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Renovated Lido Theater to Host Newport Beach Film Festival, October 18-24

10.16.24

The historic Lido Theater, recently renovated to preserve its Art Deco charm while adding modern features, will be a key venue for the 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF). Now celebrating its 25th year, the festival runs from October 17-24, 2024, and will feature over 350 films from more than 50 countries. Select screenings will take place at the Lido Theater, including the highly anticipated Closing Night film A Real Pain, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, on Thursday, October 24 at 8:30 p.m.

One of the festival’s Centerpiece Films showing at The Lido Theater is Stealing Pulp Fiction, a comedic story about three friends plotting to steal Quentin Tarantino’s personal 35mm print of Pulp Fiction. Another standout is My Dead Friend Zoe, a moving drama about a U.S. Army Afghanistan veteran and her deep connection to her deceased best friend, exploring themes of memory, loss, and healing. The Last Showgirl, directed by Gia Coppola, will also be featured, telling the story of a seasoned showgirl confronting her uncertain future after her show unexpectedly closes.

Special Events at The Lido Theater In addition to screenings, the Lido Theater will host a variety of special events, offering festivalgoers the chance to engage with filmmakers, cinematographers, and other industry professionals. These include intimate talks and interactive panels that delve into the creative process behind the films.

The special programming kicks off with a screening of the SoCal Snowy Owl documentary on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m., followed by a panel with conservation experts, including Denver Holt from the Owl Research Institute. On Saturday, October 19 at 12:30 p.m., Cinematographer Celebration: Masters of the Frame will honor Variety’s “10 Cinematographers to Watch,” spotlighting their talents in visual storytelling. Later that evening, the film Queen of the Ring, which tells the story of trailblazing female wrestler Mildred Burke, will screen at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew.

On Sunday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m., The Last Showgirl will be screened, followed by a Q&A with Director Gia Coppola and Screenwriter Kate Gersten. The film explores the journey of a showgirl adjusting to her future after her long-running show ends abruptly.

The Composer Spotlight on Monday, October 21 at 7 p.m. will honor renowned singer-songwriter and producer Finneas O’Connell. He will discuss his work on the television series Disclaimer and share exclusive behind-the-scenes clips. The evening will also include a special award ceremony in his honor. On Wednesday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m., a special screening of Star Trek: Lower Decks will feature a preview of the Season 5 premiere, followed by a panel with series creator Mike McMahan and voice actors Noël Wells, Eugene Cordero, and Jerry O’Connell.

The festival will conclude with the Closing Night Film A Real Pain on Thursday, October 24 at 8:30 p.m., presented by UCI Health. The film follows two cousins, played by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, as they travel through Poland to honor their late grandmother, uncovering deep family tensions along the way. After the screening, a celebratory reception will take place at Lido Plaza, featuring a hosted bar with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Peroni, along with light bites from River Jetty Restaurant Group.

The full schedule of events and screenings at The Lido Theater follows below:

For the full Newport Beach Film Festival schedule and ticket information, visit newportbeachfilmfest.com.

Image Courtesy Bob Hodson

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Georgia’s Hosts Irvine Spectrum Center Grand Opening with Giveaways

10.16.24

Georgia’s Restaurant is gearing up for the Grand Opening of its fourth Southern California location at the Irvine Spectrum Center on Friday, October 18. Starting at 11 a.m., the first 50 customers will score a limited edition anniversary mug with a surprise gift card (valued between $5 and $100), and the next 100 will take home a Georgia’s keychain with their order—while supplies last.

“As we open our Irvine Spectrum Center location, we’re also celebrating 10 incredible years since we launched at the Packing House,” says Nika Shoemaker-Machado, co-owner with her mother, Gretchen Shoemaker, and husband, Marlon Machado. “It’s amazing to see our family’s recipes embraced across Southern California. We’ve truly filled a gap in the local Southern Soul Food scene.”

Georgia’s menu is all about those homestyle flavors passed down through generations, but with a modern twist. Some favorites include Nana Gretchen’s Fried Green Tomatoes, finger-licking Pulled Pork Sliders, and their legendary Fried Chicken, perfectly seasoned and cornmeal-crusted.

You’ll also find a half rack of slow-roasted BBQ Ribs, Black Angus Tri-Tip, and their famous Fried Catfish. Plates come with a selection of Soulful Sides like Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese, Red Beans & Rice, and Nana Gretchen’s Cornbread with house-made honey butter.

For something extra special, don’t miss Gretchen’s Jambalaya, the Louisiana Tilapia & Shrimp, or the mouthwatering Chicken & Waffle. And Southern comfort bowls like Hoppin’ John with smoked turkey neck or the Chili Mac are just what you need on a cool day.

If you’re craving something handheld, the Shrimp Po’Boy, Pulled Pork Sandwich, and BBQ Chicken Sandwich are perfect for lunch or on the go.

Now, about those desserts—Georgia’s Beignets are better than in New Orleans (seriously). Plus, you can indulge in Nana Gretchen’s Peach Cobbler, Sweet Potato Pie, and more.

Pair your meal with their signature peach or seasonal sangria, a glass of wine, or a craft beer to complete the experience.

Georgia's Restaurant at Irvine Spectrum Center is located at 732 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 (near Dave & Busters).

Other Locations:
- Anaheim Packing District (440 S. Anaheim Blvd #209A; upper level, Anaheim)
- Eastvale Gateway (12571 Limonite Avenue, Eastvale)
- Long Beach Exchange (4101 McGowen St. Suite 155, Long Beach)

For more information, hours, and menus, please visit georgias-restaurant.com. 

Photo Credit:  Courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

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