Film fest releases its lineup

Young Chang

NEWPORT BEACH -- Last year, the Newport Beach Film Festival’s goal was

simple: to have a festival.

This year, the goal is far greater. And on Monday, revived from

bankruptcy thanks to committed supporters, organizers announced a

complete lineup of more than 150 international films, shorts and a

seminar series for the festival, planned for March 29 through April 5.

“Our goal for this year has really been evolution, not revolution,”

said Gregg Schwenk, executive director of the festival. “We’re focusing

on quality, diversity and film as an art form, as well as entertainment.”

Organizers began planning the event the day after last year’s ended,

said spokesman Todd Quartararo. More than 500 films were reviewed by a

selection committee before 56 feature films and more than 100 short films

were chosen to be screened.

Competing feature films represent more than 20 countries, including

the U.S., Philippines, Poland, France, Mexico and Argentina, to name a

few.

The short films include Oscar nominees, new pieces and selections from

other festivals.

Seven of the features are tribute films -- ones that do not compete

but are shown as tributes to great films. They include “The Sting,”

showing on opening night, “Zoot Suit,” celebrating its 20th anniversary,

“The French Connection,” celebrating its 30th anniversary, “Sexy Beast”

and three films from China.

“A lot of the filmmakers that are in our festival were inspired by

these films when they were growing up,” Quartararo explained.

Of “The Sting,” Schwenk said, “Even after 30 years, probably, it’s a

film that holds up exceptionally well.”

“Zoot Suit” was chosen partly as a reflection of the festival’s new

partnership with the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,

Quartararo said.

“And one of the great things about attending the film festival is you

not only get to see great films, but you get to interact with the cast

and crew,” he said.

That interaction will reach a high point during the festival’s free

seminar series, titled “The Collaborative Art of Filmmaking,” to be held

March 31 and April 1 at the Newport Beach Central Library.

Panelists will include Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Franzoni of

“Gladiator,” Oscar winner David S. Ward of “The Sting,” Emmy-winning

cinematographer Thomas del Ruth of “The West Wing” and about 40 other

guests from all aspects of the film industry, including production

design, directing, special effects and music composition.

“It’s a real interactive experience,” Quartararo said. “You’re

encouraged to interact with the panel.”

Organizers expect about 20,000 visitors this year. Last year’s turnout

reached between 18,000 and 20,000, despite doubt that the festival would

happen after Jeffrey S. Conner, founder of the former Newport Beach

International Film Festival, filed for bankruptcy in the fall of 1999.

The event was revived -- and slightly renamed -- with the help of

donors and supporters. Schwenk said responses from the panelists this

year were also overwhelming.

“The reputation of the festival is growing,” he said. “We focus on

quality, professionalism, and we really try to bring out the best in

classic and contemporary filmmaking. Those in Hollywood and in the

industry recognize that and want to be part of that.”