HamptonsFilm has selected Regina King’s directorial debut One Night in Miami as the 28th annual Hamptons International Film Festival’s (HIFF) closing night film.
Based on the award-winning Kemp Powers play of the same name, the film tells the story of a night in 1964 when four legends of sports, music, and activism came together to commemorate one of the most notable upsets in boxing history. One Night in Miami stars Eli Goree, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Aldis Hodge – who was one of the 2019 HIFF Breakthrough Artists.
Odom, Jr. will also take part in this year’s “A Conversation With…” series. The Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning singer and actor originated the role of Aaron Burr in the Tony Award-winning musical Hamilton. Most recently, Odom, Jr. starred in the new animated Apple TV+ musical-comedy series Central Park – which earned him an Emmy nomination, as well as the limited Freeform series Love in the Time of Corona.
“We have long admired the work of Regina King—throughout the years she has given phenomenal and groundbreaking performances, and we look forward to being able to now spotlight her craft and skill behind the camera with her directorial debut,” said HIFF Artistic Director David Nugent. “The festival is also thrilled to welcome Leslie Odom, Jr., whose artistry and talent is unparalleled, for our ‘A Conversation With…’ series.”
The 2020 HIFF, which will encompass virtual screenings and drive-ins, will also include the U.S. Premiere of Nathan Grossman’s documentary I Am Greta, which delves into the life of 17-year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg; the East Coast Premiere of Lisa Immordino Vreeland’s documentary Truman & Tennessee: An Intimate Conversation, which offers an intimate, candid look at the literary luminaries; Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand, which follows a woman in search of a less conventional lifestyle; and Garrett Bradley’s documentary Time, which explores the life of Sibil Fox Richardson, an entrepreneur, abolitionist, and mother of six boys, who for the last two decades has tirelessly fought for the release of her husband Rob, who is serving a 60-year prison sentence.
“As we continue forward in these unprecedented times, we are delighted to add more dynamic films and programs to our lineup,” relayed HIFF Executive Director Anne Chaisson. “Our festival continues to push boundaries with compelling and inclusive storytelling.”
The 28th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place Thursday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 14.
For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.