The 2021 Newport Beach Film Festival proudly announces its Opening and Closing Night Films. Set to take place in person from October 21-28, the Festival’s 22nd edition will showcase over 300 films from around the world.
The Festival will host nightly special events, world premieres, awards contenders, red carpet galas, and compelling conversations with filmmakers. Highlights include the 2021 Festival Honors program celebrating Variety’s ’10 Actors to Watch’, International Spotlights (UK, Ireland, Mexico, French, Swedish, Italian, German, Czech, Spain, Japan, Korea, China, Australia, Vietnam), and Special Programs (Action Sports, Art, Architecture + Design, Culinary, Environmental, Music Film Series). Films will screen at THE LOT (Fashion Island in Newport Beach), The New Port Theater (Corona del Mar), Edwards Big Newport (Newport Beach), Starlight Triangle Cinemas (Costa Mesa), and Regency South Coast Village (Santa Ana).
OPENING & CLOSING NIGHT
On Thursday, October 21 at 7 p.m. the Festival will kick off its eight-day run with the World Premiere of NEVER CATCH PIGEONS: AND ELEVEN MORE HARD LESSONS FROM MR. PAUL VAN DOREN at Edwards Big Newport (300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach).
The film tells the remarkable and honest story of Paul van Doren, a self-made innovator who started Vans, the iconic shoe and lifestyle brand that inspired a global skateboarding revolution. Directed by NBFF alumni Doug Pray, the film features Paul Van Doren, Tony Alva, Christian Hosoi, Ray Barbee, Brighton Zeuner, Hana Beaman, Dylan Graves, Steve Van Doren, Cheryl Van Doren, Kathy Van Doren, Paul Jr. Van Doren, Janie Van Doren. Following the screening, the Festival will host a STREET PARTY presented by VANS at 9 p.m. outdoors under the stars in the parking lot behind Edwards Big Newport. The event will feature a hosted bar by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and live entertainment.
On Thursday, October 28 at 7 p.m. the festival will close with the West Coast Premiere of WAR ON THE DIAMOND at The New Port Theater (2905 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar). Directed by Emmy and Peabody Award Winner Andy Billman and based on the award-winning book The Pitch That Killed by Mike Sowell, WAR ON THE DIAMOND tells the story of Ray Chapman - the only MLB player killed by a pitch - and the 100-year rivalry between two baseball teams and two cities - Cleveland and New York.
Produced by Art Horan, Danielle Alberico, and longtime Newport Beach resident, Pamela Lynn Sullivan. Former MLB pitcher and local resident Jim Abbott is a featured interview. A Closing Night reception will follow the screening at The New Port Theater.
“The Newport Beach Film Festival is extremely excited to be back on the big screen. We are proud to bring outstanding global cinema to our local theaters. This year’s incredible lineup of narrative features, non-fiction films, and curated shorts programs reflect the incredible storytelling talents of our filmmakers. We are thrilled to open and close the Festival with documentary films that have strong Orange County connections.” stated Gregg Schwenk, CEO/Executive Director of NBFF.
Tickets to Opening Night and Closing Night are $95. The event is open to attendees 21 and older.
For Festival passes, tickets, and COVID-19 safety information, visit NewportBeachFilmFest.com.
The Latest from greer's oc
Floral Park’s 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour Returns April 26–27
The Floral Park Neighborhood Association will present its 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, April 26–27, 2025. Often referred to as one of Orange County’s best-kept secrets, the event offers a rare opportunity to step inside…
Avila’s El Ranchito in Newport Beach Celebrates 50 Years
Avila’s El Ranchito Newport Beach is celebrating 50 years of family, food, and community on the Peninsula. Opened in 1975 by then 22-year-old Sergio Avila, the beloved Mexican restaurant has grown from a 40-seat neighborhood spot into a local landmark…
Easter Fun at VEA Newport Beach
VEA Newport Beach, one of Orange County’s most stylish coastal resorts, is celebrating Easter Sunday with a festive egg hunt for families. On Sunday, April 20, children can explore the expansive Marea Lawn in search of colorful eggs, set…
VIP Garden at LAWineFest – A Premier Tasting Experience!
Celebrate 20 years of LAWineFest in style with an elevated VIP experience the 'The Garden', hosted by the newly renovated Hotel Maya and Jackson Family Wines, which will be featuring among others Wine Enthusiast’s Winery of the Year,…
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 04.18.25 – Floral Park’s 32nd Annual Home & Garden Tour Returns April 26–27
- 04.17.25 – Avila’s El Ranchito in Newport Beach Celebrates 50 Years
- 04.17.25 – Easter Fun at VEA Newport Beach
- 04.16.25 – VIP Garden at LAWineFest – A Premier Tasting Experience!
- 04.15.25 – Don’t Miss the First 3rd Thursday in CdM
- 04.13.25 – Bar Becky Hosts Bougie Easter Brunch in Long Beach
- 04.10.25 – Experience a Little Part of Cuba This Easter at Habana
- 04.09.25 – Easter Brunch, Egg Hunts and More at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
- 04.08.25 – Final Days to Experience Bowers Museum’s Dazzling Titanium Garden
- 04.08.25 – Spring Fun in Full Bloom at 2ND & PCH
- 04.07.25 – NEP Café Redefines Modern Vietnamese Dining with a Bold New Chapter
- 04.04.25 – Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
- 04.04.25 – NOBLE Wine & Dine Weekend Returns to Newport Beach April 12–13
- 04.04.25 – Segerstrom Center for the Arts Celebrates Broadway’s Legendary 50th Season
- 04.04.25 – SAJJ Mediterranean Rolls Out New “Mediterranean Refresh” Menu in Irvine
- 04.01.25 – Gary Howard to Be Honored at Casa Youth Shelter’s 2025 Bootstrap Ball
- 03.31.25 – Free Outdoor Movies and More This Spring at Irvine Spectrum Center
- 03.31.25 – Puesto Welcomes Spring With Seasonal Dishes From Creative Chef Raul Casillas
- 03.30.25 – Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City
- 03.27.25 – South County Outreach’s Empty Bowls Gala 2025: Setting the Table for Change
More Daily Doses
- 04.17.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point
- 04.15.25 – Easter Hoppenings in Orange County
- 04.11.25 – Fashion Island Welcomes a New Season of Style
- 04.10.25 – Celebrate Easter Sunday with Brunch at Top Orange County Resorts
- 04.09.25 – Savor Easter Sunday at These South Coast Plaza Restaurants
- 04.07.25 – Now Open: Vox Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza
- 04.06.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 04.04.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 03.30.25 – Pasta Sisters Expands to Costa Mesa Kitchens
- 03.28.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years in Corona del Mar with Spring Events
- 03.25.25 – Dr. Jennifer Armstrong: Subtle, Beautiful Results That Make All the Difference
- 03.21.25 – Legendary Ramen Nagi Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.20.25 – Escape to Relaxation: A Spa Day at Pacific Waters Spa
- 03.19.25 – Spring Dining Experiences at Patina Restaurant Group in Downtown Disney
- 03.16.25 – Graze Craze Expands to Costa Mesa with Charcuterie Boards & Boxes
- 03.13.25 – Executive Chef Jeffrey Boullt Unveils Flavor-Packed New Dinner Menu at SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar
- 03.11.25 – Spring at Irvine Barclay Theatre: A Season of Music, Dance, and Conversation
- 03.09.25 – Deli Nerds Brings High-Quality, Clean Eating to Costa Mesa
