Hamptons Doc Fest has announced the full lineup for its 18th annual festival, which will take place from December 4 to 11 at Sag Harbor Cinema, Bay Street Theater and Southampton Playhouse.
The festival will open on Thursday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. at Bay Street Theater with “Steal This Story, Please!” directed by Tia Lessen and Carl Deal, and will close on Thursday, December 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Southampton Playhouse with an IMAX screening of “Lost Wolves of Yellowstone,” directed by Thomas Winston. The 2025 program will feature a total of 32 documentary films, along with the festival’s annual education initiative for local schools, Young Voices.
“Our 2025 program is electric with real-life stories,” said Jacqui Lofaro, founder and executive director of Hamptons Doc Fest. “Join us for eight days of great documentary filmmaking crafted by talented creators who edit, not censor; who discover, not destroy. It's testimony to free and frank expression — the voices we need.”
Each year, the festival honors an accomplished filmmaker with the Pennebaker Career Achievement Award. This year’s honoree, Alan Berliner, will accept the award and take part in the gala celebration on Saturday, December 6, at Bay Street Theater, beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the award presentation and a conversation with Alan Berliner at 8 p.m. The evening will conclude with a screening of “Benita,” his most recent film, and a Q&A with Berliner.
Berliner is known for blending experimental cinema, artistic purpose and popular appeal in his documentary essays. He has received Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Jerome Foundation fellowships, along with three Emmy Awards and seven nominations. All of his films are part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. Berliner’s feature-length works include “Letter to the Editor” (2019), “First Cousin Once Removed” (2013), “Wide Awake” (2006), “The Sweetest Sound” (2001), “Nobody’s Business” (1996), “Intimate Stranger” (1991) and “The Family Album” (1988).
“Benita” is an intimate portrait of New York City filmmaker Benita Raphan, who died by suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Raphan’s work explored the intersections of mental health, creativity and innovation through portraits of figures such as Emily Dickinson, John Nash, Helen Keller and Buckminster Fuller. Drawing from Raphan’s extensive personal archive — including films, notebooks, drawings, photographs and more than 40 hard drives — Berliner uncovers insights that deepen his understanding of her life, work and death. Part anatomy of a suicide and part meditation on isolation during the pandemic, “Benita” is both a filmmaker’s portrait of another artist and a reflection on the creative process itself.
The Pennebaker Carer Achievement Award is named for longtime Sag Harbor resident and pioneering documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker. Previous award recipients include Richard Leacock, Susan Lacy, Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, Barbara Kopple, Stanley Nelson Jr., Alex Gibney, Liz Garbus, Sheila Nevins, Robert Kenner, Frederick Wiseman, Dawn Porter, Sam Pollard, Matthew Heineman and Michael Moore. The award is sponsored by Artemis Rising Foundation and Regina K. Scully.
Several films and organizations will receive special honors during the 2025 festival. The Art & Inspiration Award will be presented to “Jimmy & the Demons,” directed by Cindy Meehl. The Nancy Nagle Kelley Environmental Award will go to “A Life Illuminated,” directed by Tasha Van Zandt. The Human Rights Award will be presented to “Nuns vs. The Vatican,” directed by Lorena Luciano, and the Veritas Award will go to “Cover Up,” directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus.
The 2025 Impact Award will be presented to American Documentary (AmDoc), the producer of public television’s “POV” and “America ReFramed” series. Executive director Erika Dilday will accept the award on behalf of AmDoc. The honor recognizes the organization’s decades-long commitment to independent documentary filmmaking and its role in fostering civic dialogue and social change.
The 2025 Legacy Award will go to Zeitgeist Films, a New York-based distribution company founded in 1988 by Emily Russo and Nancy Gerstman. Zeitgeist has released more than 200 acclaimed films, including “Nowhere in Africa,” which won the 2003 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In 2008, the Museum of Modern Art celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary with a monthlong retrospective.
As part of its educational outreach, the festival will present Young Voices, a program for middle and high school students co-presented with LTV Studios. The program includes a film screening, a hands-on workshop and a studio tour.
For the full Hamptons Doc Fest schedule and ticketing information, visit hamptonsdocfest.com.
“Steal This Story, Please!”
Thursday, December 4, 7:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (101 min)
Directors Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, and journalist Amy Goodman in attendance for Q&A. Cocktail reception follows.
A gripping portrait of journalist Amy Goodman, whose fearless commitment to truth-telling has defined three decades of independent journalism.
“Jimmy & The Demons” — Art & Inspiration Award
Thursday, December 4, 5 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (93 min)
Director Cindy Meehl and Lesley “Guzzy” Grashow in attendance for Q&A.
A moving look at artist Jimmy Grashow’s whimsical yet profound creations and his lifelong exploration of art, mortality, and meaning.
“She Runs the World”
Friday, December 5, noon — Sag Harbor Cinema (84 min)
A portrait of Olympic champion Allyson Felix, who transformed personal adversity into a movement redefining what it means to be a champion on and off the track.
“My Underground Mother”
Friday, December 5, 2:30 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (89 min)
Director Marisa Fox and Producer Deborah Shaffer in attendance for Q&A.
A journalist uncovers her mother’s secret Holocaust past, revealing a powerful story of identity, survival and intergenerational trauma.
“A Life Illuminated” — Nancy Nagle Kelley Environmental Award
Friday, December 5, 5 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (89 min)
Director Tasha Van Zandt in attendance for Q&A.
A visually stunning chronicle of marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder’s quest to uncover the mysteries of deep-sea bioluminescence.
“Between Goodbyes” — Impact Award
Friday, December 5, 7:30 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (95 min)
Director Jota Mun and American Documentary Executive Director Erika Dilday in attendance for Q&A. Cocktail reception follows.
A tender and provocative story exploring international adoption, queer identity, and the complexities of family reunion.
Shorts & Breakfast Bites Program 1
Saturday, December 6, 9:30 a.m. Breakfast, 10 a.m. Films — Bay Street Theater (116 min)
“All the Empty Rooms,” 33 min – Director Joshua Seftel
“Saving Our Ancestors: Reflections by Dr. Biruté Galdikas,” 27 min – Director Charles Annenberg Weingarten
“Doc Albany,” 19 min – Director Ben Proudfoot
“Women Laughing,” 37 min – Directors Kathleen Hughes and Liza Donnelly
“Nuns vs. The Vatican” — Human Rights Award
Saturday, December 6, 1 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (91 min)
Director Lorena Luciano in attendance for Q&A.
A courageous former nun exposes abuse within the Church, challenging power structures that have silenced women for decades.
“Monk in Pieces” — Legacy Award
Saturday, December 6, 3:30 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (95 min)
Director Billy Shebar and Producer Susan Margolin in attendance for Q&A.
A portrait of avant-garde artist Meredith Monk, exploring her visionary music, performance, and influence on generations of creators.
“Benita” — Pennebaker Award Presentation Gala
Saturday, December 6, 8 p.m. — Bay Street Theater
6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception. Pennebaker Award and conversation with Alan Berliner, followed by screening. Director Alan Berliner in attendance for Q&A.
An intimate and deeply moving portrait of filmmaker Benita Raphan, created by her friend Alan Berliner, exploring her life, art, and the emotional impact of isolation and creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shorts & Breakfast Bites Program 2
Sunday, December 7, 9:30 a.m. Breakfast, 10 a.m. Films — Bay Street Theater (98 min)
“Hometown Heroes” Student Film, 20 min
“It’s Different for Girls,” 38 min – Director Billie JD Porter in attendance for Q&A
“La Liga,” 25 min – Directors Paul Rosenfeld and Mac Christopher
“West Landing,” 15 min – Director Doug Gallo in attendance for Q&A
“Cover-Up” — Veritas Award
Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (117 min)
Co-presentation with NYWIFT. Director Mark Obenhaus in attendance for Q&A.
A riveting political thriller tracing the career of journalist Seymour Hersh and the stories that reshaped modern investigative reporting.
“Below the Clouds”
Sunday, December 7, 4:30 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (115 min)
Director Gianfranco Rosi in attendance for Q&A.
A poetic black-and-white meditation on life in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, blending history, beauty, and quiet peril.
“Ask E. Jean”
Sunday, December 7, 7 p.m. — Sag Harbor Cinema (93 min)
Director Ivy Meeropol in attendance for Q&A.
A dynamic portrait of E. Jean Carroll, the journalist who took on Donald Trump and redefined what it means to fight back.
Young Voices Education Program
Monday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — LTV Studios, East Hampton
A special student program featuring a film workshop and youth documentary contest encouraging the next generation of filmmakers.
“Starman”
Monday, December 8, 12:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (85 min)
Director Robert Stone in attendance for Q&A.
A fascinating portrait of NASA engineer and author Gentry Lee, exploring humanity’s search for life beyond Earth.
“The Tale of Silyan”
Monday, December 8, 3 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (81 min)
Director Tamara Kotevska via Zoom for Q&A.
A tender story of a farmer who finds healing and purpose through his bond with an injured stork.
“Everywhere Man: The Lives and Times of Peter Asher”
Monday, December 8, 5:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (118 min)
Executive Producers Mike Drews and Robin Sagon in attendance for Q&A.
An energetic chronicle of musician and producer Peter Asher, whose career intertwined with The Beatles and generations of pop legends.
“State of Firsts”
Monday, December 8, 8 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (93 min)
Director Chase Joynt via Zoom for Q&A.
The inspiring story of Delaware Representative Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking campaign to become the first transgender member of Congress.
“The Secret of Me”
Tuesday, December 9, 12:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (97 min)
Director Grace Hughes-Hallett via Zoom for Q&A.
A young woman uncovers shocking truths about her identity and a long-buried psychological experiment.
“Everest Dark”
Tuesday, December 9, 3 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (90 min)
Director Jereme Watt via Zoom for Q&A.
A breathtaking and perilous expedition to recover a fallen climber on Mount Everest reveals faith, tradition, and human endurance.
“Rebel with a Clause”
Tuesday, December 9, 5:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (86 min)
Director Brandt Johnson and Ellen Jovin in attendance for Q&A.
A lighthearted and insightful journey across America exploring grammar, communication and connection through everyday language.
“Holding Liat”
Tuesday, December 9, 8 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (97 min)
Director Brandon Kramer and Producer Lance Kramer via Zoom for Q&A.
An intimate and emotional chronicle of an Israeli family’s struggle to bring home a kidnapped loved one.
“Cutting Through Rocks”
Wednesday, December 10, 12:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (94 min)
Directors Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni via Zoom for Q&A.
A powerful story of an Iranian woman fighting patriarchal traditions by empowering girls to ride motorcycles and claim their freedom.
“SPEAK.”
Wednesday, December 10, 3 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (103 min)
Producer Guy Mossman in attendance for Q&A.
Five high school orators compete to find their voices and inspire change through the power of speech.
“The Ark”
Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (93 min)
Director Jeremy Chilnick and Producers Tony Castle and Roxy Hunt in attendance for Q&A.
A Ukrainian couple transforms their home into a sanctuary for animals amid the chaos of war.
“Raoul’s, A New York Story”
Wednesday, December 10, 8 p.m. — Bay Street Theater (98 min)
Directors Greg Olliver and Karim Raoul in attendance for Q&A.
A heartfelt portrait of Soho’s iconic French bistro, capturing five decades of New York’s cultural and culinary evolution.
“Lost Wolves of Yellowstone”
Thursday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. — Southampton Playhouse (93 min, IMAX)
Director Thomas Winston in attendance for Q&A.
A visually stunning and emotional account of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone and the legacy of those who made it possible.
For tickets and the full festival schedule, visit hamptonsdocfest.com.
Staff Writer on Nov 5, 2025