Alison Chernick’s documentary ITZHAK opens the Hampton International Film Festival on Thursday, October 5, 2017.

The documentary examines the life and music of Itzhak Perlman, widely considered one of the world’s greatest living violinists. Exploring the ways in which Perlman’s passion for music allowed him to find a platform for personal expression against tremendous circumstances, Chernick creates a portrait of man whose remarkable will to survive is never removed from his tremendous generosity and humor. Through it all, the discipline we see at work is starkly contrasted with the world we see at home, as a modern Jewish family continues to embrace their heritage against a world of changing expectations. A co-production of American Masters Pictures for WNET.

The Hamptons International Film Festival was founded to celebrate Independent film—long, short, fiction and documentary—and to introduce a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to our audiences. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all.

The 25th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival: October 5-9, 2017.

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Onstage rehearsing with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman was focused, his bow moving alternately slow and fast over the strings of his violin. He paused only here and there to discuss small adjustments to the performance with the conductor ahead of the sold-out Saturday evening show.

But after, surrounded by a semicircle of eager young violinists and violists, he was friendly, almost silly. Perlman wanted to know what instrument each boy and girl played, what piece they were working on in orchestra. He joked with them about how young some parents want to start their child on an instrument these days — 17 months, in one case — and told them about the “get to know you” games he likes to use with new orchestras.

Everyone would say their name and their instrument, he said, but also their favourite movie and their favourite ice cream flavour.

“People come up with weird things,” he told them, “like lemon pistachio.”

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Reprinted from the Winnipeg Free Press. Writer: Jane Gerster

“Itzhak,” Alison Chernick’s documentary about famous violinist Itzhak Perlman, will get its world premiere at the 2017 Hamptons International Film Festival, which will open with the movie when the fest kicks off in October as reported by Variety.

The opener is part of a new batch of films added to the festival 25th anniversary lineup. A couple of the premieres center on the most recent presidential election: “11/8/16,” the world premiere of a doc (directed by more than 40 people and produced by Jeff Deutchman) capturing footage from election day around the country; and Onur Tukel’s “The Misogynists,” featuring Dylan Baker and set in a hotel room on election night. READ MORE

Earlier this Summer Supreme Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hosted her bi-annual “Musicale at the Court” with special guests Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva.

Justice John Roberts closed the performance with remarks on how he wanted attendees to read the 10-page Brown vs. Board of Education opinion, it was the anniversary of that decision, according to a Playbooker in attendance.

Brown versus Board of Education (1954) (full name Oliver Brown, et al. v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas) was a Landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States.

Two of the greatest violinists of our time – perhaps of all time – is one of the classical season’s hottest ticket.

The two Israeli masters — both graduates of The Julliard School — have performed together since 1977. The two differ in style and temperament but always play together beautifully. They will be performing with pianist and longtime collaborator Rohan De Silva. Program to include Bach, Mozart, Wieniawski and Bartók.

“Perlman and Zukerman are naturally sympatico, and their easy, conversational complicity—and gorgeous combined sound.” —OTTAWA CITIZEN

November 18, 2017 at 7:30pm: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark NJ
November 19, 2017 at 5pm: Celebrity Series of Boston/Symphony Hall, Boston MA
February 25, 2018 at 8pm: Adrienne Arsht Center/Knight Concert Hall, Miami FL
February 26, 2018 at 8pm: Kravis Center/Dreyfoos Concert Hall, West Palm Beach FL