Film buffs can rejoice this weekend as the 17th annual Hamptons International Film Festival rolls into the Hamptons this weekend October 8 - 12. Founded to celebrate and promote a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers, the festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives. The 17th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival will take place October 8 - 12, 2009.

The Festival is traditionally held for five days in mid-October in theatre venues from Montauk to Southampton and attracts roughly 15,000 visitors annually. At least twenty countries are represented in the slate of roughly 100 films that are showcased each year, with an awards package worth over $200,000. The festival continues to play a part in awards season, with the 2008 edition featuring eventual Best Picture winners of the Academy Award, Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award (Slumdog Millionaire, The Wrestler, The Black Balloon anyone?)

Usual attending suspects have included: Damon Dash, Heather Graham, Kathleen Turner, Charlize Theron, Joaquin Phoenix, Alan Cumming, Liev Schreiber, Edie Falco, Gretchen Mol, Martin Scorsese, Julianne Moore, Bill Murray, Steven Spielberg, Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman and more.

Buy tickets and view the 2009 Film Festival Guide here.

More info at: http://hamptonsfilmfest.org, 631.237.5530 or toll free at 866.663.8541