New Hampshire Film Festival to feature two films with local ties

“Uncut Gems,” which stars Manchester native Adam Sandler, has been added to this year’s festival lineup. – Courtesy Photo

PORTSMOUTH, NH – The New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF) has announces the two movies with ties to New Hampshire that will be highlighting its schedule later this month.

The first movie, “The Lighthouse, is written and directed by Robert Eggers. The film provides a glimpse into the solitary lives of two lighthouse keepers, played by Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, who reside on a New England island in the late 19th century.

Eggers, who marked his foray into film with the critically acclaimed feature, The “Witch,” grew up in Lee, New Hampshire, and draws inspiration from his formative years in New England.

The second movie, “Uncut Gems,” stars Manchester native Adam Sandler. Set in the diamond district of New York City, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a magnetic jeweler who makes a series of high-stakes bets and must then balance family, business, and dealing with those who stand in the way of his success.

The film also stars Idina Menzel, Kevin Garnett, Julia Fox, and musical artist Abel Tesfaye, better known by his moniker The Weeknd. Directed by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie, “Uncut Gems” positions Sandler as a grittier character when compared to past roles.

“We are honored that The Lighthouse and Uncut Gems are joining the festival lineup this year,” said Nicole Gregg, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Film Festival. “These features come to us from one of the most innovative companies of our time, and I’m confident that both screenings will be a main draw for filmmakers, industry professionals, and fans alike.”

Uncut Gems will be the festival’s opening night feature on Friday Oct. 18, while The Lighthouse will screen on Saturday, Oct. 19. The film fest runs from Oct. 17-20.

More information is available at the New Hampshire Film Festival website.