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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.
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:
- Fri, Oct 18th, 8:30 PM @ Triangle 1 – World Premiere
- Thu, Oct 24th, 7:30 PM @ Triangle 1
Triangle 1 Theater (1870 Harbor Blvd)
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:
- Sun, Oct 20th, 3:15 PM @ Triangle 2
Triangle 2 Theater (1870 Harbor Blvd)
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:
- Sat, Oct 19th, 7:00 PM @ Lido Theater
Lido Theater (3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663)
Blog
Seasonal Sips at Press & Moka Coffeehouse in Irvine
10.13.24
Press & Moka is serving up seasonal drinks with their autumn-inspired menu, perfect for the SoCal fall. All drinks are available iced, with most also offered hot, and they pair beautifully with the coffeehouse’s artisan European-style food, featuring imported meats, cheeses, and house-made specialties. Visit Press & Moka Coffeehouse in Irvine for these fall favorites:
- P&M PSL (Press & Moka Pumpkin Spice Latte): Their signature pumpkin spice latte, made with real pumpkin puree and sweetened with brown sugar, topped with pumpkin whip. Available iced or hot.
- Apple Caramel Chai: A chai latte blended with house-made caramel apple syrup, evoking the warm nostalgia of apple cider. Available iced or hot.
- Maple Sea Salt Latte: A latte enhanced with maple syrup and a hint of sea salt. Available iced or hot.
- Cinnamon Matcha Latte: A matcha latte infused with house-made cinnamon syrup for a cozy twist. Available iced or hot.
- Irvine Fog: Press & Moka’s take on the classic London Fog, combining Earl Grey tea with lavender and vanilla syrups, plus your choice of milk. Available iced or hot.
- Cinnamon Cold Foam Latte: A cinnamon-flavored latte topped with house-made cinnamon cold foam. Served iced only.
Discover more at Press & Moka Coffeehouse.
8881 Von Karman Ave Suite 175, Irvine. 949.852.8222.
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from the blog
- 10.09.25 – The Jill Foundation’s Annual Opportunity Drawing Is Now Open
- 10.09.25 – Born in OC Book Signing at Lido Village Books
- 10.07.25 – Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill Reopens Reimagined Anaheim Hills Flagship
- 10.07.25 – Moonlit Magic to Shine at 2025 Wish Gala
- 10.05.25 – Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Musco Center
- 10.04.25 – Puesto Celebrates National Taco Day with Golden Ticket Giveaway
- 10.02.25 – Musco Presents Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- 10.02.25 – Newport Beach Becomes Global Beach Volleyball Capital Oct. 7–12
- 10.01.25 – Laguna Cliffs Hosts Harvest Moon Sound Bath
- 09.29.25 – Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Discovery Cube OC This October
- 09.29.25 – Zov’s Debuts New Brunch Menu Inspired by Family Traditions
- 09.26.25 – Segerstrom Center Expands Feel Good, Do Good Donation Drives
- 09.25.25 – GLOW Coalition Hosts First Fundraiser for Save Newport Nature
- 09.24.25 – Ilissa Michele Jewelry: Purpose-Driven, Handmade, and One-of-a-Kind
- 09.21.25 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 09.19.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season With Free Block Party
- 09.16.25 – Seconds at PCH Food Week Returns to 2ND & PCH
- 09.13.25 – Pasta Sisters Marks 10 Years With $8 Pasta Day
- 09.12.25 – Wrap Up by Valerie Perez Unveils Luxe Robe Collection for Fall
- 09.11.25 – Sgt. Pepperoni’s Partners With CHOC for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
More Daily Doses
- 10.08.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Honors
- 10.08.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 10.05.25 – Fashion Meets Film: StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island October 15–19
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
- 09.26.25 – Mastro’s Brings Its Iconic Dining Experience to Irvine Spectrum
- 09.25.25 – San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein Comes to Segerstrom Center
- 09.19.25 – 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
- 09.16.25 – Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- 09.16.25 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns September 20
- 09.15.25 – The Market Place Opening Celebration
- 09.12.25 – Segerstrom Center Welcomes Yearlong Karon Davis Installation
- 09.08.25 – Pacific Symphony Opens 47th Season with Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
- 09.08.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market
- 08.24.25 – An Evening at The Lido Theater to Benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
- 08.20.25 – Seafolly Opens First U.S. Flagship in Corona del Mar
- 08.16.25 – Stone Groove Stillhouse Brings World’s First Audio Distillery to Anaheim
- 08.14.25 – Harvest Restaurant Showcases Seasonal California Cuisine
- 08.06.25 – ClubSport Aliso Viejo Debuts Recovery Upgrades and New Friends Membership
- 08.05.25 – A Taste of Japan in Irvine: Izakaya Osen
- 08.01.25 – Bubble Blast Brings Summer Fun to The District
