boasts one of the largest movie consumer groups in the world, a rich filmmaking history as well as fine dining, shopping, and exceptional recreational activities. “The beauty of films is that if you can pick any topic,
we have a film for that topic. We pride ourselves on providing variety and having something for every- one. This festival is great not just for people in the movie industry, but for the general public,” Quatararo said. The festival has become known for its Action
Newport Beach FILM FESTIVALby sylvia rodemeyer The 2012 NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL re-
turns this month, with over 350 films from around the world set to screen. Blending the best of clas- sic and contemporary filmmaking, the Newport Beach Film Festival enters its 13th year and aims to showcase an exclusive selection of award-winning independent and studio films representing a truly unique mix of culture and genre.
The festival runs from Thursday, April 26 through
Thursday, May 3. Last year, the festival attracted 52,000 attendees and this year they expect even more. Tickets go on sale on Sunday, April 1 and are available on the festival website listed below. In 2000 Todd Quartararo and Gregg Schwenk
conceptualized the festival after noticing the dearth of quality film festivals in Orange County. As life-long O.C. residents and film enthusiasts, the duo put together the first line up and hoped for the best. “I remember being nervous no one would show
up!” co-founder Quatararo, said of the first year. 13,000 people showed up then and attendees have been growing ever since. The city of Newport Beach serves as the backdrop
to the festival’s film screenings and special events and is featured at three of the area’s theaters: Edwards Big Newport Theater, Edward Island Cinemas, and the Regency Lido Theater. The Edwards Big Newport Theater hosts the opening night red carpet screening. Edwards Island Cinemas is the epicenter of the festival and the Re- gency Lido Theater hosts the closing ceremonies and awards. Films will be shown throughout the city that
Sports, Art, Architecture and Design as well as their Family film series. It has also prominently featured LGBT films in its line up and this year is showcasing I Stand Corrected, a documentary about a legendary jazz musician John Leitham who disappeared and resurfaced as Jennifer Leitham. The film follows Jen- nifer’s journey to happiness. Also screening is Love Free or Die, about a man
whose two defining passions are in direct conflict: his love for God and for his partner Mark. Gene Robinson is the first openly gay person to become a bishop in the historic traditions of Christendom. His consecra- tion in 2003, to which he wore a bullet-proof vest, caused an international stir and he has lived with death threats every day since. The film follows Rob- inson’s personal story as American churches debate whether or not lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen- der people are equal to heterosexuals in the eyes of God. While our nation debates whether LGBT people are equal to heterosexuals in the eyes of the law. In addition, the Newport Beach Film Festival offers
film goers a rare opportunity to meet the filmmak- ers. Directors, screenwriters and cinematographers eager to share their work will provide an exclusive inside look at the industry during post-screening Q&As. Committed to enlightening the public with a first-
class international film program as well as providing a forum for cultural understanding and enriching educational opportunities, the Festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films. The Festival supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and proudly embraces the passion, vision and independent spirit of these talented artists. With the integration of the local community and educa- tional institutions, the Festival stimulates an interest in the study and appreciation of film and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.
To purchase tickets and for a listing of all films, events and more information, visit the festival website at
newportbeachfilmfest.com
APRIL 2012 | RAGE monthly 13
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN APRIL (cont.)
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES VOICE AWARDS The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GM-
CLA)is on key as the group hosts the first Voice Awards to recognize those whose voices have created a safer supportive environment for LGBT youth. Miss Coco Peru is set to host the ceremony honoring Geoff Kors with the Good Neighbor Award presented by State Farm and Wells Fargo with the Corporate Voice Award. The awards benefit sets the stage as GMCLA raises the volume of its’ mission with an AMP—A live Musical Project—dubbed It Gets Better. In collaboration with the It Gets Better Project and Speak Theater Arts, AMP takes 50 chorus members directly into local school auditoriums, where they instill tolerance, understanding and hope through an inclu- sive musical performance and interactive programs. AMP programs already impacting students whose response proves the magic of musical performance touches and changes lives. Feedback has the GMCLA on track to extend the life-changing program, which combats bullying and improves the lives of LGBT youth through spreading the namesake message in communities that need it most. To completely develop the groundbreaking musical theater program, the group needs to raise $75,000. Join GMCLA in the effort to raise funds, while the group shows its appreciation for those whose voices have contributed to making it better during the Voice Awards on Saturday, April 14, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. Tickets to attend the awards benefit are $300 and are available at
gmcla.org.
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