2011 NBFF Opening Night Recap

By Kelly Strodl

Each year the Newport Beach Film Festival has gained a notoriety and respect that is no more visible than in the caliber of stars that appear each year on the red carpet of this year's opening night. The house was packed, the celeb sitings were all over the place, the food amazing with a fashion show and black tie optional gala following the screening of the opening night film EAST FIFTH BLISS.

The festival, now in its 12th year, kicked things off with the film from director Michael Knowles, a dark comedy about an emotionally dysfunctional man who wants to travel, despite having no money and no job, finding himself involved in an odd relationship with a former classmate's daughter. Actors Michael C. Hall and Peter Fonda were among those making their way down the red carpet for the film and a Q&A after the screening. 

The Edwards Big Newport Cinema was jammed with movie lovers, press, film stars, directors, and the cadre of volunteers and staff that make the festival a possibility every year. Along with Hall, the screening was attended by many of the other directors and actors whose films would be shown in the coming days of the annual festival that runs through May 5.

Also in walking the red carpet was Tom Sizemore, who plays Leroy Lowe in "White Night," which screens at 5:15 p.m. Friday at the Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas in Costa Mesa.

Other celebrities with films screening in the days following the opening night who were at the red carpet gala were Andy Hirsch, of "Fort McCoy," Robert Patrick, of "Good Day For It," Christopher McDonald, of "Balls to the Walls," Hal Ozsan, of "Peach Plum Pear."

During the next seven days the festival will screen more than 450 films from more than 50 countries, including international selections, action sports, shorts, animation, student films from several local universities, Q&As, workshops, spotlight parties and more – eclipsing the city of Newport Beach in a week of film appreciation and top-notch industry networking. 

Check out the website for ticket sales, party information, offers and more from the 2011 Newport Beach Film Festival. 

Posted via email from Lights, Camera, Film Fest!