AWARDS SEASON, that run of time that sees a lot of quality flicks make their official debuts at the multiplexes across the nation, doesn't have a lock on excellent film festivals, though many famous cinegatherings happen from November into February (hello Napa, Palm Springs, Sundance, hello hello). One of the toniest on the calendar is all about presenting the artistry of filmmaking in April, and in one of the most April-y of towns, too: Newport Beach. It's a burg much associated with sunshine, and sipping wine on patios, and boating, and Pacific-sweet breezes, but for a handful of warm days it is all about what's inside and on the screen. Those around-town screens'll get mighty busy from Thursday, April 21 through Thursday, April 28 when the Newport Beach Film Festival returns to town, bringing along...
350 FILMS: That's a lot of story- and docu-goodness to catch over eight days, but bet fans will make a run at seeing at least a dozen. "The Man Who Knew Infinity," with Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons, is the UK Spotlight Gala pick, while "High-Rise" with Tom Hiddleston is the Friday Night Spotlight Film (and Gala). There are several marquee movies on the roster, so choosing, and snagging a ticket, is really the only hurdle to cross. Action Sports, Family Film Series, and Retrospectives also play roles on the gem-filled grid. Ready for your springtime cinema immersions? It's all burbling, like so much ocean foam and/or popcorn butter, in Newport Beach.
