The 19th Newport Beach Film Festival is taking place now until May 3rd with over 300 films being screened from 50 countries. The theme for this year’s event is See Who Made the Cut.
One of the highlights for this year’s event is the Pacific Rim Showcase section of the festival which includes a spotlight of films from South Korea, China, Japan, the Philippines and Australia. The Pacific Rim Showcase takes place on Monday April 30th throughout various theaters in Orange County.
Here is a list of the films:
South Korea Spotlight - “A Day”
A skilled doctor witnesses a tragic car accident. While trying to help, he finds that his daughter is one of the dying victims. As the worst day of his life begins to repeat itself, he realizes he may have a chance at saving his daughter with the risk of someone else dying. He attempts to save them both but will have time working against him.
Starring Myung-min Kim, Yo-han Byun and Chea-myung You
Directed by Cho Sun-ho, Written by Cho Sun-ho, Lee Sang-hak
Korean with English subtitles
The Philippines Spotlight - “Ulam: Main Dish”
This documentary follows the rise of the Filipino food movement and includes interviews with chefs who are crossing over to the center of the American table. The film confronts issues inherent in representing both Filipino and American identity, and challenges from both the Filipino community and the world at large. Featuring appearances by Alvin Cailan (Eggslut), Jon Eric Concordia and Christine Araquel-Concordia (The Park’s Finest), Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad (Maharlika, Jeepney), Romy Dorotan & Amy Besa (Purple Yam), Charles Olalia (Ricebar) Chase and Chad Valencia (LASA) and Andre Guerrero (The Oinkster, Maximiliano).
Q&A with Director Alexandra Cuerdo and Producer Rey Cuerdo
China Spotlight “End of Summer”
A timid fifth grader, an orthodox middle-aged teacher and a grumpy old man experience their first awakening to true self during the 1998 World Cup in China.
Cast includes Pao-Ming Ku, Songwen Zhang, Qing Dong, Zishan Rong, Zhou Tan
Directed by Quan Zhou, written by Maya Huang & Quan Zhou
Japan Spotlight - “3 Ft. Ball and Souls” (Sanjakudama)
Four troubled strangers who meet online decide to commit suicide together in person. However, a Ground Hog Day type event forces these strangers to open up and confide in each other in order to resolve some of their various issues.
Stars Honoka Murakami, Minehiro Kinomoto, Shinobu Tsuji, Kanji Tsuda
Directed/Produced/Written by Yoshio Kato
Japanese with English Subtitles
Australia Spotlight - “The Pretend One”
A young woman’s childhood imaginary friend, Hugo, is in love with her. However, Hugo realizes that his existence is threatened when a real person becomes the woman’s love interest.
Q&A with filmmakers and actors after the screening
Directed by Tony Prescott, Screenwriter Tony Prescott, James Raue
Stars Geraldine Hakewill, Michael Whalley, Benedict Wall
The Pacific Rim Showcase takes place on Monday April 30th throughout various theaters in Orange County. For more information and to purchase tickets to the festival, visit www.newportbeachfilmfest.com