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"Brooklyn, Minnesota," a film by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, screens at WHBPAC on July 7. COURTESY WHBPAC
The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) announces the launch of its 2025 Summer Film Series, a monthlong showcase of powerful films presented Monday evenings in July. Each screening will be followed by an in-depth conversation with filmmakers, experts or special guests, moderated by longtime WHBPAC host Andrew Botsford, unless otherwise noted.
Continuing WHBPAC’s tradition of thought-provoking cinema, the 2025 series centers on timely themes of identity, resilience, justice and truth. “Our goal is to bring audiences not just films, but conversations that linger long after the credits roll,” said WHBPAC film curator Allison Frost. “This series is about more than entertainment — it’s about shared stories and deeper understanding.”
All screenings will be held at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach. Tickets and information are available at whbpac.org or by calling 631-288-1500.
WHBPAC 2025 Summer Film Series
July 7 at 7:30 p.m.
“Brooklyn, Minnesota”
When the grandfather she never knew dies suddenly, 14-year-old Maisie and her artist father, Kurt, leave their Brooklyn bubble for his Minnesota hometown. There, Maisie disrupts family patterns, falls in love, and forces long-buried truths to surface.
Post-screening Q&A with filmmakers Erik Jensen, Jessica Blank and Michael Cuomo.
July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
“Words of War”
Based on the true story of journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya, this film chronicles her fearless reporting in Russia and the deadly cost of speaking truth to power. Politkovskaya’s legacy endures as a symbol of press freedom in the face of repression.
Post-screening virtual discussion with producer Mark Maxey.
July 21 at 7:30 p.m.
“Honorable Mr. Morgenthau”
This documentary explores U.S. immigration policy during the Holocaust through the lens of Henry Morgenthau Jr., Secretary of the Treasury under President Roosevelt. As the U.S. government hesitated to act, Morgenthau advocated for Jewish refugees in a moral stand that resonates today.
Post-film Q&A with director/producer Hilan Warshaw.
Note: Andrew Botsford will not moderate this evening’s discussion due to a prior commitment.
July 28 at 7:30 p.m.
“Sanibel”
What began as a quirky documentary about Southwest Florida’s seashell culture took a sharp turn when Hurricane Ian devastated the region. Returning after the storm, the filmmakers captured a community reckoning with loss — and rebuilding with hope.
Post-screening discussion with filmmakers and community voices.
Staff Writer on Jul 1, 2025