On Tuesday, April 25th 2016 the 18th annual Newport Beach Film Festival will present its Italian Spotlight, an evening celebration of Italian cinema and culture. The event will feature the West Coast premiere of the highly acclaimed film Ears (Orecchie), followed by a festive post-screening gala.

A man (Daniele Parisi) wakes up one morning with an annoying ringing sound in his ears. A note on the fridge says: "Your friend Luigi has died. P.S. I took the car". The problem is that he does not even remember Luigi or who took his car. This is just the beginning of a tragicomic day during which he will be plunged into the folly of the world. One of those days that changes his life forever.

 “The Festival continues a proud tradition of presenting the very best in Italian Cinema. Ears (Orecchie) is a moving and insightful comedy. The film was a major hit at the Venice and Rio de Janeiro International Film Festivals. We are very excited to screen Alessandro Aronadio’s latest work,” stated Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival.

The Spotlight film, Ears (Orecchie) (In Italian with English subtitles.) will screen on Tuesday, April 25^th, 2017 at 8:30 p.m. at Triangle Square Cinemas (1870 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627). The post-screening celebration will take place at 10:00 p.m. at Design Within Reach - SOCO (3303 Hyland Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626).

The event will include select tastings from top Orange County restaurants, traditional entertainment as well as multiple DJs and a performance by Orange County Aerial Arts.  Hosted bar by Lagunitas Brewing Co, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

The Newport Beach Film Festival Italian Spotlight is supported by Design Within Reach - SOCO, Italian Heritage Culture Foundation, Istituto Italiano di Cultura – Los Angeles, Consulate General of Italy – Los Angeles, Italian Film Commission, Italian American Museum Los Angeles, L’Italo Americano, Kinéo Diamanti al Cinema, Portal Languages, Olive Oil & Beyond, La Famiglia DelGrosso, and Crystal Creations Ice Sculpturing. 

Admission to the Italian Spotlight film and the post-screening party is $45.00.

Post-screening party only is $25.00/ Film screening only is $20.00.

For ticket information and updates visit www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com