Michael Polish's drama The Astronaut Farmer starring Billy Bob Thornton will closethe 14th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival, which runs from Oct18-22. As previously announced,Philip Haas' The Situation will open the festival.

15 world and eight North American premieres will be featured atthe festival. Among the world premieres are Brad Gann's Black Irish (US), Ben Niles' Note By Note (US), Joseph Greco's Canvas (US), Steve Stockman's Two Weeks (US) and Orson and Benjamin Cummings' IfI Didn't Care (US).

Ellen Burstyn will receive the Golden Starfish Award for CareerAchievement in Acting. Featured programmes include Golden Starfish Feature,Documentary and Shorts Competitions, World Cinema, Films Of Conflict AndResolution, and New York Women in Film & Television, and Robert Altman willtake part in an on-stage interview.

'This is a festival that embraces the transformativepotential of cinema, and seeks to provide a welcoming home for the innovativefilmmaker,' artistic director Rajendra Roy said.

'We strive to protect the intimate and relaxed environmentepitomized by our locale, while creating a globally respected platform for ourfilms.'