News Summary
Orange Coast College students showcased their talent at the Newport Beach Film Festival, featuring 12 short films that illustrate creativity and storytelling. The festival, one of the country’s largest luxury lifestyle film festivals, has included student films from OCC for over two decades. Among the highlights were ‘Champagne Problems’ and ‘Witness,’ which gained praise for direction and emotional narratives. The event fostered a supportive atmosphere for aspiring filmmakers, enhancing their confidence and valuable experience in a professional setting.
Newport Beach, CA – Orange Coast College (OCC) students showcased their talent at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 19, 2025, featuring a selection of twelve short films created by students in various programs. This annual festival, known for being one of the largest luxury lifestyle film festivals in the United States, has proudly included student-made shorts from OCC for the past 22 years.
The festival offered a platform for aspiring filmmakers to present their works to an audience, bringing together actors, directors, and family members to celebrate creativity and storytelling. Among the featured films was “Champagne Problems,” a comedy involving fashion major Jesse Muñoz, who expressed the excitement of seeing their work on the big screen. The showcase illustrated the commitment and passion of student filmmakers as they entered the spotlight in a professional setting.
One of the prominent films at the festival was “Witness,” directed by Luke Blackburn. This film received recognition for its gripping direction and storytelling, emphasizing Blackburn’s capability as a filmmaker in his academic pursuits. Film major Evan Grantham expressed enthusiasm about the festival, highlighting “Witness” as his favorite due to its emotional narrative and impressive cinematography, despite not having a film showcased himself.
Another engaging short film was “Ch. 3,” presented by filmmaker Hannah Martin. The film was well-received for its suspenseful storytelling and striking visual composition, with Martin noting the sound design and unique score as standout elements in her presentation that contributed to the film’s overall impact on the audience. The festival’s atmosphere allowed for a shared viewing experience, with Tanner Shelton, director of “Downtime,” appreciating the valuable moments spent watching their work on a large screen alongside viewers.
The positive feedback from attendees indicated a strong sense of community and support among the filmmakers and their peers. Many participants voiced pride in seeing their creative expressions acknowledged in such a prestigious venue. Muñoz’s experience in “Champagne Problems” served as an inspirational highlight, boosting confidence in the emerging filmmakers while demonstrating the importance of real-world experience in shaping their cinematic voices.
Overall, the Newport Beach Film Festival not only showcased the creativity of Orange Coast College students but also provided an environment that celebrates the future of filmmaking. Through this event, aspiring filmmakers gained valuable insights, experience, and recognition, reinforcing the significance of platforms that promote artistic expression.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newport Beach Film Festival Kicks Off Iconic Annual Event
Jocelyn Nguyen Shines in ‘Visions of Pop’ Concert
Orange Coast College Film Festival Showcases Student Talent
Additional Resources
- Harper’s Bazaar: Scarlett Johansson at Newport Beach Film Festival
- Hello Magazine: Best Dressed at Newport Beach Film Festival
- Go Fug Yourself: Newport Beach Film Festival
- Desert Sun: Diane Lane Receives Icon Award
- Wikipedia: 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.
