News Summary
The Newport Beach Film Festival is celebrating its 26th annual event, showcasing over 100 feature films and 250 shorts from around the world. This year’s festival, expected to draw around 50,000 attendees, highlights student films through the OCC Shorts program and features renowned actors receiving the Icon Award. Attendees will enjoy culinary offerings alongside a diverse range of films, emphasizing emerging talent and innovation in cinema.
Newport Beach Film Festival Kicks Off Iconic 26th Annual Event
The Newport Beach Film Festival is set to run from October 16 to 23, 2025, showcasing a diverse lineup of more than 100 feature films and 250 shorts from 32 countries. This annual celebration of cinema is expected to attract around 50,000 attendees, solidifying its status as the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California.
Highlighting Student Talent
A focal point of this year’s festival is the “OCC Shorts” program, which will take place on October 19 at Triangle Cinemas in Costa Mesa. This segment highlights short films created by students from Orange Coast College and marks the 22nd year it has been a part of the festival. The first program will feature films such as “The Mentor,” “Intrepid Ink,” “Polar Minds,” “Bea’s Shells,” and “No Sound But the Sea.” The second program includes titles like “Downtime,” “N.E.E.T.,” “Dark Spaces,” “Champagne Problems,” “CH. 03,” “Imagine That,” and “Witness.”
Emerging Films and Filmmakers
Among the standout student films, “Polar Minds” is directed by Elijah Aceves and features performances from Levi Prairie, Alex Ramirez, and Gerard Jananian. Another notable film is “N.E.E.T.,” directed by Alexander Morper, which features a homemade personal explosive. Both filmmakers expressed enthusiasm about showcasing their works at a prominent festival like Newport Beach. The festival this year emphasizes films and projects that are seeking distribution and recognition for awards, bridging the gap between emerging talent and established professionals in the industry.
A Star-Studded Lineup
This year’s festival also honors renowned actors such as Brendan Fraser, Diane Lane, and Mark Hamill, who will receive the prestigious Icon Award. The opening night will feature the film “Blue Moon,” starring Ethan Hawke, as well as Renee Zellweger’s directorial debut short “They.” The festival will close with a screening of Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated “Frankenstein” alongside a new biopic about Bruce Springsteen titled “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.”
Celebrating Culinary Expertise
In addition to the film offerings, the festival will feature nightly parties and events with over 60 culinary partners, showcasing the rich food culture of the area. Attendees can experience the culinary scene while enjoying independent and international cinema.
Background of the Festival
The Newport Beach Film Festival has a long-standing tradition of celebrating both established filmmakers and young talent. Since its inception, the festival has grown significantly in scope and participation, providing a platform for cutting-edge films and innovative storytelling. This year’s selection continues the festival’s legacy of excellence in film.
How to Participate
Tickets for the Newport Beach Film Festival can be purchased through the festival’s official website, offering a chance for film enthusiasts to engage with inspiring stories and creative talents from around the globe.
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Additional Resources
- Coast Report Online
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach Film Festival
- South OC Beaches
- Google Search: Newport Beach Film Festival
- OC Register
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festivals
- Variety
- Google News: Newport Beach Film Festival
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA 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.
