Greer's OC

The 14th annual Newport Beach Film Festival—eight days of film screenings, seminars, Q & A’s with filmmakers, red carpet galas, parties and more—kicks off Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Big Newport with the West Coast premiere of Green Day’s documentary “Broadway Idiot” a behind the curtain glimpse how their punk rock, album “American Idiot” became the acclaimed musical.

Immediately following the film, the opening night gala takes place at Fashion Island. The party features culinary tastings from 35 of Orange County’s premiere restaurants and a special performance from American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.

The Newport Beach Film Festival runs April 25 through May 2, and boasts more than 300 films from 50 countries, nightly special events, Q & A’s with filmmakers, international spotlight events and seminars.

Tickets to the opening night screening and gala costs $175 each, and you can also purchase tickets to the Opening Night gala for $100 each. Guests must be at least 21 years old and cocktail attire is suggested.

Passes and tickets for film screenings, galas and special events are on sale at NewportBeachFilmFest.com

Edwards Big Newport at 300 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach.

NB Film Fest Giveaway

We’re thrilled to be media sponsors of our favorite film fest in the world, the Newport Beach Film Fest kicking off Thursday through Thursday, May 2. We’re giving away two pairs of tickets (valued at $175 each) to the opening night screening of “Broadway Idiot” starting at 7:30 p.m. at Big Newport theatre and the gala immediately following at Fashion Island.

The after party features tastes from more than 35 of Orange County’s best restaurants as well as a performance by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks. To enter to win the tickets, simply comment or like our Facebook page. We’ll announce the winners on Wednesday.

Tickets to the opening night screening and gala cost $175 each and are available at NewportBeachFilmFest.com. You can also purchase tickets to the Opening Night gala for $100 each. Guests must be at least 21 years old and cocktail attire is suggested.

Edwards Big Newport at 300 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach.