'Empire of the Atlantic' to Make World Premiere at Hamptons International Film Festival

Filmed entirely from the air, BOUNTY UNCHARTED uses drone cinematography to reveal the ocean as it is seldom seen: vast, kinetic, and intricately connected.

The Montauk-based documentary short captures the extraordinary marine life of the East End and screens as part of HIFF’s Views From Long Island program.

EAST HAMPTON, NY, NY, UNITED STATES, September 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Empire of the Atlantic, a cinematic documentary short capturing the extraordinary wildlife and natural beauty of the waters surrounding Montauk, has been named an Official Selection of the Hamptons International Film Festival.

The film will make its World Premiere at the festival as part of the **2026 Views From Long Island Shorts** program, with screenings on **Wednesday, October 7 at 5:30 PM** and **Friday, October 9 at 2:30 PM** at **East Hampton Regal UA**.

Created by *Bounty Uncharted*, the 15-minute film captures the remarkable marine ecosystem just beyond the eastern edge of Long Island, documenting humpback, finback and minke whales alongside bluefin tuna, striped bass, bluefish, cownose rays and other marine life.

Filmed entirely from the air, *Empire of the Atlantic* uses sweeping drone cinematography to reveal the ocean from a rarely seen perspective, vast, kinetic and intricately connected. The film transforms familiar Montauk waters into an expansive marine landscape and offers an intimate look at the abundance of wildlife that exists just offshore.

“Having *Empire of the Atlantic* selected by the Hamptons International Film Festival is especially meaningful because this film was created here and celebrates the extraordinary natural environment surrounding the East End,” said Jeff Ragovin, co-director and producer of Empire of the Atlantic and creator of Bounty Uncharted. “Our goal was to show audiences that some of the most cinematic and awe-inspiring wildlife in the world exists just beyond our shoreline. To have its World Premiere here, in the community that inspired it, makes this recognition even more special.”

Empire of the Atlantic is co-directed and shot by Michael A. Cuomo. Cuomo, whose connection to Montauk began during childhood summers on the East End, captured the film’s striking aerial imagery and appears in the film.

“It is an honor to have the film recognized by a festival so deeply connected to the community and landscape that inspired it,” said Cuomo. “Every day filming revealed something new, and we wanted viewers to experience that same sense of discovery.”

The Hamptons International Film Festival selection marks an important milestone for *Empire of the Atlantic* and *Bounty Uncharted*, bringing a story created on the East End to audiences through one of the region’s most celebrated cultural institutions.

*Screening Information
*Bounty Uncharted: Empire of the Atlantic*
Hamptons International Film Festival
2026 Views From Long Island Shorts
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 — 5:30 PM
Friday, October 9, 2026 — 2:30 PM
East Hampton Regal UA

About *Empire of the Atlantic
Empire of the Atlantic is a 15-minute documentary short exploring the remarkable marine life inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean off Montauk and the eastern end of Long Island. Featuring whales, tuna, striped bass, rays and other species captured entirely through aerial cinematography, the film presents an unexpected portrait of the thriving ecosystem just beyond the shoreline.

About *Bounty Uncharted
Bounty Uncharted is a cinematic series created by Jeff Ragovin exploring adventure, food, conservation and life on the water. Filmed primarily throughout Montauk and the East End of Long Island, the series brings together compelling people, remarkable wildlife and unforgettable experiences that celebrate coastal culture and the natural environment.

Media Contact:
Jeff Ragovin
Founder & Executive Producer, *Bounty Uncharted*
jeff@ragovinventures.com

Jeff Ragovin
Bounty Uncharted Productions
+1 917-523-6266
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