The Board of HamptonsFilm announced that Richard Gladstein has been appointed as the new Executive Director. A two-time Academy Award®-nominated film producer, Gladstein brings a wealth of experience in film, arts leadership, education and cultural programming. Gladstein will report to HamptonsFilm Co-Chairs Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro. David Nugent has also been elevated to Chief Creative Officer of HamptonsFilm and will report to Gladstein.
As Executive Director, Gladstein will lead HamptonsFilm and the Hamptons International Film Fest, overseeing strategic planning while creating new and dynamic year-round artistic offerings. He will work closely with the Board of Directors, artistic leadership, and staff to guide the organization’s mission to deepen community engagement, expand industry partnerships and sponsorship, and grow the impact and visibility of the annual festival in October. Gladstein will focus on the organization’s reach, ensuring the continued success of the annual festival as well as its educational and industry and community initiatives throughout the year. His role bridges creative and operational leadership, serving as leadership for the organization.
Gladstein most recently served as Executive Director of Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema. He is the President and Founder of the production company FilmColony and is a two-time Academy Award®-nominated producer for Best Picture for THE CIDER HOUSE RULES and FINDING NEVERLAND. He has produced over 30 films, including critically acclaimed THE HATEFUL EIGHT, THE BOURNE IDENTITY, PULP FICTION, RESERVOIR DOGS, JACKIE BROWN, HURLYBURLY and SHE’S ALL THAT, among others. His films have received 27 Academy Award® nominations and earned in excess of US $1 billion worldwide.
He previously served as Dean at the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory, Executive Vice President & Head of Production at Miramax Films, and Vice President of Production & Acquisitions at LIVE Entertainment. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America, and served on the PGA’s Board of Directors for eight years. In addition, he has frequently served as a juror for many festivals and awards organizations, including The Gotham Awards.
“I am honored to join HamptonsFilm at such an exciting moment in its evolution”, said Gladstein, Executive Director of HamptonsFilm. The organization and the festival have long been a bright cultural center for the East End community, the industry, and for filmmakers and audiences across the globe, as an organization that champions bold and diverse storytelling. I look forward to helping build on that legacy, working with the team, the board, our partners and sponsors, and the broader film community.”
“We are delighted to welcome Richard as our new Executive Director,” said Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro, Co-Chairs of HamptonsFilm. “His vision, leadership, and deep commitment to the power of film and entertainment will be instrumental in guiding our organization into its next chapter. We’re confident that under his direction, we will continue to grow our impact, elevate new voices, and strengthen our connection with the community.”
Nugent has had a long tenure with the festival, joining the team in 2007 and expanding from Director of Programming to the organization’s Artistic Director, a role he has held since 2012. Nugent has been responsible for curating the best in global cinema for local Hamptons audiences and beyond. He has been instrumental in leading the development of year-round programming with the SummerDocs Series, Screenwriters Labs and the expansion of the festival to eleven days in length. During his time at HamptonsFilm, Nugent oversaw an 11-year stretch during which HIFF screened the eventual Best Picture winner each year, the only festival in the world with such a distinction.
“It’s been a privilege to shape our artistic vision at HamptonsFilm, and I’m excited to continue that work with an even broader creative mandate,” said Nugent. “I look forward to stepping into this new role at such a transformative time for the organization and working with Richard, whose leadership and passion for film is inspiring.”
