Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10148
LIVEMAGS.NET MAY>>10 33 Newport Beach Film Festival Review By Jon Khoshafian W hen the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) was conceptualized eleven years ago, it seemed like an insurmountable goal. To bring a legitimate film festival to an upscale Orange County community where the grittiness of filmmaking meets posh lifestyles seemed like a humorous movie premise. But Gregg Schwenk, chief founder of NBFF, was not deterred. Each year NBFF grew and grew with absolutely no signs of slowing down. It grew in the number of films exhibited and it grew in terms of prominence. This year NBFF is now a legitimate film festival in contention with other leading local film festivals. The end of April is now the home schedule of NBFF, and local residents have added the festival to their "to do" calendars. April also is a downtime for big studios, because the blockbusters of May are just around the corner and all studios are waiting to unleash their big hits. At a time when Hollywood is uninterested in bringing quality films, NBFF steps in and fills the void. This year, NBFF showcased over 350 films from over 40 countries, coupled with a series of local films that tap into the heartbeat of Newport Beach and surrounding communities. The Opening Night film, "Five Star Day", was a huge success. Opening Night means red carpet and celebrities. As the actors from the featured films started showing up the press was a-buzz. With cameras flashing and reporters in full interview-mode, the red carpet mimicked the big-name Hollywood premieres. For most filmmakers this will be as close as they get to "making it" and NBFF was sure to give them their fifteen minutes. NBFF also is careful about selecting its opening night film with past films like "Crash", "The Illusionist", and "Beautiful Ohio" NBFF makes sure to bring in a big production movie but with an independent-film feel. "Five Star Day" featured the up-and-coming Cam Gigandet who is hot off "Twilight" fame. Audience reaction was mostly positive. But the opening night film was upstaged in true Hollywood fashion by the gala that ensued in the Fashion Island quad. For the NBFF, the films are most of the story-- but not all. What makes NBFF so special is it allows people to buy tickets to the after-parties, whereas in Hollywood after-parties are strictly invitational. Although there are several after-parties throughout the week, each being a spotlight for a type of film or a film with an ethnic background, none can compare to the opening night gala. With the ticket price over $100 for entry, the opening night gala featured food from over 20 local restaurants, all vying for attendees to taste their food. With exquisite gourmet food, the drinks were flowing as well, with open bars stationed every twenty feet. To top it off, the attendees were treated to a fashion show featuring the clothes of stores located in Fashion Island. As if all this were not enough, NBFF brought in "Mystere by Cirque du Soleil" from Treasure Island Resort & Casino Las Vegas, which featured acts of strength that can only be believed if seen. The night was an incredible event for all those that attended and is a must for those who have not experienced the NBFF opening night gala. Overall, NBFF has become the most well-organized and entertaining event in Orange County. After years of work, NBFF has gotten rid of all the kinks and is now a smooth operating machine. And what makes NBFF stand out from other film festivals is it provides opportunities. It provides local filmmakers the opportunity to jumpstart their careers by essentially playing their films in their own backyard. It provides residents with an opportunity to experience Hollywood glamour. It provides all those in attendance with a chance to see quality independent films that never see a nationwide rollout and mingle with the filmmakers at ritzy after-parties. NBFF has become Orange County's gem, and all signs indicate that this gem will continue to sparkle.