Richard N. Gladstein Appointed Executive Director of HamptonsFilm to Elevate Festival’s Global Impact

Oscar-nominated producer and seasoned industry executive Richard N. Gladstein has officially been named Executive Director of HamptonsFilm, marking a bold new chapter for the Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF). He will report directly to HamptonsFilm co-chairs Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro.

In a simultaneous announcement, longtime programming veteran David Nugent has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, continuing his 17-year journey with the organization.

Aiming for Prestige and Global Reach

Originally launched to extend the Hamptons summer season, HIFF has quietly existed as a “hidden gem” alongside the more prominent awards-season launches at Telluride, Venice, and Toronto. Now, under Gladstein’s leadership, the goal is clear: raise the profile of the Hamptons festival through high-profile premieres, industry partnerships, and year-round cultural programming.

Gladstein brings heavyweight industry experience to the role. He has produced over 30 major films, including:

• The Cider House Rules

• Finding Neverland

• Pulp Fiction

• Reservoir Dogs

• The Hateful Eight

• The Bourne Identity

He’s also served in key positions including Executive Director at Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, Dean at the AFI Conservatory, and EVP & Head of Production at Miramax Films. His strategic planning acumen and deep Hollywood ties are expected to energize both the festival and the surrounding East End cultural community.

Expanding the Festival’s Year-Round Presence

Beyond October’s flagship event, Gladstein will work to extend HamptonsFilm’s presence year-round, deepening community engagement, strengthening sponsorship networks, and launching new artistic initiatives.

“The festival has long been a bright cultural center for the East End and the global film industry,” said Gladstein. “I look forward to building on that legacy and working with the board, our team, and the broader film community.”

Nugent Elevated to Chief Creative Officer

David Nugent, now CCO, has been the artistic engine of the festival for over a decade. Under his leadership:

• HIFF screened the Best Picture Oscar winner 11 years in a row

• The SummerDocs Series and Screenwriters Lab were expanded

• The festival itself grew to 11 days

Nugent noted: “This is a transformative time for HamptonsFilm, and I’m excited to collaborate with Richard, whose passion for storytelling and industry insight are unmatched.”

A New Era for HamptonsFilm

According to Baldwin and Mastro:
“Richard’s vision and leadership will help guide HamptonsFilm into a new era. We are confident this team will elevate emerging voices, expand our global footprint, and deepen our cultural impact.”

With the combined forces of Gladstein’s industry clout and Nugent’s curatorial vision, HamptonsFilm is poised to transition from regional favorite to international powerhouse.