BOB BERNEY AT THE SECOND ANNUAL ‘INDUSTRY TOAST’ DINNER
DURING THE 13TH HAMPTONS FEST



The Hamptons International Film Festival in its 13th year, will again be celebrating the art of film from October 19 - 23, 2005. For the second year, the Festival will partner with indie/WIRE to celebrate a person who best exemplifies the spirit of independent film and whose energy, vision and acumen enhances the industry. Fest Director, Denise Kasell is pleased to announce that the Hamptons second 'Toastee' will be Picturehouse President Bob Berney.

The inaugural Hamptons/indieWIRE ‘Toast’ was presented at last year’s festival to recent Sony Picture Classics co-President Marcie Bloom.

"An honoree like Bob Berney is the best rationale for our decision to toast one of our own at the Festival each year,” says Kasell. “Bob was the champion of indies that were considered "difficult to market" and became huge hits. He is that rare pro who trusts the audience to do the right thing. We are thrilled that he has accepted our invitation."

"Bob is a fearless champion of risk-taking filmmakers, and has inspired a new wave of enthusiasm for truly independent film, states HFF programmer Rajendra Roy. “Over the last decade he has provided the shot in the arm this business needed, and we look forward to experiencing the rewards of his expanding vision."

Eugene Hernandez, Editor of indieWIRE says, “Whether running a small movie theater in Texas, releasing sometimes controversial films nationwide, or founding a major new film company, Bob’s career is marked by a passion for movies and a willingness to take risks. We are excited to salute him this year as he embarks on a new challenge with the launch of Picturehouse.”

Bob Berney, President of Picturehouse (a new joint venture between HBO Films and New Line Cinema), has been a preeminent force in the independent film world for more than two decades, bringing a multitude of smart, challenging and entertaining films to the screen. Prior to Picturehouse, Berney was President of Newmarket Films where he oversaw the release of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ; The Woodsman featuring Kevin Bacon; Patty Jenkins’ critically acclaimed Monster which garnered Charlize Theron a Best Actress Academy Award nomination; Whale Rider for which 13-year old Keisha Castle Hughes also earned a nomination for a Best Actress Academy Award; as well as P.S.; Silver City; Real Women Have Curves; Open Hearts; Lilya 4-Ever; and Spun. As former Senior Vice President of IFC Films, Berney oversaw the distribution of the box office phenomenon My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and the critically praised hit Y Tu Mama Tambien. Prior to working at IFC Films, Berney was an independent marketing and distribution consultant. In this capacity, he was responsible for the release of such films as Chris Nolan’s Memento for and Todd Solondz’s Happiness.