Posted by Larry Gleeson

Orange County’s largest entertainment event will bring 350 films and nightly gala events to over 50,000 film fans.

The Newport Beach Film Festival (themed “Go Deeper”) marches into its 18th year with a diverse collection of studio and independent films from around the globe that are sure to make it one of the strongest events to date. The festival experience allows attendees to “go deeper” with the films, with access to filmmakers, actors and others involved in the internal filmmaking process.

Scheduled for April 20-27, this year’s festival features more than 350 films from 50 different countries shown at The Lido Theater, Island Cinema, Edwards Big Newport and The Triangle Cinema. Attendees also can expect nightly special events, red carpet galas, compelling conversations with filmmakers, international spotlight events and seminars, as well as opportunities to mingle with celebrities, filmmakers from around the globe and film industry professionals in a beautiful seaside setting.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Look for world, North American and U.S. premieres — along with films boasting O.C. connections — including “The Long Way Back”; “Don’t Tell”; and “Score: A Film Music Documentary”; and “Paris Can Wait.” Several events also will take place during the festival, including the Opening Night Gala April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Big Newport Theater, featuring a red carpet screening of the film “TAKE EVERY WAVE: The Life of Laird Hamilton,” the remarkable story of the American icon and innovator who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. A special treat? Laird and his wife, model and professional Volleyball player Gabrielle Reece, will be in attendance. That’s followed by the Opening Night Gala at Fashion Island from 10 p.m.-1 p.m. with tastings from more than 30 of O.C.’s top restaurants ($175/$225).

Tickets and Passes Are Available Now!

With an estimated 50,000 people expected to attend this year’s festival during its eight-day run, local hoteliers including the Island Hotel, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and Marriott Newport Beach also have been working in partnership with the festival to create some special accommodations.

Newport Beach Film Festival Mission

The Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-class international film program as well as providing a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films. The Festival supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and proudly embraces the passion, vision, and independent spirit of these talented artists. With the integration of the local community and educational institutions, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film.

 

For more information on the Newport Beach Film Festival visit newportbeachfilmfest.com.

(Sources: newportbeachfilmfest.com, “Newport Beach Blog: An Unmatched Experience.” written by Wendy Bowman)