Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
October 3, 2017

INTERVIEW: Director Alison Chernick On The World Premiere Of “Itzhak” At Hamptons International Film Festival

Nicole Barylskiby Nicole Barylski
in Arts
Home Arts

Opening night of the 25th anniversary of the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will launch with Alison Chernick’s documentary Itzhak, which chronicles the extraordinary life and music of Itzhak Perlman, who is widely considered one of the world’s greatest living violinists.

We recently caught up with Chernick about the film, Itzhak Perlman, who will be in attendance at the Guild Hall screening, and more.

Prior to filming, how much about Itzhak’s life did you know?

AC: I knew a lot. Maybe I didn’t know the intricacies or nuances, but I certainly was very well abreast of his music and who he was, but I certainly got to know him better in this process.

How long did you follow the Perlmans?

AC: The first shoot was the Medal of Freedom shoot in November of 2015 and I followed him through last summer and we started editing in the fall. So, about a year in the life of. At one point the film was going to be called Four Seasons and it was going to cover him in different seasons.

Why did you feel that this was a film that needed to be made?

AC: It was his 70th year so it was sort of a perfect year and great timing and as his wife Toby said: “We’re not young, we’re not old.” So it was right in terms of their energy level and he’s a different person than he was in his late 30s when there was another film made about him, so there was really not a doc made about him in any time recent. As his artistry grew and his confidence grew, it’s great to capture him at that moment in time.

Perlman is widely considered one of the world’s greatest living violinists. (Courtesy Photo)


What was your reaction when you learned the film had been selected as Hamptons International Film Festival’s Opening Night film?

AC: We were super excited for a documentary, especially one on a classical musician, to be opening night. I think in most of the cases they show narrative, so we felt sort of extra rewarded that they were supporting a documentary, being an advocate, that ours was chosen. Its Itzhak’s home away from home, so it really felt like the perfect fit. We’re very excited.

This will also mark the film’s world premiere.

AC: We just finished it too. So it’s hot off the presses – Friday night at 9 p.m. we delivered it. We were in sound mix all week, so the timing is perfect.

It seemed like Itzhak was an open book about his life. Was there anything he was hesitant to talk about?

AC: No. He was pretty open. I think with Toby there we were able to go a bit deeper emotionally. We created a conversation between the two of them and that really helped bring out some of the deeper emotional levels. He’s open with politics, but we didn’t go so deep into that. We were filming right around Hillary and Trump and we sort of avoided that. He wasn’t so hesitant to do anything – we stayed away from hardcore politics because we felt like it would sidetrack the film and divert the attention away from what I was trying to show.

Since Itzhak is so prolific, was it a struggle to find a balance to make classic music more relatable to the audience?

AC: I think that when you’re really exploring and dissecting the artist behind the music, you’re opening up a new window or lens into the music itself and the musical world that they inhabit. If anything, it made it more relatable by getting to know the person creating it – the man behind this beautiful sound. Through the process of being with him and unpacking how he thinks about the world I think we gained more access into his music and I think his music really comes from his heart and his soul. There’s an abundance of humanity that he has and it’s through that humanity that he plays every note. President Obama said: “You can hear his soul when he plays the violin.”

Perlman performed the National Anthem at Citi Field before a New York Mets game. (Courtesy Photo)


Speaking of President Obama, there’s quite a few cameos from notable names like Billy Joel and Alan Alda. With all the archival footage you had, how did you decide what to include?

AC: The story kind of ends up telling itself in many ways and it dictates what the scene needs. For example, the Billy Joel scene for us was a way to showcase his collaborative personality and his confidence – I think he asserts his own ideas in that scene. It is also Billy Joel, so it’s not exactly his milieu of what he’s used to playing and it shows his range and diversity. Alan Alda and Itzhak are old friends and they were able to get into a conversation about polio, so you get some of the history in and some of his physical challenges, and they talk about technique and their expertise and their craft. So, you have a parallel in another field. The award, especially at a time where the world has changed so much since the beginning of the film, it just felt imperative to include Barack Obama, who we’re all fans of and hearing his words is so great after the president that we have now who can barely string a sentence together.

After seeing the film, is there anything you hope the audience takes away?

AC: That brilliant and complicated people can also be quite normal, really getting to know this genius musician and that he’s just like all of us. Really, I think that for that level of musician, Itzhak talks about how you really have to have this sound in your head and he from a very early age had this sound in his head that he was able to develop from hearing it. That was an interesting comment on art and artistry and music – that it really comes from within. You have the sound and you follow the sound.

What’s next for you?

AC: I have a couple of projects. I have a narrative project I’m working on, I have a contemporary art project that I’m working on. So, those two things are keeping me busy.

Itzhak will screen at Guild Hall (158 Main Street, East Hampton) on Thursday, October 5 at 7 p.m., East Hampton UA1 (30 Main Street, East Hampton) on Thursday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. and at Bay Street (1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor) on Saturday, October 7 at 10 a.m.

The 25th annual Hamptons International Film Festival will be held Thursday, October 5 through Monday, October 9. Founders Passes and tickets are currently available for purchase.

For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Julianne Moore, and More at The Center at West Park’s Reading of All The President’s Men
Gallery

Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, Julianne Moore, and More at The Center at West Park’s Reading of All The President’s Men

August 28, 2025
Paws & Purses: Bark Jacobs x Marc Jacobs at The HUB in Bridgehampton
Arts

Paws & Purses: Bark Jacobs x Marc Jacobs at The HUB in Bridgehampton

July 29, 2025
Forever. For Now., Rose Cameron and the Art of Remembering
Arts

Forever. For Now., Rose Cameron and the Art of Remembering

July 22, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

28
Aug
28
Aug
-
28
Aug

Watercolor Painting – Fruits and Vegetables: Farmers’ Bounty with Instructor Dr. Quincy Egginton

August 28 @ 10:00 AM - August 28 @ 01:00 PM
The Nathanial Rogers house, 2539 Montauk Highway Bridgehampton NY 11932
28
Aug
28
Aug
-
07
Sep

Southampton Artists Association 2025 Labor Day Art Exhibit

August 28 @ 12:00 PM - September 7 @ 04:00 PM
The Southampton Cultural Center
28
Aug
28
Aug
-
31
Aug

The Montauk General X Lands’ End

August 28 @ 03:00 PM - August 31 @ 03:00 PM
Montauk General Store at The Brunch Playhouse, 14 Amagansett Square
28
Aug
28
Aug
-
28
Aug

The Inn Crowd preview at The Roundtree with Porta and The Original Southside

August 28 @ 04:00 PM - August 28 @ 06:00 PM
The Roundtree, 273 Main Street, Amagansett
28
Aug
28
Aug
-
28
Aug

Notes of the Island: A celebration of Heritage, Craftsmanship, and Flavor

August 28 @ 05:00 PM - August 28 @ 07:00 PM
Ketchy Beach
Load more listings
Next Post
Montauk’s 36th Annual Fall Festival To Feature Clam Chowder Contest, Live Music, Cash Prizes Up To $20,000, And Much More

Montauk's 36th Annual Fall Festival To Feature Clam Chowder Contest, Live Music, Cash Prizes Up To $20,000, And Much More

  • Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend!⁠
⁠
⁠
📍 The Montauk General X Lands’ End⁠
🗓 Thurs, Aug 28 – Sun, Aug 31 | 10am–3pm⁠
📌 Montauk General Store at The Brunch Playhouse, 14 Amagansett Square⁠
🎁 Free limited-edition tote with orders over $100 (while supplies last)⁠
⁠
🐎 50th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show⁠
🗓 Thurs, Aug 28 – Sun, Aug 31 | 8am–5pm⁠
📌 240 Snake Hollow Rd, Bridgehampton⁠
⁠
🍇 Wölffer Estate Vineyard PPL All-Star 2025⁠
🗓 Sat, Aug 30⁠
📌 Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Sagaponack⁠
🎾 World-class padel at the Hamptons’ most iconic vineyard⁠
⁠
😂 Zarna Garg at WHBPAC⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 8pm–9:30pm⁠
📌 76 Main St, Westhampton Beach⁠
⁠
🎶 Joe Delia & Friends at The Clubhouse Hamptons⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 6pm⁠
📌 174 Daniels Hole Rd, East Hampton⁠
⁠
🎧 Silent Disco Dance Party in the Garden⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 8pm⁠
📌 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
⁠
👗 Marfa & Friends Trunk Show⁠
🗓 Thurs, Aug 28 – Sat, Aug 30⁠
📌 Sag Harbor⁠
⁠
🎬 Jaws’ 50th Anniversary Screening at Sunset Theater⁠
🗓 Fri, Aug 29 – Mon, Sept 1⁠
📌 Water Mill⁠
⁠
👠 Hamptons Fashion Week⁠
🗓 Sat, Aug 30 | 2pm⁠
📌 Location TBA⁠
⁠
🎸 Dogpark at The Stephen Talkhouse⁠
🗓 Sat, Aug 30 | 8pm⁠
📌 Amagansett⁠
⁠
🍴 Stirring The Pot: Florence Fabricant & Pete Wells⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 11am–1pm⁠
📌 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
⁠
🌊 ANOTR at Surf Lodge⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 4pm⁠
📌 Montauk⁠
⁠
🎷 Garden Concert ft. Freddy DeBoe⁠
🗓 Sun, Aug 31 | 6pm⁠
📌 Canoe Place Inn, Hampton Bays⁠
⁠
🔗 Link in Bio⁠
⁠
#hamptons #wolffer #padel #landsend #montauk #fashion
  • Earlier this month, Shelter Island’s Rams Head Inn hosted a riveting Gilded Age Finale screening featuring lead actress Cynthia Nixon, award-winning costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone, and executive producer/director Michael Engler.⁠
⁠
📸:Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com⁠
⁠
Check out the full gallery at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#ramsheadinn #gildedage #shelterisland #cynthianixon #shelterislandny
  • Culinary and lifestyle icon Ina Garten will host an intimate tea and garden tour at her famed East Hampton residence on Wednesday, August 27th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. A limited number of guests will be invited to share tea with Ina and walk with her through her celebrated gardens and grounds.⁠
⁠
Known for her signature warmth and effortless approach to cooking and entertaining, Ina has earned a devoted following across generations. With her calm presence, foolproof recipes, and signature phrases like “store-bought is fine,” she takes the pressure off hosting, making room for only joy at the table.⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#hamptons #inagarten #community #easthampton
  • The magic of The Soho Sessions returns to the Hamptons this summer, bringing a rare and intimate live performance to Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett on Monday, August 25, 2025. This one-night-only event features Grammy Award-winning artist Maren Morris (with introduction by the actor Jason Biggs) and the genre-defying powerhouse Yola in a night of music with purpose and soul.⁠
⁠
It’s also a night for change. The event supports Music Will, the largest nonprofit music education program for schools in the U.S., which aims to reach 10 million students annually by 2030. It’s a cause that hits home for Morris: “I loved my choir and theatre classes in high school; they really shaped my theory and love for being creative in every medium,” she recalls. “It also teaches you how to be a team player and work together.”⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#stephentalkhouse #talkhouse #amagansett #marenmorris #yola #concert #hamptons
  • @wagsandwalks @themontaukbeachhouse 

Puppies + Pilates + @montaukila = The Perfect Day

Check out our Events Calendar for more events! (link in bio)

#wagsandwalks #animaladoption #adoptdontshop❤️ #dog #montauk #montaukbeachhouse #montaukila #pilates
  • Check out the Top Hamptons Events This Weekend! ⁠
⁠
✨ 50th Annual Hampton Classic Horse Show⁠
📅 Sun, Aug 24 – Sun, Aug 31, 2025 | 8am–5pm⁠
📍 240 Snake Hollow Rd, Bridgehampton, NY⁠
🐴 One of the largest outdoor horse shows in the U.S., a premier summer destination for competitors & spectators.⁠
⁠
⁠
🎶 Apollo in the Hamptons⁠
📅 Fri, Aug 22, 2025 | 6pm⁠
📍 Si Si, 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY⁠
Experience the essence of the legendary Apollo Theater with DJ Cassidy, Doug E. Fresh & more!⁠
⁠
⁠
🦈 50th Anniversary of JAWS Celebration – Montauk⁠
📅 Sun, Aug 24, 2025 | 12pm–7pm⁠
📍 Shark Bar Montauk, 2167 Montauk Hwy⁠
Screening, live music with Molly Scheider, themed cocktails, shark merch 🦈 — all to benefit Hayground School.⁠
⁠
⁠
😂 Chelsea Handler at WHBPAC⁠
📅 Fri, Aug 22, 2025 | 8pm⁠
📍 WHBPAC, 76 Main St, Westhampton Beach, NY⁠
A night of comedy with Chelsea Handler!⁠
⁠
⁠
🎵 The Knocks at Surf Lodge⁠
📅 Sat, Aug 23, 2025 | 4pm⁠
📍 The Surf Lodge, 183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY⁠
The Knocks bring their signature groove to the Hamptons.⁠
⁠
⁠
🌅 Generation S.O.S – Live From Water Mill Fundraiser⁠
📅 Sun, Aug 24, 2025 | 5pm–8pm⁠
📍 Water Mill, NY⁠
Featuring Jason Biggs, Luke K, & MC Sophie Sumner.⁠
⁠
⁠
🇬🇷 Mykonos Nights at Calissa⁠
📅 Fri, Aug 22, 2025 | 10pm⁠
📍 Calissa, 1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY⁠
End-of-summer vibes with DJs, drinks & dancing.⁠
⁠
⁠
👜🐶 Bark Jacobs by Marc Jacobs at The HUB⁠
📅 Sat, Aug 23, 2025 | 11am–7pm⁠
📍 The HUB, 2183 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY⁠
Shop Marc Jacobs & get your pup’s portrait or initials hand-painted on your accessories.⁠
⁠
⁠
🐾 Wags & Walks’ Party Cruise⁠
📅 Sun, Aug 24, 2025 | 3pm–5pm⁠
📍 Easy Breeze Cruises, 462 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY⁠
Cruise Montauk waters with cocktails & adoptable pups.⁠
⁠
⁠
🎨 5th Annual Celebrating Creatives of Color⁠
📅 Sat, Aug 23, 2025 | 11am–5pm⁠
📍 The Church, 48 Madison St, Sag Harbor, NY⁠
Showcasing artists & authors of color, with works available for sale.⁠
⁠
Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#hamptons #weekend #hamptonsclassic #jaws #montauk #apollotheater⁠
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-613-8440
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

About Us | Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Live Cameras
  • Public WiFi

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight Magazine
  • Lifestyle
    • Featured
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
    • Trending
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Hamptons Real Estate Market Data
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor Bay
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us