The 7th annual Newport Beach Film Festival (“NBFF”) has announced its 2006 program and event schedule to take place from April 20-30 in Newport Beach, California. The NBFF will spotlight more than 350 films from around the world including features, shorts, documentaries, and animation, which will compete for a series of awards including Jury and Audience Awards. In addition to film screenings, the Festival will host several premiere galas, yacht parties, and informative seminars with filmmakers and industry professionals. Coming off the heels of its 2005 U.S. Premiere of Academy Award®-winning film, Crash, the NBFF expects to attract more than 35,000 film devotees to screenings and related events.
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 NBFF’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.
April 29 & 30
Festival encore screenings will play throughout the weekend at the OC Museum of Art.
For more info, visit the Newport Beach Film Festival website.
