Newport Beach Film Festival to Feature Fabulous Films, Full Slate of Parties and More, 4/24-5/1

Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the 15th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival (http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com) brings the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world to Newport Beach for eight spectacular days, April 24 - May 1, 2014.

In 2014, the Newport Beach Film Festival will showcase more than 300 films from 40 countries, and will host more than 50,000 attendees during the eight-day event. In addition, the Festival will host celebrity-studded red carpet galas, nightly special events, compelling conversations with filmmakers, international spotlights, and seminars. The Festival also offers filmgoers unique opportunities to mingle with celebrities, filmmakers from around the globe, and film industry professionals - all in the spectacular seaside setting of Newport Beach.

The Newport Beach Film Festival will kick off on Thursday, April 24, with an Opening Night film starting at 7:30pm at the Edwards Big Newport. VIP's and guests will have a chance to walk the red carpet prior to the film. The Opening Night Gala at Fashion Island, starting at 10pm, is sponsored by Esquire magazine this year and will feature a live performance and a taste of Newport Beach with light bites from some of the most regarded restaurants.

"The 15th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival will be one of the strongest film festivals yet," says Gregg Schwenk, CEO, Executive Director, and Founder of the Newport Beach Film Festival. "We are thrilled to be the largest Festival in Southern California and to be able to spotlight international films in the world-class setting of Newport Beach, California."

This year's events will include a special presentation of British themed films to coincide with BritWeek Orange County on April 25th that will culminate in a fabulous after-party, starting at 10pm, at the Jaguar/Land Rover Dealership in Newport Beach that will include a Ted Baker London Fashion Show.

In addition, other compelling film genres will "star" at the Newport Beach Film Festival this year, including action sports, environmental, family, youth, collegiate, and more.

"Newport Beach is proud to be the home of the Newport Beach Film Festival," says Vicki Higgins, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Newport Beach & Company, the destination marketing organization for the City of Newport Beach. "We are thrilled that locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to celebrate the art of film for eight days in our beautiful corner of the world, where they also can indulge in some of the globe's best shopping, dining, sightseeing, and recreation."

Several of Newport Beach's renowned hotels and resorts also are rolling out the "red carpet" for Newport Beach Film Festival-goers, with exciting accommodations packages tailor-made for fans of film and fun.

Several of the luxury hotels in Newport Beach are partnering this year with the Festival to offer a special opportunity for SoCal's movie buffs to receive the VIP treatment. These packages give locals a chance to screen recent critically acclaimed films at the world-renowned festival while experiencing the best that Newport Beach has to offer.

The Balboa Bay Resort is offering two all access passes to the Newport Beach Film Festival, one night in the luxurious Presidential Suite, two signature spa treatments with Kashwere robes, $200 dinner credit to Waterline Newport Beach and other amenities.

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach is also offering a complete package that includes accommodations for a family of four, four general admission tickets for each day of the festival, parking, and shuttle service to screening.

The Newport Beach Film Festival takes place throughout Newport Beach on 15 screens at seven theaters, offering the opportunity to enjoy the film of your choice in a different Newport Beach village each night.

Since its inception, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a prestigious event, attracting many acclaimed film such as the U.S. premiere of Crash and other notable films including (500) Days of Summer, The Cove, Waitress, The Illusionist, and many more.

For more information on the Newport Beach Film Festival, please visit http://www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com. For more information on visiting Newport Beach, including special Newport Beach Film Festival accommodations packages, please visit http://www.VisitNewportBeach.com.

About the Newport Beach Film Festival
Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-class international film program, a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the Newport Beach Film Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of studio and independent films from around the globe.

About Newport Beach, California
Nestled among golden stretches of pristine Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach epitomizes the casually sophisticated lifestyle of Southern California. This idyllic seaside destination is widely celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant yachting community alongside stylish accommodations, eclectic coastal cuisine and upscale shopping. Ranked among the "Top 10 Resort Towns in the U.S.," Newport Beach also is distinguished as one of the country's "Top 10 Best Family Beaches." A mild climate and picturesque backdrop minutes from the newly expanded Orange County/John Wayne Airport (SNA) offers year-round appeal. For more information on Newport Beach or for a complimentary visitor guide, visit www.visitnewportbeach.com, or call (800) 94-COAST.