The 16th annual Newport Beach Film Festival—an exciting week of more than 350 films from 50 countries, nightly special events, red carpet galas, conversations with filmmakers, international spotlight events and seminars kicks off Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. for the first time at Lido Live in Newport Beach with the premiere of “The Water Diviner” starring and directed by Russell Crowe.
It’s an epic adventure that takes place after the devastating 1915 World War I battle of Gallipoli in Turkey. Australian farmer Connor (Crowe) travels to Istanbul looking for his three sons, reported missing in the action, where he meets a beautiful Turkish woman (Olga Kurylenko) who owns the hotel where he stays. Connor must travel across the war-torn landscape in search of his sons with the aid of a Turkish Officer. The film takes a look at the conflicted and unstable devastation of war, love and humanity.
Following the screening, the Festival will host an Opening Night gala at Fashion Island featuring culinary tastings from 25 of Orange County’s premiere restaurants, hosted bar by Tito’s Vodka, Stella Artois Beer and Remy Cointreau with a special performance from Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil.
Tickets to the Opening Night screening and gala cost $225 each and are available at NewportBeachFilmFest.com. Guests can also purchase tickets to the Opening Night gala only for $175 each. Guests must be at least 21 years old and cocktail attire is recommended.
Lido Live is at 3459 Via Lido in Newport Beach. 949.723.0250.
Driftwood Photo Show Tonight
SKD Studios in Newport Beach, an award-winning kitchen, bath, interior design studio is hosting a photography show tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. with Ben Ginsburg, of Driftwood Photography Studios
With a passion for adventure and action sports, Ben travels the world in search of surf, related lifestyle shots and capturing awe-inspiring moments.
Recently he’s expanded into commercial and editorial works, as well as formal portraits and weddings.
Wine and refreshments will be served, too!
SKD Studios is at 3415 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach.
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from the blog
- 05.20.26 – Casa Romantica Showcases Festival of Arts Legacy in New Summer Exhibition
- 05.18.26 – Azure Day Party Debuts Sundays at The Bungalow Huntington Beach
- 05.18.26 – Newport Dunes Celebrates Memorial Day Weekend With Music, Movies, and More
- 05.17.26 – Free Summer Dance Nights and Concerts Return to Segerstrom Center
- 05.17.26 – CasaDami Teams Up With Gelato Paradiso for a Summer Dessert Flight
- 05.14.26 – 44 Women for Orangewood Luncheon in Newport Beach
- 05.13.26 – Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center
- 05.11.26 – Lido Theater Receives 2026 Preservation Award
- 05.08.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With Seafood Tastings and Holiday Specials
- 05.08.26 – Outpost Kitchen at South Coast Plaza Debuts Mother’s Day Menu
- 05.05.26 – Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
- 04.29.26 – ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
- 04.28.26 – Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
- 04.28.26 – Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
- 04.27.26 – March for Babies Returns to Irvine May 2
- 04.25.26 – Classic Packards Take Center Stage in Newport Beach
- 04.23.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.23.26 – SpiceQuest Brings the Heat Home
- 04.20.26 – Honda Center Serves Up Playoff-Ready Menu for Ducks Fans
- 04.17.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
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- 05.07.26 – Sweetgreen Opens at Irvine’s University Center
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- 04.29.26 – J Ruby: A Colorful Creative Find in South Laguna
- 04.28.26 – A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente
- 04.23.26 – David Spade Takes The Lido Theater Stage
- 04.20.26 – Arrive in Style. Leave the Driving to Us.
- 04.19.26 – Candace Bushnell Brings One-Woman Show to South Coast Repertory
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- 04.13.26 – An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo
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