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The 24th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) Lineup

09.29.23

The 24th edition of the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) just announced its exciting lineup of 91 films hailing from 19 countries. The festival, scheduled from October 12 to 19, 2023, will feature an array of premieres, including 14 World Premieres, 14 U.S. Premieres, 6 North American Premieres, 15 West Coast Premieres, and 5 Southern California Premieres.

Notable selections include three Netflix titles showcased as Centerpiece films: 'May December,' directed by Todd Haynes and starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton; 'NYAD,' directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, featuring Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, and Rhys Ifans; and 'Rustin,' directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Colman Domingo. Another Centerpiece screening is Apple Original Films 'Fingernails,' directed by Christos Nikou and featuring Jeremy Allen White, Riz Ahmed, Annie Murphy, Jessie Buckley, and Luke Wilson. Additionally, fifteen international films have been selected for the Spotlight section, representing countries such as Canada, China, Germany, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Sweden.

Special Events during the festival include a conversation and book signing on October 14 with Rainn Wilson, an award-winning actor, two-time New York Times Best Selling author, Founder of the non-profit Lidé Haiti, and climate activist. Wilson will discuss his new book “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution,” exploring the benefits of spirituality in problem-solving and finding happiness in today’s challenging world. 

On October 15, director and writer Jim Sheridan will be present for a retrospective screening of 'In the Name of the Father,' a 1993 biographical crime drama based on the true story of the Guildford Four. The festival will also host a culinary reception on October 17 to celebrate the premiere of the documentary film 'Forked,' chronicling Susan Feniger’s personal journey of opening her first solo restaurant. Furthermore, on October 18, the festival will feature a 30-minute Q&A with Bobby Berk, interior design expert and Emmy-nominated TV host of Netflix’s Queer Eye, discussing his new book, "Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind."

Among the film highlights are the World Premiere of 'Brave the Dark' directed by Damian Harris, and the U.S. premiere of 'Mr. Blake At Your Service!' directed by Gilles Legardinier, and various other exciting screenings featuring talented casts and captivating stories. 

The Newport Beach Film Festival, attracting over 50,000 attendees to Orange County, CA, stands as the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California. Besides the film screenings, the festival also offers nightly parties and events with over 60 culinary partners presenting their finest tastings.

For more details about the festival's complete lineup and to purchase tickets, please visit newportbeachfilmfest.com.

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Empowering UCI Students Through the Gift of Music

09.29.23

UC Irvine students with a passion for music, regardless of their major, now have an exciting opportunity to apply for scholarships, all thanks to a generous $100,000 pledge from The Drake Gives, a charitable organization founded by Alec Glasser, a distinguished commercial developer and restaurateur. 

“We believe that music is a fundamental part of the soul and it can be applied in many different contexts,” Glasser says. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students who envision integrating music into their future careers.

Glasser, the proud owner of The Drake Restaurant in Laguna Beach, traces his own musical journey back to his school days in New York, where he learned to play the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He advocates for universal access to music education and enjoyment, even for those who may not pursue music professionally. His love for music is evident as he integrates live nightly jazz and blues performances at The Drake, infusing musical experiences into his business.

The profound effects of music on the brain have been widely studied, showcasing benefits such as enhanced memory, especially in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Music has also shown its potential to aid healing processes, as evidenced by various UCI studies. Additionally, research highlights that children and teens studying music tend to perform better academically, enhancing various cognitive skills and promoting social and emotional awareness.

In alignment with these principles, the School of Social Ecology and Glasser are joining forces to forge collaborations that further the influence of music in society, both locally and globally. Glasser's inspiration for the name of his restaurant, The Drake, harkens back to the renowned Drake Hotel in New York, where he worked in his youth. 

This experience profoundly shaped his understanding of hospitality and the importance of genuine interactions with people. "I learned how to be a young businessman, and I met these wonderful people," Glasser fondly recalls, reminiscing about encounters with notable figures such as Sammy Davis Jr., Mohammad Ali, John Coltrane, the Grateful Dead, and The Who during his time at The Drake. These interactions demonstrated the value of hard work, trust-building, and how genuine efforts are inherently rewarded.

Now, Glasser is paying this lesson forward by giving back to the community. In 2021, he established The Drake Gives and partnered with the Save The Music Foundation, aiming to support thousands of schools nationwide in initiating and sustaining music programs.

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