News Summary
The Newport Beach Film Festival will run from October 16 to October 23, featuring over 100 feature films and 250 short films from 32 countries. The festival opens with ‘Blue Moon’ directed by Richard Linklater and closes with Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’. Notable films and a diverse lineup promise to engage audiences, alongside culinary experiences and discussions with filmmakers. With over 50,000 attendees expected, the festival reinforces its significance in Southern California’s vibrant arts scene.
Newport Beach, CA – The 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is scheduled to take place from October 16 to October 23, 2025, showcasing over 100 feature films and 250 short films from 32 countries. This year’s festival promises to be a captivating celebration of cinema, featuring a diverse lineup that reflects global storytelling.
The festival will kick off with its opening night film, “Blue Moon”, directed by Richard Linklater and starring renowned actors such as Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley. The closing film will be Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein”, featuring an impressive cast that includes Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Oscar Isaac, and Christoph Waltz. Both films have generated significant buzz within the industry, setting a high standard for the festival.
The Newport Beach Film Festival, recognized as the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California, annually attracts over 50,000 attendees. This year, festival CEO and Executive Director Gregg Schwenk expressed enthusiasm for the diverse and dynamic program that awaits audiences, emphasizing the loyal following from the locals in Orange County.
Among the highlighted centerpiece films this year are Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda”, starring Tessa Thompson, Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague”, Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value”, and Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”. Rian Johnson will also be honored with the Director Award during the festival, where he will participate in a discussion about his illustrious career in a podcast recording.
The festival’s lineup will also feature an International Spotlight section, showcasing sixteen international films from a variety of countries, including Australia, Belgium, and Brazil. This segment aims to highlight the rich tapestry of global cinema and introduce audiences to stories from different cultures.
In a continued partnership with Fashion Island and StyleWeekOC, the festival will also celebrate the intersection of fashion and film. Attendees can expect a special event on October 18, featuring a conversation and book signing with notable figures such as Sophie Ansari, Penn Badgley, and Nava Kavelin for their book, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age”.
Festivalgoers can look forward to nightly parties and events, featuring over 60 culinary partners, with tastings from various local restaurants to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. Both the films and the culinary offerings reflect the festival’s commitment to providing a complete cultural experience for attendees.
Tickets for the Newport Beach Film Festival, as well as the full lineup of films, can be accessed through the festival’s official website. This premier event not only highlights emerging talent and acclaimed filmmakers but also reinforces the festival’s role in contributing to Southern California’s vibrant arts scene.
As the festival approaches, anticipation continues to build as filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles prepare to converge on Newport Beach for an unforgettable week of cinematic celebration.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Newport Beach Film Festival 2025 Full Lineup
- Hollywood Reporter: Rian Johnson Newport Beach Fest Award
- Newport Beach Indy: 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival
- IMDb: Newport Beach Film Festival News
- Variety: Newport Beach Film Festival UK and Ireland Honours
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach Film Festival
- Google Search: Newport Beach Film Festival
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
