East Hampton Library & The Hamptons Festival of Music Announce Lineup for "Connections and Converstions" film

East Hampton Library and The Hamptons Festival of Music Announce Complete Lineup for "Connections and Conversations" Film Series

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The East Hampton Library, in proud partnership with The Hamptons Festival of Music, is thrilled to unveil the full schedule for its new collaborative film series, "Connections and Conversations." Running from September through January, this curated series bridges compelling visual storytelling with live community dialogues, featuring prominent filmmakers, musical masters, and cultural educators. All events will take place at the East Hampton Library and feature an immersive screening followed by a live panel discussion or a dedicated musical conversation.The complete "Connections and Conversations" lineup includes:

• Friday, September 25 at 4:00 PM — Conducting Life
  • The Film: Directed by Dianne Moore, this documentary follows a gifted musician’s relentless, multi-year journey to master orchestral conducting.
  • The Conversation: Featured guests include Maestro Michael Palmer (Artistic Director and Conductor of The Hamptons Festival of Music) and Andrea Berger (Co-founder and Administrative Director of the New Conductors Orchestra). Accompanied by moderator, conductor, and composer David Brandenburg.
• Saturday, September 26 at 4:00 PM — How to Dance in Ohio
  • The Film: A heartwarming, Peabody Award-winning look at teenagers and young adults on the autism spectrum as they prepare for a formal Spring dance.
  • The Conversation: A post-screening dialogue with the film's director and producer, Alexandra Shiva, and retired NYC school principal and educator, Jeri Wellman. Moderated by veteran documentarian Mark Obenhaus.
• Friday, November 6 at 5:00 PM — Half Moon
  • The Film: An elegiac documentary profiling Damascus-born virtuosic clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh as he searches for purpose while living in exile.
  • The Conversation: Discussion TBA
• Saturday, January 9 2-4 PM — Yo-Yo Ma on Sharing Joy and Finding Connection Through Music
  • The Film: An intimate look at culture, shared humanity, and artistic passion through the lens of legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
  • The Conversation: A specialized "Musical Conversation" featuring acclaimed guest cellist Joseph Staten.
• Friday, January 15 at 2:00 PM — Sing Sing
  • The Film: A powerful exploration of healing, artistic expression, and resilience behind bars.
  • The Conversation: A live virtual panel featuring two alumni from the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, moderated by the RTA Director of Programs.

"Through this series, we want to spotlight the profound intersection of film, music, and the human experience," said representatives of the partnership. "These events are designed not just to entertain, but to serve as a catalyst for meaningful local dialogue."

Admission & Attendance Details: Admission to all screenings in the series is free, but seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Community members can learn more and reserve their seats through the East Hampton Library Event Calendar.

About the East Hampton Library

The East Hampton Library serves as a vital community center for the town of East Hampton, providing a wealth of literary resources, historical archives, and accessible cultural programming for all ages.

About The Hamptons Festival of Music

The Hamptons Festival of Music brings world-class orchestral performances and classical music instruction to the East End. Through innovative community collaborations, the festival fosters a deeper, lifelong appreciation for the symphonic arts.