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25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival: Must-See Films and Exclusive Screenings

10.14.24

The Newport Beach Film Festival is celebrating its 25th edition from October 17-24, 2024, showcasing over 300 films from around the globe. This year’s festival promises a star-studded experience with world premieres, red carpet events, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and much more. As one of Southern California’s premier cultural events, it’s the perfect opportunity for film lovers to experience a diverse lineup of independent and award-winning cinema. Here are three standout films to check out during the festival: SÉANCE, The Blind Sea, and a special screening of Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Premiere.

SÉANCE

World Premiere at Newport Beach Film Festival

In this haunting period drama, SÉANCE follows novelist Emma Strand (Scottie Thompson), who finds herself at a seaside mansion in 1892 California. During a stormy evening, she and her second husband, Albert (Connor Paolo), take refuge at the home of her first husband, George (Jilon VanOver), and his unstable new wife, Lillian (Vivian Kerr). As tensions rise, Emma confronts her past, her desires, and the eerie presence that haunts the house—the spirit of George and Lillian's recently drowned daughter, Hazel. Written and directed by Vivian Kerr, this gothic thriller brings together a stellar cast and the chilling atmosphere of a ghost story set in the late 19th century.

Vivian Kerr, whose first feature Scrap won over 20 awards, brings her sharp storytelling to this suspenseful and emotional tale. The film is shot by acclaimed French-born DP Johanna Coelho and supported by an experienced production team.

Screening Times & Locations:

THE BLIND SEA

A Journey of Courage and Inspiration

The Blind Sea is a breathtaking and inspiring documentary that tells the story of Australian blind surfer Matt Formston, a three-time world champion who refuses to let his vision loss define his limits. Diagnosed with Macular Dystrophy at age five, Matt has just 3% of his vision remaining, yet he has risen to the top of the competitive surfing world. This documentary follows Matt’s incredible journey, showing how he defies expectations, takes on monster waves, and aims to break the world record for blind surfers at the infamous waves of Nazaré. With appearances by World Champions and surfing legends like Layne Beachley AO, Sam Bloom, and Lucas Chianca, The Blind Sea is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

Screening Times & Locations:

25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Presents a Special Screening of the Season Five Premiere of “Star Trek: Lower Decks”

The Newport Beach Film Festival is proud to present the season five premiere episodes of "Star Trek: Lower Decks", followed by a lively conversation with the series' creator, Mike McMahan, and cast members Noël Wells, Eugene Cordero, and Jerry O'Connell. The animated series brings humor to the Star Trek universe by following the adventures of the lower-ranking officers aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos.

Creator Mike McMahan is a multi-award-winning producer known for his work on Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites, while the talented voice cast includes Jerry O'Connell as Commander Jack Ransom, Noël Wells as Ensign D'Vana Tendi, and Eugene Cordero as Ensign Rutherford. This special event will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this fan-favorite series, as well as an opportunity to hear from the stars who bring the beloved characters to life.

Screening Times & Locations:

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