Lights! Camera! International Action!

Orange County is welcoming a new film festival this week with the Anaheim International Film Festival, which starts Wednesday and continues through Sunday—more than 100 films will be screened, including contemporary narrative feature films, documentaries, live action and animated shorts and student films from all over the world.

And the festival will feature industry panels, workshops, tributes, retrospectives and star-studded gala events. You have opportunities to attend films from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Tickets cost for $10 individual screening pass ($5 students/seniors/military); $30 all day screening pass ($15 students/seniors/military); or $12 special presentation film screenings.

And you can also attend opening night Wednesday at UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk. The evening will include appearances by the filmmakers, a gala screening, and a post screening party complete with delicious food and great live entertainment. Opening night red carpet starts at 5:30 p.m., films start at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $50.

Films screened opening night include “Going Vertical: The Short Board Revolution,” Monica & David,” ”Summer Wars,” “Wild Target,” and an opening night short program. Other parties include an awards night gala celebration Saturday at 5 p.m., at the Grand Californian Hotel, Sequoia Ballroom, which includes a VIP showing of “World of Color,” Disney’s newest nighttime spectacular following at Disney California Adventure Park.Tickets cost $150.

And the closing night festivities on Sunday at 5 p.m. at UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk includes a screening, followed by a filmmakers’ audience award presentation and a wrap party. Tickets cost $50. For a complete list of films, tickets, and events go online here.

Anaheim International Film Festival at 321 W. Katella Ave., Suite #451 in Anaheim. 714.991.9110.

Cake Pop Signing Today!

If you haven’t visited Angie Dudley’s Bakerella blog, prepare to be inspired. The easy-to-follow directions for her delicious and creative Cake Pops are now available in hardcover - Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats! Just like her mouth-watering blog, Dudley has paired photos with instructions for every step of the baking process.

In support of her cake ball revolution, Dudley is signing copies of her book at the South Coast Plaza Williams and Sonoma today at noon!

Williams-Sonoma, South Coast Plaza. 3333 S. Bristol St. in Costa Mesa. 714.751.1166.