Over 140 Features, Documentaries Compete At Hamptons International Film Festival

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - The wine is being served and the conversation is swirling at the Maidstone Arms, where the 20th annual Hamptons International Film Festival got underway on Thursday.

Over 140 features and documentaries are competing for world-renowned prizes.

Leslie Iwerks directed "Citizen Hearst," a documentary about the man and his publishing and broadcasting empire -- past and present.

1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reports 

"(I was most impressed by) the power and reach that he had, the boldness of his innovations and being able to say, 'I believe in this medium, and I'm going to invest in it and see where it goes,'" Iwerks told 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa.

Iwerks adapted to the subject easily. Her father is an Oscar recipient for technical achievement in the industry, and her grandfather designed Mickey Mouse.

But did Iwerks ever find a sled called Rosebud?

"No sled, I didn't find it," she said with a laugh. "(I) scoured though. I gave it a shot."

And she hopes that she has a shot at a documentary prize.

Richard Gere, Stevie Nicks and Oscar-winner Alan Cumming are among the featured stars at the festival, which will conclude on Monday.

Cumming told 1010 WINS that while he is proud to be known as a 'chameleon' of an actor he doesn't get too caught up in celebrity.

"If you take it too seriously, that's where the madness lies," he said.

In addition to starring in an upcoming feature film Cummings may be appearing in concert with Liza Minnelli in March.

For more information on the event, click here.

Did you attend the festival this week, or do you plan to before it ends on Monday? Share your stories and leave your comments in the section below...