Anne Chaisson, who has served as the executive director of Hamptons Film Festival organization HamptonsFilm, will be stepping down from her position following this year’s fall festival. Chaisson first became involved with HamptonsFilm as a producer of films showcased during the festival. Over time, she co-founded and co-chaired the organization’s advisory board before taking on the role of executive director in 2012.
Randy Mastro, Chairman of the Board for HamptonsFilm, has announced plans to appoint a subcommittee to conduct a national search for Chaisson’s successor. The new executive director is expected to be selected after the conclusion of this year’s October festival. This leadership transition comes at a critical moment for the festival, as it continues to expand its reach and influence in the film industry.
Since its inception in 1992, the Hamptons Film Festival has grown into a prominent event on the fall circuit. Situated about 100 miles east of New York City on the eastern end of Long Island, the festival has attracted influential figures from the entertainment industry and beyond. The festival’s success has been bolstered by the Hamptons region’s increasing popularity and development, including the transformation of Montauk into a sought-after destination.
During her tenure, Anne Chaisson oversaw the launch of various new programs and initiatives at HamptonsFilm. These included initiatives such as Compassion, Justice and Animal Rights and Air Land and Sea Signature, as well as a weekly year-round “now showing” series. The festival also introduced free outdoor screenings in the summer and expanded its educational programs. Chaisson also implemented new award categories, recognizing achievements in areas such as creative excellence, female screenwriting, and narrative short filmmaking.
In addition to expanding the festival’s offerings, Chaisson guided HamptonsFilm through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic. She successfully transitioned the festival to virtual events and drive-in screenings as temporary solutions. Despite these obstacles, Chaisson expressed pride in the organization’s growth and transformation into a year-round non-profit entity. She reflected on her time at HamptonsFilm as one of the most fulfilling experiences of her career.
As Anne Chaisson prepares to step down, the festival’s Artistic Director David Nugent and programming team are gearing up for this year’s 11-day event, scheduled for October 4 to 14. The Hamptons Film Festival Board expressed gratitude for Chaisson’s contributions over the past 12 years and wished her well in her future endeavors. As the festival enters a new chapter, the search for a new executive director signifies a period of transition and opportunity for growth and innovation.