20th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Attracts Record Attendance
KUDOS Newport Beach Staff
European Night Celebration at Time Night Club
With more than 58,000 people attending the eight-day Newport Beach Film Festival, presented by Pacific Sales, more than 350 films were screened with the largest participation of international filmmakers to date, representing 56 countries. A local standout was the world premiere of “A Part of Water,” which showcased the loss of Newport Beach lifeguard and beloved icon Ben Carlson.
Rising Star Award honoree Kevin Harrison, Jr., center, with Newport Beach Film Festival Co-Founders Gregg Schwenk, left, and Todd Quartararo, rightBen Carlson’s family, from left, parents Chris and Teri Carlson, sister Stephanie Carlson and brother-in-law Jake Janz. The Festival wrapped with the world premiere of “A Part of Water,” the tragic story of fallen lifeguard Ben CarlsonSouth African filmmaker Gavin Hood (“Rendition,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” and his latest film, “Official Secrets”) named Artist of DistinctionOscar-nominated Icon Award honorees Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey, who have both worked extensively editing J.J. Abrams filmsGuest actor Jackson Rathbone – “The Wall of Mexico”Cinematographer Lawrence Sher, one of festival’s seminar speakersClosing Night Gala at Via Lido Plaza
