The bright lights of Hollywood head south once again for the 17th Newport Beach Film Festival April 21-28. With the line-up official and tickets available to purchase, now is the time to start planning your festival experience. From film aficionados to casual moviegoers, everyone is sure to enjoy themselves. The Newport Beach Film Festival will showcase more than 350 films from 50 countries and host nightly special events, red carpet galas, compelling conversations with filmmakers, international spotlight events and seminars. The Festival offers filmgoers unique opportunities to mingle with celebrities, filmmakers from around the globe and film industry professionals in the beautiful seaside destination of Newport Beach.

Opening night of the film festival on April 21 is a can’t-miss event! This year, “After the Reality”, starring Orange County native Matthew Morrison, will open the festival. “After the Reality” tells the story of Scottie Olson (MATTHEW MORRISON) who escapes to the dating reality TV show “Young Bucks” when his father becomes terminally ill. But after his father’s death, Scottie is forced to quit the show and reunite at the family cabin with his estranged sister Kate (Sarah Chalke), creating a funny and poignant story about loss, reality show romance, and a brother and sister’s love.

Following the film, the Festival celebration continues at Newport Beach’s premiere shopping destination. Fashion Island transforms into Orange County’s hottest party venue hosting the opening night gala. Newport Beach’s biggest party of the year will feature culinary tastings from 25 of Orange County’s premiere restaurants, a hosted bar by Tito’s Vodka and Stella Artois Beer with a special performance from KÀ by Cirque du Soleil at MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Be sure to check out the full line-up of fantastic films and parties and purchase tickets here.

Featured showcases and spotlights occur every night, highlighting the accomplishments of both domestic and international film at various Newport Beach-area theaters.