Co-Founder Gregg Schwenk Celebrates 25 Years of the Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach, CA from October 17 through 24, 2024.
Gregg Schwenk was gracious enough to chat with us about the silver anniversary of the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF). In our discussion, we talk about honorees like Nicolas Cage, who I have one degree of separation from but have crossed paths with the ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’ star. Jokingly, I refer to it as, ‘Circling the Drain of Nic Cage,’ as I took a course with his father, interviewed three of his cousins as well as more than half a dozen directors he’s he’s collaborated with over the years.
In all seriousness, if not for Mr. Schwenk, who picked up the phone himself, taking a chance on a fledgling site like FanboyNation in 2012, allowing us to expand our coverage from just comic books into feature films, we would never be where we are today and for that, FanboyNation will always be grateful to him and the Newport Beach Film Festival.
Founded in 1999 by Mr. Schwenk and Todd Quartararo, the Newport Beach Film Festival kicks off on October 17 , 2024, with the opening night film, Simon West’s ‘Old Guy,’ featuring Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, Cooper Hoffman, and Charlie Hamblett, followed by the opening night party at Fashion Island, in Newport Beach, CA.
This year, the NBFF partners with StyleWeekOC, which will showcase legendary costume designers Colleen Atwood and Arianne Phillips. The event will also feature conversations with notable figures such as Stassi Schroeder, Bob Mackie, and Carol Burnett, blending fashion and film in a unique celebration of creativity.
As one of the largest luxury lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the NBFF showcases a carefully curated selection of well over 250 films and vibrant cultural events along the stunning Southern California coast. The festival is committed to bringing the best in classic and contemporary cinema to Orange County, aiming to educate and engage audiences through its outstanding international film program.
Leading into the NBFF, the Orange County Film Society will host a screening of ‘We Live in Time,’ starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, at the newly refurbished Lido Theater in Newport Beach. This venue will also be home to the world premiere of ‘Stealing Pulp Fiction‘ the directorial debut of Danny Turkiewicz on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 8:30 p.m.
Since its inception, NBFF has grown to become the largest international cinema event in coastal Southern California, attracting over 56,000 attendees each year. The festival emphasizes community outreach, believing that film can offer new perspectives for a changing world. Each year, it partners with more than 40 non-profit organizations, connecting them with films that align with their missions. This initiative allows these organizations to share their messages and raise awareness through film, focusing on areas such as the arts, health, education, and programs for children, seniors, and veterans.
The Newport Beach Film Festival has celebrated numerous milestones that highlight its growth and impact. In 2001, it honored Robert Wise with a Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by a tribute to composer Elmer Bernstein in 2002. In 2005, the festival made a significant mark by opening with the North American premiere of ‘Crash’ and hosting a retrospective on Jim Henson.
In 2006, the festival expanded its offerings seeing Orange County native, Will Ferrell serve as the honorary chair for the launch of the ‘Youth Film Showcase,’ further establishing its reputation. In 2013, it featured the Richard Sherman ‘Disney Rarities’ event, showcasing its commitment to celebrating cinematic legends and beloved music.
The Newport Beach Film Festival marked its 10th anniversary in 2009with a stunning Cirque Du Soleil performance at the opening night and launched the ‘Cinema Sage Hill’ film series. The festival continued to diversify in 2010 with the introduction of the ‘Art, Architecture + Design Film Series.’
In 2011, it hosted a free screenwriting panel featuring Aaron Sorkin, solidifying its role as an educational platform. The festival celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2014 when Variety hosted its first “10 Cinematographers to Watch” event. In 2015, it launched the NBFF UK Honours Program, honoring the cast of ‘Imitation Game,’ including Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
The following year, the festival inaugurated its Annual Honors program, recognizing talents such as Rita Moreno and Burt Bacharach. In 2018, it launched the ‘Culinary Film Series’ and hosted Variety’s ’10 Actors to Watch.’ Finally, in 2019, the Newport Beach Film Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary, reaching an impressive 58,000 attendees. Each milestone reflects the festival’s dedication to film and community engagement.
To find out the events of StyleWeekOC, visit: https://styleweekoc.com/.
To find out about upcoming screenings and to join the Orange County Film Society, visit: https://www.ocfilmsociety.com/.
To find out what is being screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival, visit: https://newportbeachfilmfest.com/.
