Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has emerged as the largest international cinema event in Southern California, attracting over 58,000 attendees to Orange County, CA.
The Community Outreach Program was created with the idea that film offers new perspectives and possibilities for a changing world. Each year, the Festival partners with over 40 non-profit organizations and pairs each philanthropic organization with a film that aligns with their mission. The Festival gives non-profit organizations a forum to voice their message to large audiences and spread awareness of their organization and mission through the medium of film. Areas of focus include the arts, health and human services, the environment, education, children’s causes, seniors’ and veterans’ programs, and alumni clubs.
| Year | Festival |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Newport Beach Film Festival founded |
| 2001 | NBFF honors Robert Wise with Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2002 | NBFF honors composer Elmer Bernstein |
| 2005 |
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| 2006 | Will Ferrell hosts ‘Youth Film Showcase’ as honorary chair at its launch |
| 2007 |
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| 2008 |
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| 2009 |
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| 2010 | ‘Art, Architecture + Design Film Series’ launched |
| 2011 | NBFF presents free screenwriting panel with Aaron Sorkin |
| 2013 | Richard Sherman Disney Rarities |
| 2014 | Variety Hosts their first “10 Cinematographers to Watch” at the 15th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival |
| 2015 | NBFF and Visit Newport Beach Launches the NBFF UK Honours Program and Honors the Cast of “Imitation Game,” including Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley |
| 2016 | NBFF Launches our Annual Honors program with Honorees Rita Moreno, Burt Bacharach, Kate Beckinsale and legendary screenwriter Linda Woolverton in attendance |
| 2018 |
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| 2019 | NBFF Celebrates it’s 20th anniversary, reaching 58,000 attendees |