Arts

"It's been his passion and he's never really been in a movie where he wasn't saying someone else's words - where he had to be himself, and he was willing to do that," Stevens said about DiCaprio.

"As a kid, being in the spotlight at such a young age, she's been growing and figuring out who she is in the public spotlight - I was much more interested in what that was like for a young girl," said Auritt.

This issue, which pitted neighbor against neighbor in a village swarming with artists and writers, has been reinvented in yet another art form as a 76-minute documentary.

"We are thrilled to be adding two days to the Festival this year," shared Kelly Connaughton Dodds. "It promises to be our best yet."

"Foremost in my mind in composing this work was to capture a vision of the epic quality of our country - the awesome diversity of its landscape and its people," said Miloš Repicky about one of the featured pieces.

"In working to ensure that theater remains accessible, this year we are once again offering the Free Student Ticket Initiative for all school groups," said Tracy Mitchell. "I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to see The Scarlet Letter."

"It's a whimsically wonderful classic that the whole family can enjoy together, and the gift that Wilder gave to so many of us will live on," said Amy Kirwin.

"This is my story but it also could be your story; laugh a little, cry a little, and discover that forgiveness is possible even when it seems unlikely," said filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum.

This year's Festival will include over 20 completely free performances.

"We are so proud to showcase films made by New York based, independent film directors, and it is an exceptional pleasure to showcase their works in these coveted festival slots," said HIFF Executive Director Anne Chaisson.