Between April 24 and May 1, the 2008 Newport Beach Film Festival will showcase more than 350 films from around the world, offering an ambitious and international selection of features, shorts, documentaries and animation that will compete for both Jury and Audience awards.
Now in its ninth year, the festival is proud to treat its audience to world and U.S. premieres, Academy Award entries, Sundance Selections, a Spotlight Series, and Children's Festival, from both the independent and studio worlds. With submissions from Asia, Europe, South/Central America and Africa, classic and contemporary filmmaking will provide a unique mix of genre and culture.
The festival will host a red-carpet opening night screening of SHERMAN'S WAY on Thursday, April 24 at 8 p.m. at Edwards Big Newport (300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach), followed by a Gala celebration at Fashion Island.
The feature film directorial debut of Craig Saavedra won the 2008 Cinequest Audience Award. SHERMAN'S WAY stars James LeGros, Michael Shulman, Enrico Colantoni, Brooke Nevin, Lacey Chabert and Donna Murphy.
On Wednesday, April 30, audiences will see a "Behind-The-Ears" peek at the art of Disney animation as noted filmmakers and Academy Award nominees Roy E. Disney and Don Hahn present an evening of rarely seen Disney animated shorts and experimental films. Screening at 7:30 p.m. at the art deco Lido Theater in Newport Beach, Disney and Hahn will share with the audience a collection of short animated films that had limited theatrical presentations, many of which are not available for viewing on DVD.
Among the films to be presented include HOW TO HOOK-UP YOUR HOME THEATER (2007) starring Goofy, the Oscar-nominated films THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL (2006), LORENZO (2005), DESTINO (2003, a collaboration between Walt Disney and Salvador Dali more than 50 years in the making) and REDUX RIDING HOOD (1998), plus the experimental film OILSPOT & LIPSTICK (1987; Disney's first foray into computer animation). Disney and Hahn will give the stories behind each film in addition to presenting a classic Mickey Mouse short in salute to Mickey's 80th anniversary in show business.
On Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m., within the intimate setting of the Palm Garden at The Island Hotel Newport Beach, Academy Award winning songwriter Richard M. Sherman will perform selections from his motion picture songbook for attendees. Noted author, film historian and Disney authority Jeff Kurtti will host the concert. Tickets for the gala reception and concert are $25 and are available by visiting www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.
From Hollywood, to Broadway, to theme park locales around the world, the sun never sets on the music of Richard Sherman and his collaborator/brother, Robert B. Sherman. The soundtrack of our childhoods resonates with beloved songs written by the Sherman Brothers. Their career spans almost 50 years and includes two Oscars for Walt Disney's MARY POPPINS - Best Score and Best Song (CHIM CHIM CHER-EE). Other musical honors include three Grammy Awards, 24 gold and platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Recently the Shermans wrote several additional songs for the recent smash hit stage productions of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, which enjoyed huge success in London and on Broadway. Today, their music continues to enchant audiences on Broadway in the acclaimed stage musical MARY POPPINS, presented by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh.
Andiamo Luggage, the creator of the Auto-Expand Trolley, is partnering with the Newport Beach Film Festival to sponsor upcoming filmmakers at the premiere and post-party.
Attendees will be given the rare chance to see the filmmakers before the viewing of their perspective film. The filmmakers will also be awarded before the film for their contribution to the festival. Andiamo Luggage agreed to contribute $5,000 to the nonprofit organization along with $50,000 in luggage donation to be awarded to the filmmaker before the film premiers. The luggage will go to new filmmakers for their contributions to the festival and celebrities attending the event.
Andiamo Luggage will also be presenting gift certificates to attendees of the post- party from co-sponsor Rootens to be redeemed at, Rooten's Travel Center, an authorized luggage retailer for Andiamo. Andiamo Luggage will distribute $200 gift certificates at four of the Newport Beach Film Festivals events.
Tickets can be purchased for the films and post party at www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.
