October 14, 2025

Newport Beach Film Festival Showcases Global Cinema

News Summary

The Newport Beach Film Festival will host its 26th annual event featuring over 100 feature films and 250 short films from 32 countries. With estimated attendance of 50,000, the festival includes highlights such as the screening of ‘Blue Moon’ starring Ethan Hawke and presentations of Icon Awards to renowned actors like Brendan Fraser and Diane Lane. This year’s festival also focuses on Irish cinema, offers unique screenings, and promotes rising talents through the ’10 Actors to Watch’ program. The event serves as a vital meeting point for filmmakers and movie enthusiasts.

Newport Beach will host the 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) from October 16 to October 23, 2025. The festival is set to feature over 100 feature films and 250 short films from 32 countries, making it one of the largest international cinema events in coastal Southern California. An estimated 50,000 attendees are expected to participate in the week-long celebration of global cinema.

The festival’s program includes a variety of highlights, such as an opening night screening of “Blue Moon”, starring Ethan Hawke, supplemented by a short film titled “They”, directed by Renee Zellweger. The screenings will take place at the Regal Edwards Big Newport, with a post-party at Fashion Island, featuring over 30 local restaurants providing culinary delights to attendees.

On October 19, the festival will present the coveted Icon Awards to a lineup of renowned actors including Brendan Fraser, Diane Lane, and Mark Hamill, which signifies the festival’s connection to notable figures in the film industry.

This year’s festival places a spotlight on Irish cinema with a showcase featuring 20 filmmakers, many of whom will be attending their first international festival, thus promoting cultural exchange and appreciation. Notable film entries include “The Unsinkable Entrepreneur”, portraying a yachtsman’s incredible solo journey around the globe, and documentaries like “From That Small Island” and “A Sip of Irish”, which celebrates Irish beverages, the latter accompanied by a post-party at Muldoon’s Irish Pub.

Furthermore, the festival will culminate with a close screening of Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein”, allowing audiences to engage with a modern take on a classic narrative.

The NBFF will also host an array of unique screenings and insightful discussions surrounding important themes, including action sports films that celebrate the surf, skate, and snow culture deeply rooted in Orange County. A notable film, “The OC Effect: Surf-Skate Business Evolution”, traces the history of counter-culture industries blossoming in the area. Additionally, Chris Sardelis, a renowned surf photographer, will present “Harbour Chronicles: Shaping a Legacy” with scheduled showings on October 18 and 19.

As part of its commitment to bridging the gap between new and established talents, the festival will recognize rising stars through Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch program. The Maverick Award will also be presented to emerging talent Jacob Elordi, highlighting his contributions to the film industry.

Moreover, the festival will celebrate accomplishments in filmmaking, with awards recognizing not just actors, but also directors, including a Best Director Award for Rian Johnson and the Legend & Groundbreaker Award for Scarlett Johansson.

The Newport Beach Film Festival has been essential in nurturing and showcasing films from various genres, including environmental themes, culinary arts, and works from local college students. This event is not only a platform for artistic expression but also serves as a vital meeting point for filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from around the globe.

With its expansive program of films and engaging events, this year’s festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of cinema, bridging cultures, and fostering connections within the global film community.

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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.

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