Newport Beach Celebrates Irish Films In 23rd Annual Film Festival

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — More than 20 Irish films will be showcased at the 23rd annual Newport Beach Film Festival, which kicks off on Thursday for its eight day run.

Organizers say it is the largest celebration of Irish Cinema in North America. The festival will feature 10 feature-length films, 13 Irish short films, the U.S. premiere of Ireland's foreign Oscar submission, an Irish Showcase, red carpet premieres and more.

"Newport Beach Film Festival is well-known for platforming highly-anticipated, critically acclaimed cinema, from both at home and abroad, as well as having a reputation for unearthing some real hidden gems. But it is also a unique forum for enriching cross-cultural understanding and sharing experiences through the power of cinema," said Gar O'Brien, Head of Film & Television, Irish Film & Television Academy.

The festival offers six different ticket options ranging from $10 to $50. See ticketing options here.

On Sunday, an "Irish Spotlight" celebration of cinema, food and culture will be held and will feature the premiere of the festivals three most anticipated films: "The Ghost of Richard Harris," "The Quiet Girl" and "Joyride."

Irish Spotlight films will screen at Edwards Big Newport, 300 Newport Center Drive. The post-screening celebration will be held at Muldoon's Irish Pub at 202 Newport Center Drive and will feature live music and hosted hors d'oeuvres.

"The Ghost of Richard Harris" will be premiered for the first time in Northern America. It's a documentary film centering around the notorious late actor Richard Harris — known for his Hollywood antics and famed roles in the early Harry Potter films and more. His story is told through the eyes of his three sons as they star in and direct the film.

"They are still in search of, and argue about, who he really was—a complex and flawed genius," festival organizers wrote in a release said.

Another anticipated film, "Nocebo," directed by Lorcan Finnegan, is a psychological thriller that deals with consumerism, human exploitation, the fashion industry, the power of the brain and physical health, according to the festival.

"The strength of Irish cinema is reflected in the diverse and broad range of features and shorts included as part of this year's spotlight," said Marcella Smyth, the Consul General of Ireland.

Other films include:

"Aisha" - "While caught for years in Ireland's immigration system, Aisha Osagie develops a close friendship with former prisoner Conor Healy. This friendship soon looks to be short-lived as Aisha's future in Ireland comes under threat. Aisha will be making its west coast premiere at the Festival. "

"Róise and Frank" - "Directed by Rachel Moriarty and Peter Murphy, Irish actress Bríd Ní Neachtain plays a widow who has given up on life and becomes convinced that a stray dog is the reincarnation of her Hurling-loving husband."

"The Troubles" - "Two young Dublin brothers must navigate loyalty, honor, and the dangerous world of republicanism as they fuel the Northern war machin—by any means necessary."

"Keep it A Secret" - "In 1972, every international sporting event in Ireland was canceled, except for one. Keep it A Secret recounts the inspiring true story of the dawn of Irish surfing and how the sport's brave pioneers found peace in the surf during the most violent years of The Troubles."

"The Banshees of Inisherin" - "On a remote island off the coast of Ireland, two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, delivering an ultimatum that leads to alarming consequences for both of them."

The Newport Beach Film Festival typically attracts 58,000 film and food fans each year.

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