One of the many must attend events at the 15th annual Newport Beach Film Festival April 24- May 1 will be the celebration of 50 years of award winning filmmaking, with Laguna Beach based director Greg MacGillivray and his team at MacGillivray Freeman Films.
“A Retrospective with MacGillivray Freeman Films” includes the screening of “Five Summer Stories” on Tuesday, April 29 at 5 p.m. at South Coast Village Theater. It represents the culmination of Jim Freeman and Greg MacGillivray’s first decade of making surf films together. A panel discussion will follow with surf icons Laird Hamilton, Gerry Lopez, Herbie Fletcher, Pete Townend and more. MacGillivray and Steve Pezman will discuss the impact of “Five Summer Stories” and the rapid changes of surf culture.
The second big event will be the Orange County premiere of “Journey to the South Pacific” on Wednesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Regency Lido Theatre about a young boy’s adventure around the islands of West Papau. A Q&A and a multi-media presentation with film clips and tales will follow the film from MacGillivray’s most memorable filmmaking expeditions.
"I can't believe it has been 50 years since Jim and I started MacGillivray Freeman Films here in Laguna. It has been a tremendous journey and I am blessed to be surrounded by such an incredible team of people,” said MacGillivray. “I can't imagine a better way to commemorate our 50th Anniversary of filmmaking than being a part of 2 wonderful events at our hometown festival. Being a part of the Newport Beach Film Festival is truly an honor and a thrill."
MacGillivray and his team at MFF have also collaborated on films such as Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and John Milius’ “Big Wednesday”, and award-winning IMAX films like “Everest”, “The Living Sea” and the upcoming “Humpback Whales” 3D. They have earned more than $1 billion in ticket sales, plus they’ve been nominated for two Academy Awards. However, perhaps the greatest gift they’ve given audiences is a close and personal look at places in remote parts of the globe that most will never see.
For tickets and more information, visit Newport Beach Film Festival.
The Latest from greer's oc
Rove Costa Mesa Now Open With Fast Charging and Lounge
Rove Costa Mesa is now open, bringing a new approach to EV charging in Orange County.
Located on Harbor Boulevard, the space combines 40 fast chargers with a thoughtfully designed lounge and ReCharge Market by Gelson’s. The goal is simple. Make…
Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
The Park Club California has introduced its spring menu, led by Chef Daniel Hohng, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a sense of comfort that feels both refined and welcoming.
With more than two decades of experience, including time working…
A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
An evening that brings together style, community, and a shared purpose is set for Tuesday, April 21 at My Sister’s Closet. From 6 to 8 p.m., more than 100 women are expected to gather for a philanthropic night in partnership…
Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Returns April 25–26
On Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, 2026, the Historic Floral Park Neighborhood Association presents the 33rd Annual Floral Park Home & Garden Tour, a beloved spring tradition that celebrates the charm and character of one of Orange…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.08.26 – Rove Costa Mesa Now Open With Fast Charging and Lounge
- 04.06.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.06.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.05.26 – Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Returns April 25–26
- 04.03.26 – Earth Month Eco Challenge Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County
- 04.01.26 – Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: How to Think About the Choice
- 03.31.26 – Newport Beach Goes for a World Record at Balboa Pier
- 03.31.26 – Easter at VEA Newport Beach
- 03.28.26 – Willbo Brings Western-Inspired Style to Lido Marina Village
- 03.28.26 – Burritos for a Cause at Dog Haus
- 03.25.26 – A Desert Escape in Tempe: Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes Debuts Renovation
- 03.25.26 – Turning 65 and Still Working: What to Know About Medicare
- 03.25.26 – Cape Crusaders, Cosplay and Comic-Con Energy Take Over Anaheim
- 03.25.26 – A Fresh Swing and a Perfect Matcha at The CAMP
- 03.19.26 – Two Upcoming Workshops at the Environmental Nature Center
- 03.18.26 – What to Know About Medicare for You or Someone You Care About
- 03.15.26 – Puesto Introduces “Girl Dinner” Wednesdays
- 03.13.26 – What to Know About Medicare Before 65—Signing Up for Medicare
- 03.11.26 – Pure Barre Orange County Celebrates 17 Years With Free Classes and Community Giveaways
- 03.11.26 – Sky Rock Sedona Makes an Easy Weekend Escape From Orange County
More Daily Doses
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 04.06.26 – Spring in Full Bloom at South Coast Plaza
- 04.05.26 – Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley
- 04.01.26 – A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar
- 03.30.26 – STAUD Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.27.26 – South Coast Plaza Easter Dining Picks
- 03.26.26 – Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County
- 03.26.26 – OC Fashion Week Arrives at My Sister’s Closet With Designer Adolfo Sánchez
- 03.19.26 – Highball and Naisho Omakase Debut in Costa Mesa With a First-of-Its-Kind Dual Concept
- 03.16.26 – Bubblefest Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County for Its 30th Anniversary
- 03.16.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Opens Its First Orange County Location
- 03.10.26 – A Newport Beach Landmark Turns 100: From The Arches to A Restaurant
- 03.10.26 – Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles
- 03.08.26 – Top of the V Unveils a Spanish-Inspired Steakhouse Experience
- 03.06.26 – Beyond A Dream Gala Supports Breakthrough T1D Research in Orange County
- 03.05.26 – Orange County Restaurant Week Returns March 8–14
- 02.28.26 – Spring Returns to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
- 02.26.26 – California Cool Art Auction Returns to Laguna Art Museum
- 02.25.26 – An Elevated Pastry Experience Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach
