The film festival scene in Newport Beach is buzzing with excitement! CEO and co-founder, Gregg Shwenk, is firm in his commitment to offer audiences not merely films, but an entire experience around each movie. Think of a packed house, engaging debates with the audience post-screening, and a celebratory after-party complete with local music and food.
Newport Beach Film Festival, now in its 25th year, is going from strength to strength, an indication that the film industry is alive and well here. Despite just being an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, where film production is facing certain challenges, Newport Beach’s cinematic event is thriving.
An Overview of the Film Festival This Year
Starting from October 17 and running up to the end of this week, this year’s festival boasts an impressive line-up of over 300 films from more than 50 countries. Crowds flocked in droves to attend the panel discussions and screenings, and to rub shoulders with prestigious awardees like Terry Crews and Nicolas Cage.
In addition to mainstream films, the festival made space for indie films and those that leaned towards the avant-garde. Panel discussions with big industry names, including Bob Mackie and Carol Burnett, about their extensive collaboration were also part of the event.
Spotlight on Newport Beach Film Festival
So, what makes the Newport Beach Film Festival succeed in a time when many other aspects of the film industry are struggling? Firstly, it’s about location. The beautiful Newport Beach, with its yacht parties, seaside cocktails, and luxury shopping, is an attractive getaway spot for well-off Angelenos. It’s also home to a considerable number of awards-season voters who prefer a shorter commute to the festival.
More importantly, however, the emphasis is on providing a full experience. This encompasses everything from early blessings from revered figures in the industry, to being a must-stop for those on the awards-season campaign trail.
A Chat with Gregg Schwenk
I sat down with Gregg Schwenk to talk about the festival’s evolution over its 25 years. Discussing some of the changes, Schwenk emphasized how the festival has always leveraged its location and proximity to Hollywood. Additionally, the recent shift of the festival to fall has created new opportunities for films seeking an early boost in their awards campaigns.
Speaking about what appeals to their viewers, Schwenk said the audience gravitates towards well-made films, international films, and good storytelling in general. The festival has also received high scores from the audience for the films programmed.
Looking back at the festival’s humble beginnings, Schwenk shared fond memories of receiving a congratulatory letter from Billy Wilder—director of Sunset Boulevard—on the launch of their first festival. From there, the festival has grown steadily, adding more events and screens and strengthening its tie with both contemporary and classic Hollywood.
When asked about the festival’s success at a time when the industry faces obstacles, Schwenk attributed this to providing an immersive experience. Besides curating films with compelling stories, the festival also hosts events that resonate with the culture and culinary tastes of the attendees.
As Schwenk explained, Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into an integral event for industry figures and Oscar campaign runners, mainly because of its proximity to a large voting bloc that avoids the hassle of traveling to L.A. As to the future of the festival, Shwenk looks forward to maintaining a steady growth path, partnering with suitable organizations, and always staying attuned to audience preferences.
Indeed, whether you’re a film aficionado or a simple lover of good cinema, the Newport Beach Film Festival promises a remarkable experience. With an emphasis on fostering a comprehensive cinematic experience and a deep-rooted commitment to the audience’s tastes, the festival has crafted a unique experience that transcends typical film viewing. It’s no wonder why the buzz around the Newport Beach Film Festival is growing louder each year!
