HamptonsFilm announced that its annual SummerDocs series will return for its 18th edition in partnership with Guild Hall. This summer’s lineup will feature a selection of the year’s most anticipated documentary features from some of the industry’s leading storytellers.
The series will open with Alex Gibney’s KNIFE: THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SALMAN RUSHDIE on Saturday, June 27, HBO Original documentary THE LION QUEEN, directed by Alden Nusser and Ben Fries on Saturday, August 1, and will close with Apple Original Films’ THE LAST FIRST: WINTER K2, directed by Amir Bar-Lev, on Saturday, August 29. All screenings will begin at 7:00 PM at Guild Hall, located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. HamptonsFilm Chief Creative Officer David Nugent and Co-Chair Alec Baldwin will lead post-screening conversations with attending filmmakers.
“In its 18th year, our SummerDocs series continues to spotlight compelling films that challenge, inspire, and engage audiences, and our 2026 lineup is no exception,” said HamptonsFilm Chief Creative Officer David Nugent. “These films have already generated tremendous audience response, and we’re thrilled to bring them to East End audiences this summer.”
The SummerDocs series includes a wide array of both inspirational and thought-provoking documentaries from award-winning filmmakers.
– Inspired by acclaimed author Salman Rushdie’s memoir Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Peabody-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney’s KNIFE: THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SALMAN RUSHDIE follows not just the physical rehabilitation, but also the restoration of Rushdie’s spirit and optimism in the years following his 2022 attack. Gibney is known for incisive, gripping documentaries. His works include TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE, GOING CLEAR, ENRON, IN RESTLESS DREAMS, and forthcoming films on Elon Musk and Luigi Mangione. Gibney will be present for a post-screening conversation.
– THE LION QUEEN, The divorce of the century turned Jocelyne Wildenstein – often referred to in the media as ‘The Catwoman’ – into a 90s tabloid obsession, bringing the private Wildenstein art empire into the spotlight. THE LION QUEEN explores the life of a woman shaped by extraordinary wealth and scrutiny, offering a revealing look at the personal cost of fame and fortune. Producer Caroline Baron will join for a post-screening conversation.
– THE LAST FIRST: WINTER K2, directed by Amir Bar-Lev, follows a team of mountaineers who, in 2021, attempt to make the first successful winter ascent of K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth. Bar-Lev’s directorial credits include FIGHTER, MY KID COULD PAINT THAT, the Emmy-winning THE TILLMAN STORY, HAPPY VALLEY, and LONG STRANGE TRIP. Bar-Lev also co-produced TROUBLE THE WATER, which was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2008 Academy Awards. Bar-Lev will be present for a post-screening conversation.
Many past SummerDocs Series selections have continued down the awards path and have gone on to be shortlisted, receive a nomination, and even win an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Feature Film, including MY MOM JAYNE (2025), SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY (2024), THE ETERNAL MEMORY (2024), NAVALNY (2023), FIRE OF LOVE (2023), SUMMER OF SOUL (2021), ICARUS (2017), TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM (2013), SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN (2012), and THE COVE (2009). The series has also featured films from filmmakers including Maite Alberdi, Fisher Stevens, Rory Kennedy, Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing, Davis Guggenheim, Andrew Rossi, Daniel Roher, Chiemi Karasawa, Morgan Neville, Marina Zenovich, Louie Psihoyos, Steve James, Ian Bonhôte, and Peter Ettedgui.
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