Tommy Lee Jones-Directed ‘The Homesman’ Named as the Centerpiece of Hamptons International Film Festival

The Hamptons International Film Festival has announced its centerpiece film and the selection of Long Island-centric films to screen at the 22nd annual festival this October.

The Tommy Lee Jones directed “The Homesman” will be the festival’s Centerpiece with star Hilary Swank participating in the fest’s signature program “A Conversation With…”

From the film’s synopsis, courtesy of HIFF: “When three women living on the edge of the American frontier are driven to the brink, the task of saving them from their surroundings falls to the pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy (Hilary Swank). Transporting the women by covered wagon to Iowa, she soon realizes just how daunting the journey will be, and employs a feisty low-life drifter, George Biggs (Tommy Lee Jones), to join her. The unlikely pair and the three women (Grace Gummer, Miranda Otto, Sonja Richter) head east, where a waiting minister and his wife (Meryl Streep) have offered to take the women in. But the group first must traverse the harsh Nebraska Territories marked by stark beauty, psychological peril and constant threat.

HIFF has also announced the first three films screening in its “Views from Long Island” section. Lou Howe’s “Gabriel” stars Rory Culkin as a young man suffering from mental illness. Volker Schlöndorff’s “Diplomacy,” which chronicles a governor in Nazi-occupied Paris, will be making its New York Premiere. The German filmmaker now resides in Amagansett, Long Island. Lastly, the short film “Weenie,” which was filmed in East Hampton, will hold its world premiere.

HIFF has also announced Bob Balaban as this year’s Honorary Chairman.

“This is a great festival in a great location. It’s a joy to attend for the viewers. And the perfect place to launch your independent film or doc,” said Balaban.

The 22nd Hamptons International Film Festival runs this year from October 9-13. For tickets and information check their website.