Newport Beach, CA (April 1, 2017) – Newport Beach, CA (April 1, 2017) – The 2017 Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) proudly announces TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON as its Opening Night film. The screening of TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON will take place on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 7:30pm at Edwards Big Newport (300 Newport Center Drive) followed by a gala reception at Fashion Island (401 Newport Center Drive). The 18th annual NBFF will run from April 20 – April 27, 2017.
TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON tells the remarkable story of American icon and innovator, Laird Hamilton, who changed the sport of big wave surfing forever. Hamilton is an athlete who refused to compete professionally, yet dominated and changed his sport like no other figure in history has ever done. The film is an in-depth portrait of a hard-charging, driven athlete that explores the fear, courage, ambition and talent that push a man to greatness–and the costs that comes with it.
“We are thrilled to have a film that tells such a dynamic story open the 18th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival,” stated Gregg Schwenk, CEO and Executive Director of the Newport Beach Film Festival, “TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON continues the Festival’s rich tradition in showcasing Action Sports films in the seaside setting of Newport Beach.”
“Laird Hamilton is one of the greatest big-wave surfers of all time. As an innovator, he has changed the sport more than any other figure in at least the last half century,” stated TAKE EVERY WAVE: THE LIFE OF LAIRD HAMILTON Director Rory Kennedy. “To me, Take Every Wave isn’t a sports documentary. It is a universal story about human potential—about striving, about the power of the individual to overcome limits, and about the ability we all have to create our own destiny. We could not be more thrilled to be opening the Newport Beach Film Festival.”
Following the screening, the Festival will host an Opening Night gala at Fashion Island presented by Fashion Island, LA Times and Tito’s Vodka. The gala will feature culinary tastings from 30 of Orange County’s premiere restaurants, hosted bar by Tito’s Vodka with a special performance from “O”: the timeless aquatic production by Cirque Du Soleil only at Bellagio Resort & Casino
Tickets to the Opening Night screening and gala are $225 each and are available at www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com starting April 1. Patrons can also purchase tickets to the Opening Night gala only for $175 each. Guests must be at least 21 years old and cocktail attire is highly recommended.
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 a beautiful seaside locale.
The Newport Beach Film Festival is sponsored in part by Tito’s Vodka, Fashion Island, Los Angeles Times and the City of Newport Beach.
Passes and tickets for film screenings, galas and special events go on sale April 1. To purchase tickets and for information about the Newport Beach Film Festival visit www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com
About the Newport Beach Film Festival
Celebrated as one of the leading lifestyle film festivals in the United States, the Newport Beach Film Festival seeks to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-class international film program, a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the NBFF focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of studio and independent films from around the globe. The 18th annual Newport Beach Film Festival runs April 20th – April 27th and will spotlight over 350 films from around the world.
About Cirque du Soleil:
Since 1984, Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over forty countries on six continents. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,000 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
In Las Vegas, Cirque du Soleil has eight permanent resident shows. These productions include Mystère at Treasure Island, “O” at Bellagio Resort & Casino, Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York Hotel & Casino, KÀ at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, The Beatles LOVE at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, CRISS ANGEL Believe at Luxor Hotel and Casino, Zarkana at ARIA Resort & Casino and Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay. In Orlando, La Nouba is presented exclusively in Downtown Disney West Side at Walt Disney World Resort.
For more information, visit the Cirque du Soleil website at www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas.
About Newport Beach, California
Nestled among golden stretches of pristine Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach epitomizes the casually sophisticated lifestyle of Southern California. This idyllic seaside destination is widely celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant yachting community alongside stylish accommodations, eclectic coastal cuisine and upscale shopping. Ranked among the “Top 10 Resort Towns in the U.S.,” Newport Beach also is distinguished as one of the country’s “Top 10 Best Family Beaches.” A mild climate and picturesque backdrop minutes from John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA) offers year-round appeal. For more information on Newport Beach or for a complimentary visitor guide, visit www.visitnewportbeach.com, or call (800) 94-COAST.