Greer's OC

The first weekend for the Newport Beach Film Festival officially kicks off today with showcase and spotlight films, Q&A with filmmakers following the screening, as well as exciting after parties and seminars.

On Friday, April 28 the Showcase Films include Never Goin’ Back at 8:15 p.m. at The Triangle; Ride at 8 p.m. at The Triangle (repeat screening 4/30 at 2:30 p.m. at The Triangle); Shotgun at The Triangle at 7:45 at The Triangle.

On Friday, the festival also celebrates the UK film program and UK festivities with two spotlight films: and Spotlight Wild Honey Pie at at 8:15 p.m. at The Triangle (repeat screening 5/2 at 2:45 p.m. Edwards Big Newport); and Happy Birthday Toby Smith at 8:15 at  The Triangle (repeat screening 5/1 at 12:15 p.m. at Regency Lido Theater. 

The Friday Sunset Celebration at Sherman Library and Gardens at 5 p.m. will feature award-winning food tastings, hosted bar by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and entertainment. This intimate mixer is an unique opportunity to meet the 2018 filmmakers and special guests in a beautiful setting.

On Saturday, April 29 the Showcase Films include The Long Dumb Road at 8:30 p.m. at The Triangle repeat screening 5/1 at 8 p.m. at The LOT); The Unicorn at 8:30 p.m. at The Triangle; Write Back When You Get Work at 8:15 p.m. at The Triangle; Boundaries at 8:15 p.m. at The Triangle: and the Canadian Spotlight Film is Cardinals at 8:15 p.m. at the LOT (repeat screening at 3 p.m. at The LOT.)

On Saturday, April 28, the Centerpiece Celebration Party is at 10:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at The Newport Beach Country Club and Karma Automotive.

The Celebration cost is $65 for film and party; party only cost is $45. Must be 21 and over. It's an outdoor event, coat or jacket is recommended.

On Sunday, The Irish Showcase Film is The Drummer and the Keeper at 6:15 p.m. at Edwards Big Newport at 6:15 p.m.: Maze is at 6 p.m. at Edwards Big Newport (repeat screening at 5:30 p.m. at Edwards Big Newport; and Michael Inside at 6:30 p.m. at Edwards Big Newport.

After the film, the Irish Showcase Celebration will take place at Muldoon’s Irish Pub at 8 p.m.

The film and party cost is $25, and party only cost is $45. Must be 21 and over. Cocktail attire recommended.

To purchase tickets and for information about the Newport Beach Film Festival, visit NewportBeachFilmFestival.