Where cinema, culture, celebrity, fashion and storytelling came together in Newport, nestled along the breathtaking Southern California coast.
There is something special about a film festival that manages to make you fall in love with cinema while giving you an opportunity to experience the creative world surrounding it. This year’s Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) was exactly that for me.
I had the opportunity to attend several events during the festival’s 27th edition, and what stood out was how much more it offered than just a lineup of movie screenings. From a glamorous Opening Night Gala and intimate sunset gatherings with some of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable names to international film showcases and after-parties, the festival created an atmosphere where storytelling, art, fashion, hospitality and culture seamlessly came together.
Running from October 15–22, 2026, the Newport Beach Film Festival brought together more than 100 feature films and 250 short films representing 21 countries. It was a celebration of both established and emerging talent, giving independent filmmakers and international storytellers a platform to reach wider audiences.
For me, the festival was also an opportunity to experience cinema from different perspectives, connect with the creative community and discover stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Opening Night Gala: A glamorous start to a week of cinema
The festival began with its highly anticipated Opening Night Gala, setting the tone for what would be an exciting week in Newport Beach.
The evening brought together filmmakers, entertainment industry professionals, creatives and guests for a celebration of cinema and the people behind it. With an elegant atmosphere, entertainment, culinary experiences and plenty of opportunities to connect, the gala was a fitting introduction to the festival.
What I particularly appreciate about events like these is that they bring together people from different corners of the entertainment industry. Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, content creator or simply someone who loves cinema, there’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, discover new perspectives and become part of a larger creative community.
Sunset Series with NOBLEMAN: Celebrating artistry and achievement
One of my favourite experiences during the festival was attending the Sunset Series, presented in collaboration with NOBLEMAN.
Monday: An evening with Justin Hartley at Lido Marina Village
Set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop of Lido Marina Village, Monday’s gathering was a particularly memorable one.
The evening celebrated NOBLEMAN Magazine’s 35th issue, featuring actor Justin Hartley as its cover star. Hartley was also presented with the festival’s prestigious Artist of Distinction Award in recognition of his contribution to the entertainment industry.
The setting, the company and the overall atmosphere made this an especially lovely evening. There is something about Newport Beach at sunset that naturally lends itself to these intimate gatherings. The combination of waterfront views, great conversations and a thoughtfully curated guest list made the experience feel both relaxed and sophisticated.
Beyond the glamour, what made the evening meaningful was its celebration of an artist’s journey and the work that goes into building a career in entertainment. Recognising talent and giving artists a platform to share their achievements is an important part of what makes film festivals relevant.
Tuesday: An evening at VEA Newport Beach, hosted by Modern Luxury
Tuesday’s Sunset Series moved to VEA Newport Beach, with Modern Luxury hosting another gathering that brought together people from the worlds of entertainment, lifestyle and culture.
The setting offered a different atmosphere from the previous evening, while maintaining the festival’s signature blend of sophistication and creative networking.
I particularly enjoyed how the Sunset Series created opportunities to experience the festival outside traditional cinema spaces. These gatherings encourage conversations, introduce people to new creative communities and celebrate the personalities and talent shaping contemporary entertainment.
It was a reminder that the film industry is built not only on the stories we see on screen but also on the people, relationships and collaborations that happen behind the scenes.
TIME NIGHTCLUB: Celebrating international cinema beyond the screen
One of the most interesting aspects of the Newport Beach Film Festival is its commitment to international storytelling. Its International Spotlight programming celebrates films and filmmakers from different countries, allowing audiences to experience cultures and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter.
The celebrations continued at TIME NIGHTCLUB in Costa Mesa, which hosted the festival’s international showcase after-parties.
Monday: Latin Showcase Afterparty
Monday night’s Latin Showcase Afterparty was a lively celebration of Latin culture and cinema.
It was wonderful to see the festival extend its international programming beyond the theaters and create a space where people could come together to celebrate the region’s creative voices.
The evening had a completely different energy from the more intimate Sunset Series gatherings. Music, dancing and the excitement of the festival crowd made it a fun way to end the day.
I think these cultural showcases are particularly important because they allow audiences to appreciate the diversity of storytelling and artistic expression across different communities.
Tuesday: European Showcase Afterparty
Tuesday’s European Showcase Afterparty brought another international dimension to the festival.
Following a day dedicated to films and stories from across the globe, the evening was an opportunity to celebrate European cinema and the creative talent behind it.
What I enjoyed most was the contrast between the two international evenings. Each showcase brought its own cultural identity and energy, reinforcing the idea that cinema is a universal language.
These events also highlighted how a festival can become a cultural meeting point, connecting people through their shared appreciation of art, storytelling and entertainment.
The films: Two very different stories that stayed with me
Of course, beyond the celebrations and social gatherings, the heart of any film festival remains the films themselves. I made time to attend two screenings during NBFF, and both offered very different cinematic experiences.
Paper Tiger – A gripping exploration of family, ambition and consequences
Directed by James Gray and featuring an impressive cast including Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller, Paper Tiger was one of the films I was particularly looking forward to watching.
Set in 1980s New York, the film follows two brothers whose pursuit of the American Dream takes a dangerous turn when they become entangled in a Russian criminal scheme. What begins as an opportunity for financial success gradually threatens their family, relationships and sense of security.
What I found particularly compelling about the film was the way it explores ambition and the consequences of seemingly small decisions. Beneath the crime-thriller narrative is a much more personal story about family loyalty, trust, responsibility and the lengths people will go to protect the ones they love.
The performances are a major strength. Adam Driver brings an intriguing intensity to his character, while Miles Teller effectively portrays the vulnerability of a family man caught in circumstances beyond his control. Scarlett Johansson adds another emotional dimension to the story.
I appreciated that the film doesn’t rely solely on action to create tension. Instead, it builds an atmosphere of unease through its performances, storytelling and increasingly complicated family dynamics.
My takeaway: Paper Tiger is a thoughtful, atmospheric crime drama that goes beyond the genre to examine the fragile balance between ambition, family and the choices we make. It’s a film that rewards viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling.
Love – Love – A heartfelt journey about family, relationships and finding belonging
The second film I watched was Love – Love, directed by Thomas Leisten Schneider and starring Beck Bennett, Haley Joel Osment, Chris Elliott and Penelope Ann Miller.
A very different experience from Paper Tiger, this film takes the audience on a road trip involving two brothers, Andy and Jeff. Following the death of their grandmother, Andy, who lives with schizophrenia, faces an uncertain future. Determined to avoid being placed in a group home, he convinces his estranged brother Jeff to help him find their father, a former professional tennis player who has withdrawn from their lives.
What follows is a journey through the California desert that gradually becomes about much more than finding a missing parent.
I found the premise particularly interesting because it explores family relationships through a combination of humour, emotional vulnerability and unexpected situations. The film touches on themes of belonging, responsibility, mental health and the complicated nature of familial love.
What makes the story engaging is its ability to balance lighter moments with more meaningful emotional undertones. It doesn’t approach family relationships as something simple or perfect; instead, it explores the imperfections, misunderstandings and connections that make them so human.
The performances, particularly those of Beck Bennett and Haley Joel Osment, give the story its emotional foundation.
My takeaway: Love – Love is a warm, character-driven road-trip drama with a sense of humour and heart. It is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful journeys are the ones that help us reconnect with the people and relationships we thought we had lost.
Why festivals like Newport Beach matter
Having experienced several different aspects of the festival, I came away appreciating the importance of platforms like NBFF even more.
Film festivals play a crucial role in the entertainment ecosystem. They provide independent filmmakers with visibility, create opportunities for international films to find new audiences and give emerging artists a chance to share their work alongside established names.
They also encourage conversations around subjects that deserve attention. Films can challenge perspectives, bring communities together, introduce us to unfamiliar cultures and give a voice to stories that might otherwise remain unseen.
What makes the Newport Beach Film Festival particularly interesting is its ability to combine this cinematic purpose with a broader lifestyle and cultural experience.
The Sunset Series, international showcases, industry gatherings and after-parties create an environment where the arts intersect with hospitality, fashion, music and entertainment. It makes the festival accessible to a wider audience, including people who may not necessarily consider themselves traditional film enthusiasts.
And that, to me, is one of its biggest strengths.
A week worth remembering
My experience at the 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival was a wonderful reminder of why I enjoy being part of the entertainment and creative community.
From the glamour of the Opening Night Gala and the memorable Sunset Series evenings with NOBLEMAN and Modern Luxury to the vibrant Latin and European celebrations at TIME NIGHTCLUB, every event offered a different perspective on what makes this festival special.
And ultimately, it was the films that brought everything into perspective.
Whether it was the tense family drama of Paper Tiger or the heartfelt journey of Love – Love, both screenings reminded me that at the centre of cinema is the power of storytelling.
I left with new cinematic discoveries, memorable experiences and an even greater appreciation for the people who bring these stories to life.
Because a great film festival isn’t just about watching movies. It’s about celebrating the art of storytelling, the people behind it and the connections that continue long after the screen goes dark.
