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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