The Southampton Playhouse will present East End Cinema, a new film series running November 4 through November 12, celebrating the East End of Long Island’s rich history in film and the unique stories, people and locations that define the region.
From seaside romances to tales of eccentric families in sprawling mansions, the East End has long served as a backdrop for some of cinema’s most memorable moments. East End Cinema aims to honor that legacy while fostering a broader conversation about how the area can continue to attract film productions in the future.
The series opens with a special Monday Mystery Movie: East End Cinema Edition on Monday, November 3, at 7 p.m., a pay-what-you-wish event. A regular sellout for the Playhouse, this special edition features a surprise screening of a film shot in the local area — the title will remain a mystery until the lights go down.
On Tuesday, November 4, at 7 p.m., the Local Short Film Showcase will highlight emerging filmmakers from the East End and beyond who have drawn inspiration from the region’s landscapes and communities. The one-dollar, pay-what-you-wish program, co-curated by local filmmakers, will feature a range of short works from comedy to drama. Attendees are encouraged to stay afterward to meet the filmmakers and discuss their creative processes and experiences shooting locally.
A special members-only event on Friday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m. will feature a conversation between Southampton Mayor William Manger and Diana Cherryholmes of the Suffolk County Film Commission. The discussion will explore the East End’s storied film legacy, recent successes by filmmakers who have shot in the Hamptons, and strategies to attract more productions to the region. Complimentary refreshments will be served in the Playhouse lounge.
On Tuesday, November 11, at 6 p.m., the series will screen “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), the Oscar-winning romantic drama from director Michel Gondry and writer Charlie Kaufman. The East End plays a pivotal role in the film’s story — from the unforgettable “Meet me in Montauk” moment to its haunting seaside imagery. Following the screening, cinematographer and filmmaker Ellen Kuras will join audiences for a Q&A about her experience filming in the area.
The series concludes on Wednesday, November 12, at 7 p.m. with a 50th anniversary screening of “Grey Gardens” (1975), the groundbreaking documentary by Albert and David Maysles about Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter, “Little Edie,” who lived in isolation in their decaying East Hampton estate. The evening will include a Q&A with associate producer Susan Froemke, co-director Muffie Meyer, and Albert Maysles’s daughter Rebekah Maysles, reflecting on the film’s enduring legacy and its significance in Hamptons cinema.
East End Cinema also marks the debut of the Playhouse’s new membership program, which offers benefits for community members, seniors, students, and other groups. Membership includes exclusive access to events such as the mayor’s conversation and additional perks throughout the season.
For ticketing, membership details, and the full program schedule, visit southamptonplayhouse.com. Southampton Playhouse is at 43 Hill Street in Southampton.
Staff Writer on Oct 28, 2025