Kate Huang • October 30, 2025
Newport Beach Film Festival: The Indie Highlights
Author: Kate Huang
Kate Huang is a student at Chapman University studying Public Relations, Advertising, and Entertainment Marketing. She has always been interested in working within the fast-paced entertainment industry, but never thought it was possible, until she discovered her love for PR and marketing and the extreme need within all industries for PR professionals. At PRontheGO, she focuses on indie film PR.
The Newport Beach Film Festival has been one of the largest luxury lifestyle film festivals in the United States since 1999. Located on the beautiful Southern California coast in Newport Beach, this event brings culturally vibrant and international films to the big screen. The twenty-sixth annual Newport Beach Film Festival recently took place from October 16 to 23. Here are some of the highlights!
31 Candles
31 Candles, an indie feature narrative, was screened at the festival. This feature film is directed by Jonah Feingold and stars him, Sarah Coffey, and Jackie Sandler. The film follows Leo Kadner, who, after reconnecting with his childhood crush, decides to have a Bar Mitzvah as a 30-year-old. This film is “a heartwarming rom-com about love, identity, and growing up – eventually”
Magic Hour
Magic Hour is an indie drama directed by Katie Aselton, starring herself, Daveed Diggs, Brad Garrett, and Susan Sullivan. It first premiered at SXSW. This film follows Erin, played by Katie Aselton, and Charlie, played by Daveed Diggs, as they embark on a weekend away to Joshua Tree, in hopes of revitalizing their relationship after an unexpected loss.
The Queen’s Jewels
The Queen’s Jewels is an indie action-adventure film directed by Joshua Friedman. This film stars Carson Rowland, Katherine Mcnamara, Michael Evans Behling, Natalie Martinez, Mike Vogel, George Akram, Marlon Aquino, and Tom Everett Scott. This film follows a group of friends who uncover a puzzle that could reveal a 300-year-old legendary treasure, while simultaneously being pursued by a criminal crew.
@newportbeachfilmfest Jacob Elordi during The Hollywood Reporter Awards Chatter Live @The Hollywood Reporter #newportbeachfilmfestival #jacobelordi #acting #westhollywood #film ♬ original sound - NBFF
The Newport Beach Film Festival also gives attendees to hear from industry professionals. Attendees were able to experience a live recording of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, featuring acclaimed actor Jacob Elordi. Elordi is well known for his performances in Saltburn and Priscilla, as well as Netflix’s highly anticipated adaptation of Frankenstein. Some other keynote speakers that were featured at the event include Noah Schnapp, Ashley Park, Rian Jonson, Sophie Ansari, Nava Kavelin, and Penn Badgley.
@newportbeachfilmfest i can already feel my personality going away🥺 had the best festival!! and there’s still way more content to come 🤭 #newportbeachfilmfestival #film #sad #festival #newportbeach ♬ original sound - NBFF
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