Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a prestigious multicultural event, attracting over 40,000 attendees to Orange County. Since its inception, the Festival has presented many acclaimed films such as the U.S. Premiere of Crash and other notable films including Waitress, Son of Rambow, Paprika, Broken English, The King of Kong, Layer Cake, The Illusionist, Art School Confidential, Emmanuel's Gift, Mad Hot Ballroom, Dogtown and Z Boys, Castle in the Sky, Born into Brothels, Pieces of April, Sexy Beast, as well as anniversary screenings of classics such as The French Connection, Sunset Boulevard, The Outsiders and Endless Summer. Through tributes, special screenings and seminars, the Festival has honored film industry notables, including Haskell Wexler, Robert Wise, Henry Bumstead, Elmer Bernstein, John Waters, Alan Arkin, Bruce Brown, Greg MacGillivray and McG. In 2007 the Festival hosted Ten Decades of the Duke, The Official John Wayne Centennial Celebration.

In addition, the Newport Beach Film Festival offers filmgoers a rare opportunity to meet the filmmakers. Directors, screenwriters and cinematographers eager to share their work will provide an exclusive inside look at the industry during post-screening Q&A's.

Set in beautiful Newport Beach, a few blocks away from spectacular coastline and less than an hour from Hollywood, the Festival will host several premieres, galas and yacht parties for a singular festival experience. Films will be shown throughout the city that boasts one of the largest movie consumer groups in the world, a rich filmmaking history as well as fine dining, shopping, and exceptional recreational activities.