After hosting the U.S. premiere of the Academy Award Winning film CRASH in 2005, the Newport Beach Film Festival has raised the bar again for the 2006 festival, held April 20-30, with what organizers are calling the best selection of films yet.
“We are extremely proud to announce the films for the 7th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival,” said Gregg Schwenk, executive director and founder of the festival. “We’re thrilled to have such amazing films bookend our 11-day schedule of screenings and events. The caliber of filmmakers and supporters participating this year make it the best festival yet and we want to thank our sponsors and the City of Newport Beach for being such a big part of our growth and success.”
The festival will screen more than 350 films from around the world, including features, shorts, documentaries and animation, and both Jury and Audience Awards will be given. The festival will also host several premiere galas, yacht parties and informative seminars with filmmakers and industry professionals.
Some of Newport Beach’s finest hotels have prepared Film Festival packages that can be purchased by visiting the Newport Beach CVBs Web site. Visitors can choose to stay at The Island Hotel Newport Beach, the official host hotel of the Film Festival, and possibly catch sight of a star! One can also choose to relax at one of the festival’s partner hotels, The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, Newport Beach’s only resort on the water, which is offering a special rate of $225 a night, or the newly renovated Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, which is offering a rate of $169 a night. Other hotels offering rates include the Radisson Newport Beach and Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.
The festival kicks off on April 20 with the West Coast premiere of Neverwas, a modern-day fable starring Aaron Eckhart, Jessica Lange, Ian McKellen, Brittany Murphy and Nick Nolte. Closing out the festival on April 28 will be The Illusionist, a romantic mystery starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and Jessica Biel. Spotlight films and festival highlights include:
April 20
Opening Night – Neverwas (West Coast Premiere) a modern-day fable starring Aaron Eckhart, Jessica Lange, IanMcKellen, Brittany Murphy and Nick Nolte, at Edwards Big Newport at 7:30 p.m. Gala following the screening at the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard in Fashion Island, tickets $125.00.
April 21
Youth Film Showcase presented by Volcom - Orange County native Will Ferrell (Anchorman, Old School) serving as Honorary Chair of the film festival's Youth Division, which showcases short films created by emerging filmmakers 18 and under. Screening to be held at 6:00 PM at the Regency Lido Theater.
Separate Volume (North American Premiere) – the spotlight film for the Action Sports Film Series presented by Oakley at the Lido Theater at 8:30 PM. Post-party following the screening at OC Museum of Art, tickets $40.00.
April 22
Saturday Night Spotlight Films:
The Amateurs, starring Ted Danson and Jeff Bridges at Edwards Island Cinemas at 7:30 PM. Screening tickets $15.
One Last Thing (West Coast Premiere) starring Michael Angarano and Cynthia Nixon at the Lido Theater at 7:30 PM. Screening tickets $15.
Wassup Rockers (West Coast Premiere) from famed director Larry Clark at Edwards Island Cinemas at 9:00 PM. Screening tickets $15.
Saturday Spotlight Post Party – NBFF celebrates the West Coast Premieres of The Amateurs, One Last Thing and Wassup Rockers at the OC Museum of Art immediately following the screenings. Tickets for screening and post party $40.
April 23
Art School Confidential (West Coast Premiere) starring John Malkovich and Angelica Huston makes at Edwards Island Cinemas at 6:00 PM
Hidden Blade is the Festival’s Japanese Spotlight at the Edwards Island Cinemas at 8:30 PM with a post party immediately following the screening at the Variety Hospitality Lounge in Fashion Island. Tickets for screening and post party $40.
April 24
Americano – Spanish Spotlight Film screens at Edwards Island Cinemas at 8:30 PM with a post reception at Design Within Reach. Tickets $40.00.
April 25
Not Here to Be Loved – French Spotlight Film screens at Edwards Island Cinemas at 8:30 p.m. with reception at Rouge Bistro in Fashion Island. Tickets $40.
Typhoon (North American premiere) – Korean Spotlight Film screens at Edwards Island Cinemas at 7:30 PM with a post party at Anthropolgie in Fashion Island. Tickets $40.
April 26
On The Other Side – Mexican Spotlight Film screens at Edwards Island Cinemas at 8:30 p.m. with post-party at Talulah G in Fashion Island. Tickets $40.
Tara Road (North American premiere) – Irish Spotlight Film screens at Edwards Island Cinemas at 7:30 PM with a post pasty at Muldoon’s Irish Pub in Newport Center. Tickets $40.
April 27
Closing Night – The Illusionist (West Coast premiere) a romantic mystery starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and Jessica Biel. The screening plays at 7:30 p.m. at Lido Theater with reception following at Via Lido Plaza. Tickets $45.
April 28
Awards Night Gala celebrates the best films of the 2006 Festival, with awards for features, shorts and audience choice produced by the Media Alliance of Orange County. Awards Gala at the Palm Garden at The Island Hotel. Tickets $45.
For up-to-date information on the Newport Beach Film Festival, visit www.newportbeachfilmfest.com
The Newport Beach Film Festival
Launched in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival is the leading lifestyle film festival in the United States. Presenting 350 films from 40 countries, the Newport Beach Film Festival has featured many acclaimed films, including the U.S. premiere of 2006 Academy Award® Best Picture Crash, west coast premieres of Mad Hot Ballroom and Layer Cake, Dust to Glory, Riding Giants, Sexy Beast, Spellbound, and Dogtown and Z Boys. With its pristine coastal location and warm weather, strong network of corporate sponsors, nightly events, music performances and industry seminars, the Newport Beach Film Festival has quickly gained recognition among filmmakers and audiences worldwide, hosting more than 35,000 attendees during the 11-day Festival at Newport Beach’s beautiful Fashion Island and Lido Plaza.
Most Recent Comments