Death...releases the spirit! But, the footprints remain...

Out-of-the-blue, now and then, a screwball comment glides into my e-mail box which causes me to scratch my head in disbelief.

Some folks are so ignorant about subtle Noble truths and glaring realities on this mortal plain of existence, that it boggles the sensibilities.

Yes, life is like a box of chocolates, rife with both treacherous land mines and awesome treasures.
.
The nerve of a pushy handfull is downright disconcerting, though.

For instance, over the weekend, two individuals (unknown to me 'til now) zipped off e-mails urging me to delete a post which contained negative comments about a pal of theirs who met an untimely death in a traffic accident recently.

One of the blustery characters tried a bit of psychology to bully me into zapping the offending post into oblivion on the grounds that "allowing" negative comments about a person - in this instant case, quite a despicable one - was disrespecful to the dead.

In a nutshell, the publication of the disparaging post was initially triggered because of shocking abusive conduct levelled at me during the course of a local film festival (all to my damage).

I was attending festival circuit screenings in my capacity as a Film Critic in the Los Angeles area, and in the nerve-wracking midst of zipping off upbeat posts for publication on the Tattler (from a make-shift Press Room hastily thrown together by the organizers at a local Mall), when the wiry little know-it-all strode up and chastized me for allegedly "hogging" a laptop.

What a heapload of BS!

Instead of being grateful for the thouands of dollars of free publicity - and flattering posts which triggered quite a few ticket sales at the box office - the demented gal continued to gun for me thereafter.

At every turn, she pestered and annoyed me whenever possible, in fact.

At this juncture, her snotty unprofessional conduct - and a gross lack  of organization at the Festival - inspired the idea for an expose on the film festival circuit.

For example, I tossed  the glare of the spotlight on disturbing behind the scenes screw-ups, a lack of organization on the red carpet which caused film honchos to groan and mumble, and the shoddy way festival officials and inexperienced "could-care-less" volunteers dealt with crowd control, celebrity guests, and so forth and so on.

The neurotic little whiff of a thing must have been sitting on her computer to catch my posts fresh off the laptop - because seconds after the article was published on line - she bolted  through the press room doors and made a bee-line for me, crouched down, and hissed:

"I want you to leave right now!"

"Okie Dokie," I mumbled, or something to that effect.

As I started to exif, she suddenly screamed at me in a nails-on-the-blackboard tone of voice:

"Why would you do that (post the nasty article)," she angrily demanded, as festival-goers lolling about nearby snapped to attention all ears.

"Because you're an asshole," I retorted.

She glared at me in shock and - for once  - was totally speechess.

"And," I quipped - almost as an afterthought - "You know what? I never used to think a woman could be an asshole. But, you are definitely an exception to the rule, obviously."

In a sincere effort to avoid any further altercations, I plucked up my briefcase, and headed toward the glass doors for a quick exit.

Just as I was about to step through the opening that beckoned, the looney co-ordinator suddenly grabbed the handle, and tried to slam the door in my face.

As I was about half-way through the exit, the screwball loser grabbed my body, and tried to physically prevent me from going my way.

Gosh!

One moment, the dizzy broad was demanding I leave the festival grounds - in the next - she was trying to prevent me from departing the press room in one piece.

As I dashed down the walk to get as far away as possible from the mentally-disturbed young lady, she proceeded to scream out at the top of her lungs:

"Security! Stop that man."

Huh?

I continued on in a bold-faced effort to escape her bizarre clutches.

However, as I started to trot across the parking lot, she came from the rear (spunky little spitfire!) and  yelled at shoppers in the Mall parking lot to detain me.

When I spied security about to cross my path, I came to a stop out-of-breath, and asked for his kind assistance.

"Some wacho festival employee is trying to hold me against my will," I managed to utter.

Almost on cue, she dashed up to the security guard, and demanded that he prevent me from driving off until her boss arrived on-the-scene.

The security guard, an intelligent thoughtful man, scolded her.

"Miss, you can't physically hold this man against his will. He hasn't done anything."

So, with a nod from the Mall employee, I headed off to my car.

That was the last night I ever saw Miss goody two-shoes alive!

Then, as aforementioned herein above, I learned a couple of days ago that the power-hungry festival nut lost her life during the course of a traffic accident recently.

For this reason, and "out of respect for her", a couple of friends asked that I delete the original post.

On the contrary, it shall remain in its published state on the world wide web, until the sorry day the Internet falls down and goes boom all around us.

For the record, I take the position that while death "releases" the spirit from this mortal coil, the footsteps of the individual (DNA, too) remain etched in space and mark their place in time (whether good, bad or indifferent).

The notion that the young woman's untimely demise should be worthy cause to delete the post - which reported on her shocking abusive conduct -  is sheer lunacy.

When Hitler died, was there a cry for an expungement of all documents and papers and things Hitler, and his gang of murderous thugs?

No, of course not!

If I am not mistaken, while obit authors handle the "dead" with kid gloves generally, it is not beyond History buffs to give a brief run-down on scandals and/or associations which may have plagued their sorry individual lives, which resulted in a fall from Grace, and so forth and so on.

The attainment of " Death" does not bestow great honors on the dearly departed.

So, why should life's chroniclers take a stab at polishing up flawed personalities on the world stage, after the last gasp has finally sealed their fate?

http:/www.julianayrs.com

Newport Beach Film Festival...employee Saba Shirazi grabs me & unlawfully tries to hold me against my will! Wacko a menace to society...

Kooky mentally-ill Saba Shirazi

(left)

Earlier today, I penned a post about a number of problems that have arisen at the Festival grounds in Newport Beach, and proceeded to publish the article to my blog this morning.

Shortly thereafter, a PR woman - by the name of Saba Shirazi - appeared at my side at the computer I was using and demanded that I leave the festival lounge.

"Fine," I said.

When I stood up to leave, she screamed at me.

"Why would you do that?"

By "that" she meant write the negative article about Gregg Schwenk, his incompetence, and the shoddy way filmgoers, pass-holders, and the press have been treated the past few days.

As she escorted me toward the open door, suddenly and without warning, she grabbed the glass door and proceeded to close it in my face before I could step outside.

Odd behaviour, wouldn't you agree, for someone who desires that I leave?

One minute she was asking that I leave the premises, and then - when I attempted to do so promptly - she tried to prevent me from stepping outside.

At this juncture, I pushed the door open and started to slip through an open crack.

The bizarre mentally-ill woman then proceeded to grab my body and prevent me from exiting!

So, as best I could, I pushed her away in an effort to free myself from her uninvited clutches.

When I freed myself, I started to walk off.

Now, she screamed after me.

"Stop him! He pushed me."

What a bunch of nonsense.

She asked that I leave, and when I attempted to do so in a professional manner, she instigated a confrontation by grabbing onto my body and trying to hold me there against my will in the lounge.

It was obvious at this point that she had a few screws loose - and was an extremely dangerous person - so I started to dash off down the mall to my car.

She yelled to passers-by:

"Stop him! Stop him!"

Wacko, man!

At the parking lot I ran into a security guard I met earlier today.

As I explained what was happening, another employee (who had been following me!) dashed up and told the guard to hold me.

"He took something," he exclaimed out-of-breath.

I held my hands out for him to see. I didn't take anything.

What about your press pass?

Oh, I have that, I responded. She didn't ask for it.

He shook his head in disbelief and appeared to realize that I had been wrongfully accused and in the process had my rights violated!

He left.

The, on the heels of his departure, the woman I had the tussle with at the door ran up.

"Hold him," she demanded of the guards.

"We can't hold him, ma'am. We aren't police officers. Do you want to bring charges?"

"I want you to keep him here 'til my boss comes (Mr. Schwenk)."

"We can't Miss," he responded matter-of-fact after accessing the situation.

"But, he pushed me," she screamed.

"I was exiting the door when she tried to close it in my face. When I managed to get through it, she grabbed me and tried to detain me," I noted exasperated.

"I was trying to hold him there," she screamed.

A-ha!

She just admitted the bald-faced truth in front of two security guards.

"She admitted she was trying to hold me against my will, " I pointed out to the officers who appeared to agree with my own account of the distressing nightmare I'd just been through.

If I decide to file a criminal complaint, I will have the security guards appear as my witnesses.

So, I left as she stewed there in the hot afternoon sun, waiting for Mr. Schwenk.

I've heard of actors, directors - even producers - getting upset over a bad review, but this was downright shocking and disturbing.

Were they going to hold me there at the computer and force me to delete the negative post?

If not, spirit me away? Dump me in a dumpster, somewhere?

Avoid the Newport Beach Film Festival like the plague - and in particular Ms. Shirazi - if you value your peace of mind and sanity.

These folks are bonkers, dudes!

http://www.julianayrs.com

3 Saisons...Canada Council funded film screens at local film festival! A bit violent, but potent filmmaking...

Now and then when I am on my treks around the Festival circuit, I happen across a Canadian filmmaker or two - down from the great white north - flogging their films in the U.S. Market.

Just this past week, when one short (My Inventions) screened, I was delighted to learn that the director was not only from Vancouver (Canada) but was also awarded a grant from a government agency to produce the project.

The monies were well-spent, since the documentary on inventor Nikola Tesla turned out a total gem.

Today, I was busy polishing a draft on a movie review, when I struck up a conversation with a young lady next to me at a bank of computers who plunked down to check her e-mail.

As it turned out, the articulate young actress was starring in a feature shot in Montreal which was given "seed" money from the Canada Council.

"3 Saisons" was gritty at times;  in fact, one theatre-goer in the Qestion & Answer session afterward, asked why there was so much violence in the opening scenes.

The director - Jim Donovan - noted that it was not a calculated scheme to make it commercial or mainstream.

"I felt those dramatic scenes were needed to drive the film forward."

The scenes in question crackled with such realism, that I found myself recoiling in horror, such was their impact on my psyche.

That's potent filmmaking.

In the film, two of the female characters are experiencing childbirth for the first time.

"My wife and I were having our first child, so there were a lot of emotions that bubbled up about that issue as we were writing the script."

Although the piece is basically fiction, it was inspired by personal events.

Maybe that is why it resonates with such truth.

The acting in the film is just phenomenal.

For instance, Carinne Leduc - the outgoing Quebecer who sidled up next to me - turned in a stunning seamless performance that was natural, gut-wrenching, and believable.

In fact, she won a best actress role for her portrayal of a troubled teen struggling for survival on the mean streets of the city.

To me, there was a distinctive aura to the film - a style that was somewhat "Canadian" in feel - if there is such a definable thing.

Donovan pointed out that maybe that was due to the fact it was shot in Montreal, and thus, has a distinctly European flavor to it.

"3 Saisons" was shot over three seasons.

When I bumped into Donovan and Ms. Leduc at a blow-out party last night, I was astounded to learn that the budget for the film was $35,000.00

The crew performed miracles, in my estimation.

For starters, the production values were remarkably rich and eye-catching in view of the paltry sum spent.

The talented ensemble of actors Donovan managed to sign on for the project must have been a Godsend.

"The actor who played my boyfriend (a real psycho on screen) is a stand-up comedian," Ms. Leduc disclosed to the rapt audience after the credits rolled.

That bit of information subsequently underscored to me just how talented that young man is.

In spite of the fact the character was far from his own reality base, he turned in a stellar performance that resonated with authenticity - and subsequently - touched the audience.

"Before the shoot started, we put on the wardrobe, then went into the street to get a feel for the characters in their environment."

Maybe that is why their characterizations rang so true on screen.

The cinematography was stunning!

In sum, 3 Saisons is worth the price of admission alone!

Catch it if you can.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Newport Beach Film Festival...Jason Ritter & Kelly Lynch appear for World Premiere of "The Perfect Age of Rock 'N' Roll"...

The screening of "The Perfect Age of Rock 'N' Roll" was delayed by about forty-five minutes on Saturday because so many films buffs were trying to squeeze their way into the world premiere which was being touted as the "hot" ticket of the night.

Even still, some discerning guests were reticent about taking front-row seats because they were inclined to hold-out for better ones farther back.

In view of the prevailing zoo-like atmosphere heightening by the minute, it was imperative that some bold individual take charge and coral the restless natives!

For this reason, Senior Program Director Ginny Laird tried to cajole some guests into coming forward by using a bit of psychology.

"You know, these front row seats are actually the best seats in the house," she quipped above the chatter that was reaching a fever pitch.

"To ensure I get the stars and the director up front to a Q & A as quickly as possible at the end of the screening, I often seat 'em right down front here. You might end up sitting next to a celebrity, 'ya know?"

The feisty Festival staffer also noted that it was a prime place to turn around in a seat comfortably and take snap shots of celebs in the audience without having to jockey for position.

Good points, all!

But, there were no takers.

Earlier in the day, inside sources informed me that Jason Ritter and Director - Scott Rosenbaum - would be in attendance at the premiere with Kelly Lynch, Lauren Holly and Taryn Manning in tow, so I arrived early.

Even still, I was forced to barrel my way through the gathering throngs in the theatre foyer where audiences for two other "sold-out" features were also struggling to make their way to their comfy seats.

In spite of the pressure, the volunteers remained calm and courteous.

Finally, after much ado, the curtain fell.

A house photographer for the Newport Beach Film Festival noted the next day that he thought the storyline was slow to unfold on the screen.

A valid criticism.

Had the director trimmed a little of the fat in the opening scenes - "The Perfect Age" - would have been capable of packing a solid punch from the get-go.

In spite of that hiccup, once the stage was set for the characters, the film turned out to be an engrossing entertaining bill-of-fare.

Am I reaching, or was the intro stikingly similar to "Interview with a Vampire"?

If you recall, in the feature based on the best-selling book by Anne Rice, a reporter scouts down a reclusive vampire (Brad Pitt) with the aim of landing a scoop about the intriguing world of the undead.

Likewise, in this rock drama, a journalist from a popular music publication, ferrets out an exclusive interview with a rock star faded from public view, with the intention of shedding light on a mystery surrounding a band once-known as the "Lost Souls".

Jason Ritter is excellent as a lead guitarist who has a talent for songwriting.

His acting style is natural and unaffected and resonates with truth.

"At the first meeting, the director and I hit it off. He appeared to be flexible and open to ideas, which appealed to me, " he noted softly.

In a follow-up discussion about the project, Ritter felt so good about playing the role of a lead guitarist at that juncture, that he went with his gut feeling.

The actor who plays the front man for the "Lost Souls" - Kevin Zegers - was in attendance at the screening, too.

Judging by Zegers' relatively "straight" appearance - the meaty role of a punk rocker with a festish for make-up - who struts around in tight black leather pants, silk shirts and flamboyant effeminate scarfs - was a stretch to play.

"When he asked if I sang, I confessed I didn't, but that I would give it a shot."

Astoundingly - like Val Kilmer before him in "The Doors" movie - the handsome earthy actor pulls off a role of a lifetime admirably.

Curiously, when Ritter and Zegers sauntered onscreen, I couldn't help but think that perhaps Joaquin Phoemix and Val Kilmer would have been cast in the roles had the film been produced five years or so ago.

The soundtrack is real kick-ass with a mix of original tunes and a handful of pop hits from celebrated rockers who carved a niche for themselves in the music industry over the years.

"Were the rights difficult to secure," I asked Mr. Rosenbaum, half-expecting to hear it was a piece of cake.

"Actually, I sweated over that. Instinctively, I knew that the music was vitally important to the project and worried about pulling it off," he recalled.

"It was a disappointing experience," he added with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

"They didn't treat us very well. I thought it was so hypocritical."

Everything else fell into place, though.

All the actors raved about the experience of working with Peter Fonda who plays a beefed up cameo in the high-energy entertaining "rock" drama.

"Peter agreed to get involved with the project later on and rounded out the cast perfectly."

When someone asked why the actors chose this specific project, Kelly Lynch piped up right away.

"For the money! It paid for my house," she joked.

The audience roared.

The script went through about four drafts before it was ready to shoot.
I wanted it to have a narrative structure.
For inspiration, I studied Scorsese's classic feature the "Last Waltz".
Obviously, the source material paid off.
The Perfect Age of Rock 'N' Roll is probably going to rustle up megabucks when its released at a movie theatre near you soon.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Newport Beach Film Festival...composer Marc Shaiman the gay Marvin Hamlisch? Wows audience with intimate Palm Garden concert...

Marc Shaiman didn't need any props or gimmicks to win over a rapt audience who hung on every note, hilarious joke, and side-splitting anecdote that he offered up at what was touted as an intimate evening of film & fun set to music at a special gala event at the Newport Beach Festival last night.

"I'm the gay Marvin Hamlisch," he quipped, as he stepped into the floodlights with a flourish.

The celebrated composer (who has written scores for Hairspray, When Harry met Sally, A Few Good Men & Sister Act) was right at home on the cozy stage in front of a baby grand piano as his agent fielded questions about his humble start, career highlights, and a bevy of high-profile megastars he's worked with over the years.

"When I was 17, I was into the Cabaret-style of music which was popular then."

Just prior to bursting out into song when the 1st number was about to start, he warned us that he wasn't much of a vocalist.

"I call it the Jewish cry for help," he giggled, as his fans roared in response.

When it comes to composing, it is quite another matter, indeed!

The diminutive performer - a flashy dresser prone to wrap himself in well-tailored suits stylishly matched-up with dress shirts in peacock hues and brightly-colored ties - has been nominated at least 5 times for the Academy Award for his musical musings, in addition to nabbing a handful of Tony Awards and Grammys over the course of his illustrious career.

The dazzling niche he managed to carve out for himself in show business is obviously due to the fact he is intensely focused (in both waking and dream states) on his hopes, dreams, and wishes.

For example, Shaiman idolized Bette Midler in his salad & lettuce days in Manhattan, and vowed to be working the boards with her one day.

"I had this fantasy that I would run down the aisle at her concert one evening, jump up on stage, and plead with her to let me play backup piano."

"I know every note, every word, every nuance," he imagined himself saying to the startled stage performer in front of a bemused audience.

Well, as fate would have it, Mr. Shaiman rented an apartment which happened to be located right across from one the Harlettes (Midler's back up singers) were holed up in.

Naturally, being the outgoing personable individual he was, Marc soon hooked up with the talented gals, and subsequently, ended up wiling away a fun-filled hour or two with the performers in their little nest.

One day, Miss Midler walked through the door and informed the trio that she was putting together a new act, and summarily asked them to jump on the bandwagon.

When they excitedly agreed, she barked out a command.

"Boys, let's try one on my third album."

"Bette talked like that," the likable showman noted in an aside before continuing.

The Harlettes looked at each other this way 'n that and were forced to admit they weren't familiar with the tune.

Marc, on the other hand, uttered in an almost inaudible voice from the back of the room that he knew the piece.

"You back there," Bette cried out in his direction.

"You say, you know it?"

As he stepped forward, he suddenly found himself saying to Divine Miss "M":

"Ms. Midler, I know every note, every word."

The audience went wild.

Yup, his fantasy came true.

Before he knew it, he was ensconced in Bette's guest room; after all, she wasn't inclined to splurge for a costly Hotel room.

"She was cheap," he half-whispered to his amused fans.

"So, there I was, sharing her home. Each morning we'd sit opposite each other at the breakfast table. Bette was usually dressed in an open housecoat with no bra. It was just the four of us, really."

What a laugh riot this man was!

The entertaining repartee continued throughout the mirth-filled night.

That was not surprising, since Shaiman is a natural with a ballsy sense of humor, quick wit, and a devil-may-care attitude that is infectious.

His agent - a great handler by the name of Richard Kraft - was no slouch in the humor department either.

"One day Marc showed up at my door years ago when my wife was expecting our first child. I quipped that he looked like my unborn fetus. The off-handed remark didn't offend him at all - in fact - a bond was forged at that precise moment," he recalled in so many words.

"I signed him on personality and on the promise that he would compose music."

Boy, did he!

How did he end up writing the score for Hairspray?

Apparently, Scott Rudin bought the rights for the movie - then an another associate by the name of Paul Rudick - lost interest.

So, the project was abandoned.

Then, the fledgling project was snapped up by Margot Lynn who called immediately to cajole him into penning the score.

His arm didn't need twisting, though.

"She didn't know I wrote lyrics. When I made a pitch for that assignment she was reticent since she was doubtful I could pull it off."

Marc was forced to audition!

Needless to say, he nabbed it.

"I wrote the first four songs right off-the-bat - which were the tent poles of the score - if anything."

"Good morning Baltimore" and "Welcome to the Sixties" were two exciting ditties that got the ball rolling in the right direction.

A big break came along one day when Rob Reiner rang up his agent and asked if Marc would be available to pen music for "City Slickers" to star Billy Crystal.

But, Marc hadn't recorded any music yet, so the dynamic duo was unable to comply with the actor/writer/producer's request.

Rob shrugged and stated matter-of-fact, "Talent is Talent".

That became an ongoing gag in the early stages of Marc's career.

At one juncture, Marc pulled off some hilarious schtick about the "print master".

Apparently, whenever he was in the studio laying down tracks and there was a glitch or problem, the woman in charge at the recording end would quip:

"Oh, I'll take care of that in the print master."

The composer was beside himself.

What the heck was the print master?

After he explained the role it played in the soundtrack. he proceeded to share some keen insights.

"Over time - as special effects became more developed and enhanced in filmmaking - the score became more of an undercurrent."

On occasion, though, his skillful compositions were tough to meddle with.

For example, when Marc composed the opening music for the feature - American President - it was written for a photo montage of Washington, D.C.

When Marc's fingers touched the keys of the piano and the score spilled out, everyone in the packed house, fell silent.

The classical piece was moving, eloquent, uplifting, reverent, reflective, poignan, you name it.

Mr. Shaiman recalled on one occasion when he was asked to write a score for "Bob", an intriguing tale about a character in a movie who hears the "music" in the heads of people he encounters on the street, in a restaurant, wherever.

"Four screenplays had been written, but no one thought to write a score."

This was strange to Marc who has very definite ideas about characters on screen, musicals, and the magic behind the musings.

"When a character sings, it represents the voice - or thoughts - inside his or her head."

Because of the level of success he has achieved in recent days in his enviable career, he has been basically offered the moon in respect to work assignments.

"I was told I could turn any movie I wanted into a stage musical."

So, he chose "Catch me if you can", the Leonardo DiCaprio tale about the check forger which played in theatres just a short while ago.

Securing the rights, believe it or not, was a snap for the entertainer.

Apparently, he goes to Martin Short's Christmas party each year.

"His parties are famous. Big stars breeze in for the holiday season, jump up enthusiastically and sing in the living-room, that sort-of-thing."

He giggled, then revealed a juicy tidbit of inside gossip about Tom Hanks.

"He has the filthiest sense of humor!"

The audience guffawed wildly.

Can you imagine it, old goody-two-shoes with the mind of a letch???

Anyhoo, Marc met Steven Speilberg at the soiree one year. When the dilemma about the rights to the movie reared its ugly head, the musical whiz kid simply called up the director with his request.

No problem!

Off-the-cuff, he performed a couple of the off-the-wall numbers, as works in progress.

I dunno!

But, in view of the fact Mr. Shaiman appears to have horse shoes up his a**, I'm sure the mucho-talented impresario will pull the challening task off in spades.

If you ever get the chance to catch Mr. Shaiman in concert, snap up a ticket.

It may be one of the most memorable moments in the musical theatre that you will ever have the good fortune to experience.

Marc is close pals with Bette's "girls"

http://www.julianayrs.com

Newport Beach Film Festival...After-party a blow out! Hip OC rocks...

Festival Buzz on 1:03 AM (Short Film)

Go-Go Girls in chic cocktail dresses did a tasteful bump-and-grind on top of decorator tables (after all, this was OC), the beat of the infectious music prompted party-goers to erupt into impromptu dances about the showroom of the Land Rover auto dealership, and long queues for the scrumptious Hor d'ouevres seemed to snake endlessly amidst film buffs who chatted each other up to a fever pitch.

Yes, after a dazzling array of screenings @ the Newport Beach Film Festival last night, the locals were ready to party-hearty and wile away the twilight hours with gay abandon.

Was this the new power elite?

The packed house was populated with hip, well-heeled, stylish young adults ranging in ages from 25-40.

And, the good-looking crowd was effervescent and spilling over with excitement.

"That's what I like about the Newport Fest. People who attend come to have fun, " one volunteer piped up cheerfully.

"They show up in plain old jeans or maybe dress up for the occasion. But, there is no attitude here."

No one needed to be a shrinking violet, that's for sure.

Guests were outgoing and approachable - so much so - I made many new acquaintances.

And - unlike a couple of festivals I have attended in the past - the filmmakers & the audiences mixed-and-mingled, engaged in meaningful dialogues about film and the craft behind the art, you name it.

The Festival is going full steam in its tenth year and there is no looking back.

This morning I took in "An Electic Box of Shorts" which I'll be reporting on later in the week.

Film-goers have recommended a handful of films slated to hit the Silver Screen this coming week such as - "Lightbulb" starring Jeremy Renner, "Suspect X" starring Masaharu Fukuyama, "Bicycle Dreams" (documentary), "A film with me in it" starring Dylan Moran and Mark Doherty, "Seraphine" starring Yolande Moreau, and - in a Short Film program on April 26th - an original offering titled "1:03 A.M." produced by Raymond & Joseph Cinemato @ Jar Productions.

And, of course, there will be a round of dazzling parties to crash throughout the week.

So, if the posts get a little ragged by Thursday (closing night), it will be a sign that I truly burned the candle at both ends at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Oh well, you're only young once.

Besides, life is not meant to be a dress rehearsal, right?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Newport Film Festival...Eclectic offerings! Last two days...

On April 24th, the Newport Beach Festival started up and runs through May 1st, 2008.

By all accounts, the films on schedule have all been well-received to date.

But, if your missed the early screenings, you have the opportunity to catch the tail end. Over the next couple of days as the Festival winds down, there are still a handful of important insightful and innovative films to take in.

For instance, the documentary "Beautiful Losers".

During the course of the much-anticipated event this year, the Newport Beach Film Festival showcased more than 350 entries from around the world and in the process managed to offer up an ambitious international selection of features, shorts, documentaries, and animated shorts that compete for both the Jury and Audience awards.

The 9th Annual Festival focuses on World and U.S. premieres, Academy Award entries, Sundance Selections, a Spotlight Series, and Children's Festival projects from both the independents and the majors alike.

Submissions are far-flung too - from Asia, Europe, South & Central America, and Africa - for instance.

The celluloid pieces are both classic and contemporary in nature and amount to a unique mix of genres influenced by a myriad of cultures.

In their "mission statement", the Festival organizers note that it is their intention to bring to Orange County the best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world.

Newport Fest is also committed to delivering up not only a first-class international film program, but also a forum for cultural understanding, backed by enriching educational opportunities.

And, they've met that challenge in an exciting diverse way.

The Festival supports the creation and advancement of innovative and artistic cinematic works of both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and proudly embraces their passion, independent spirit, and vision.

With the integration of the local community and educational institutions into all aspects of the Festival, the celebrated annual event has stimulated an interest in the study and appreciation of film and - likewise - encouraged people of all ages and backgrounds to participate, according to their press release.

Over the past decade, the Festival has unveiled many acclaimed feature films such as - "Crash", "Layer Cake", "Dust to Glory", "Sexy Beast", "Spellbound", "Dogtown and Z Boys", "Joint Security Area", and "Castle in the Sky".

In addition, the organizers have taken a look back in time with classics such as - "The French Connection", "Sunset Boulevard", the "50th anniversary of Jim Henson Company", and "The Outsiders".

Because of this unique approach to the film-going experience, the Newport Beach Film Festival has garnered acclaim from audiences and distributors alike.

Record numbers - about 40,000 strong - are expected to take the sojourn to Newport this year.

In fact, the numbers are growing each year.

In addition to the films, the founders have scheduled question and answer periods, so that filmgoers and industry-insiders have the rare opportunity to meet up-close and personal with filmmakers, directors, screenwriters and cinematographers eager to share their work with a captive public.

So, if you haven't savored the experience yet, head down to the tony enclave for the last two days of the Festival.

You'll be glad you didn't pass on the opportunity.

As Stanley Kubrick once opined:

"A film is never really good unless the camera is an eye in the head of a poet."

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