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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Festival

What is the Newport Beach Film Festival?

The Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization on a 20+ year mission to bring the best in international and independent film to Orange County.

We do that by throwing an annual 8-day festival featuring over 300 feature and short films from over 50 countries each October. Throughout the rest of the year, we host screenings, industry events, and our own awards programs spotlighting independent and international filmmakers.

When is the Newport Beach Film Festival?

The Newport Beach Film Festival will take place on October 17-24, 2024

Where is the Newport Beach Film Festival?

Our annual festival takes place in theaters around Newport Beach, including Fashion Island’s THE LOT, Regal’s Big Edwards Newport,  and Starlight Cinemas.

Can I attend the Newport Beach Film Festival?

All Newport Beach Film Festival screenings are open to the public, though parental discretion is advised.

Film Festival after-parties and our Opening and Closing night gala events are 21+, with no exceptions, as they feature hosted bars and this is in compliance with local laws.

NBFF works with local and state authorities to ensure a safe event. Please check our safety page for more information.

How do I attend the Newport Beach Film Festival?

Passes

The easiest way to enjoy the Newport Beach Film Festival is to purchase an NBFF pass. Passholders recieve early access to Festival tickets, receive exclusive access to NBFF year-round screenings, and are invited to special NBFF events.

Passholders also enjoy access to all NBFF streaming content, including 100+ alumni short films and periodic screenings of alumni feature films as well as streaming industry Q&As, behind-the-scenes content, and special NBFF programming.

Tickets

NBFF  film and party tickets are available to passholders on July 1 and to the public on July 7.

NBFF for Filmmakers

How can I submit my work to NBFF?

Submissions are currently closed. Check back for 2024 submission dates.

Does my work qualify for the Newport Beach Film Festival?

NBFF accepts both narrative and documentary features and short films. For a full list of our film standards, please visit our submissions guidelines page.

Can I edit my film content on the NBFF website?

NBFF enables filmmakers to do more to promote their film, even after its Festival run and release.

We designate the NBFF contact who submits your film as a partial editor on your film page so that you can add videos and photos for your film and respond to audience questions. Additional editors can only be added if they have a Newport Beach Film Festival account. Please contact us if you wish to be added as a page editor for your film.

How do I edit my film content on the NBFF website?

Once you are logged in to your Newport Beach Film Festival account, please visit: https://newportbeachfilmfest.com/edit-listings/ to submit your content for approval from our NBFF Programming Team.

What content can I add to my film on the NBFF website?

A NBFF filmmaker account enables you to submit film stills, respond to audince comments, and add videos to your film gallery. Videos can include: your trailer, a behind the scenes featurette, a filmmaker greeting/introduction, and an additional clip.

Filmmakers also have the option to make their full film available on the NBFF website. Full-length films are only viewable with an active NBFF public, filmmaker, or industry pass. If you would like to schedule a limited streaming window with NBFF, please contact our programming department.

NBFF for Industry

How do I get a NBFF Industry Pass?

Industry Passes are for film industry professionals and subject to approval at the discretion of Newport Beach Film Festival’s Industry Department. Submit your application for an Industry Pass HERE.

What are the benefits of a NBFF Industry Pass?

A NBFF Industry Pass allows professionals access to three films per day, all panels, all seminars, and special events such as the filmmakers Sunset Series and after parties. Passes are non-transferable and not valid for Opening and Closing Night films.

NBFF for Volunteers

What opportunities does NBFF offer volunteers?

The Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization on a 20+ year mission to bring the best in international and independent film to Orange County.

We do that by throwing an annual 8-day festival featuring over 300 feature and short films from over 50 countries each April. Then, throughout the rest of the year, we host screenings, industry events, and our own awards programs spotlighting independent and international filmmakers.

How do I become a NBFF volunteer?

While normally our annual festival takes place in April, the global impact of COVID-19 has forced us, like many other events to postpone.

As of April 2021, we are still planning on holding a 2021 Film Festival on August 6-13. We are in constant contact with state and local officials to anticipate what that event will look like. As the safety of our filmmakers, volunteers, and attendees is a top priority for us, we will be following the most up-to-date safety recommendations at that time.

NBFF for Press

Does NBFF offer press passes?

The Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization on a 20+ year mission to bring the best in international and independent film to Orange County.

We do that by throwing an annual 8-day festival featuring over 300 feature and short films from over 50 countries each April. Then, throughout the rest of the year, we host screenings, industry events, and our own awards programs spotlighting independent and international filmmakers.

How do I obtain a NBFF press pass?

While normally our annual festival takes place in April, the global impact of COVID-19 has forced us, like many other events to postpone.

As of April 2021, we are still planning on holding a 2021 Film Festival on August 6-13. We are in constant contact with state and local officials to anticipate what that event will look like. As the safety of our filmmakers, volunteers, and attendees is top priortiy for us, we will be following the most up to date safety recommendations at that time.