeding ticket. Once I reached Suffolk County on the famed Long Island Expressway, there was very little traffic and it was absolutely beautiful. The road heads through the Pine Barrens, a vast landscape of nothing but wilderness. It certainly rivals the stunning setting of the Catskill Mountains where I spent last weekend. I arrived at my hotel to find an empty parking lot. Actually, I couldn't find the lot at first because there were no cars in it. I'm the only one here. There are just ten units, and the office wasn't even open. They left the room key in an envelope by the door. The grounds are huge with lots of greenery, and I have a wooden deck overlooking a beautiful big tree-lined lawn. The room is quaint, with ceilings fan and skylights like a country cottage (which is basically what it is). Best of all, I have high speed internet, which is really all I need. There's a cat, too, but I haven't seen it in awhile.

I headed into town to register. I'm six miles from Main Street in East Hampton where the Press Office, Box Office, United Artists 6 Theater (where most of the films are), and Guild Hall (where some other films will screen), and they are all within walking distance of each other. So once I get into town I can just park and walk. Some events are in nearby towns like Montauk, Southampton, and Sag Harbor, and there is a free jitney that takes you there. So transportation should be a breeze.

Registration was like organized chaos. I did get everything I needed: badge, press kit, tickets, program guide, etc. but I had to go back and forth from one place to another and back again and deal with about a dozen people, albeit helpful and friendly volunteers all, before I had everything I was supposed to get. Fortunately, though, it wasn't too crowded since I think most people have yet to arrive.

So tomorrow is Day One. I'm seeing four films back-to-back, all in the same multiplex, so I'll basically be in one theater from about 12 noon to 9 PM. Of course, I'll be posting my comments about the films, as well as pictures of any of the cast and crew who make appearances. Then there is a party from 9-11 PM: "Board Member Judy Licht will be holding a reception in her Beachfront home for new members of the HIFF and celebrity guests." I'm invited as press, but I'm also one of those "new members" so I got invited as a guest. Maybe I'll have to interview myself. Hopefully the "celebrity guests" will be of more interest.