Hamptons International Film Festival Sets COVID-19 Guidelines

With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, the 2021 Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) will closely monitor and follow all public health guidelines during its run from October 7-13.

“Our 29th edition will be our most unique festival to date. Our top priority is the health of our moviegoers, special guests, staff, and the greater Hamptons community,” explained Anne Chaisson, executive director of HamptonsFilm. “To ensure everyone's safety, we are implementing a mask mandate for all indoor venues and we will require proof of vaccination at all festival screenings and events.

“We are so excited to share these wonderful films with our audiences and welcome them back to the cinema in a responsible way,” she added.

For the festival, HIFF has instituted the following policies:

All festival attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination status. This includes filmmakers, industry delegates, board, audiences, sponsors, donors, staff and volunteers. Attendees must carry proof of vaccination status with them at all times. Pass holders who cannot show proof of vaccination, who have had a recent COVID infection, or who are currently experiencing symptoms will not receive their pass. Ticket holders will be asked to show proof of vaccine at the door for each event, allowing HIFF to perform contact tracing if necessary.

To show proof of vaccination, all attendees will have to provide a completed vaccination card or official digital pass to prove full vaccination has been completed at least 14 days prior to Opening Night (October 7) of the film festival. Visit epass.ny.gov to download New York State’s free Excelsior Pass or download the NYC COVID Safe App for seamless entry. Any international visitors will have to show a hard copy of an official vaccination record administered outside the U.S.

Regardless of vaccination status, masks covering the nose and mouth are required for audiences at all screening venues. Guests unable to wear proper face coverings will not be admitted into the venue or will be asked to leave if unable to comply with policy.

Indoor venue capacities will be reduced to ensure social distancing, and turnover times between screenings will increase to allow for sanitizing surfaces. Hand sanitizer will be provided at all HIFF venues. Concessions will not be allowed in HIFF screening rooms. For updates, check the website, hamptonsfilmfest.org.