Newport Beach, Polish film festivals
The 11th annual Newport Beach Film Festival opened Thursday with the world premiere of “Five Star Final Day” at the Edwards Big Newport. The film marks the feature directorial debut of Orange County native Danny Buday and stars Jena Malone.
The festival, which continues through April 29, will feature more than 350 films from 47 countries, special events, conversations with filmmakers and seminars. The festival closes with the romantic drama “Letters to Juliet” at the Regency Lido Theatre. https://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com
Polish film fest
The Polish Film Festival Los Angeles, also in its 11th year, continues at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5, through May 2. Among the recent Polish films screening are “All That I Love,” “Born of the Sea,” “Janosik: The True Story” and “Operation Danube.” https://www.polishfilmla.org
Acting in the Digital Age
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Science and Technology Council explores “Acting in the Digital Age” on Thursday at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Oscar-nominated animator Bill Kroyer hosts this look at the developments in digital technology and how they affect acting. Among the actors who have gone digital appearing at the program are CCH Pounder (“Avatar”) and Andy Serkis (“King Kong” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy). Also appearing are “Avatar” producer Jon Landau, animation supervisor Richard Baneham, stunt coordinator Garrett Warren and character supervisor Steve Preeg of “ The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” https://www.oscars.org
Older films and a debut
“Ed Wood” scribe Larry Karaszewski chats with composer-actor Richard Baskin at the American Cinematheque’s Aero Theatre on Friday and screens two films Baskin was involved with: Alan Rudolph’s underrated 1976 film, “Welcome to L.A.” and Robert Altman’s 1975 masterwork, “Nashville.”
The Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre offers a sneak preview Wednesday night of “Footprints,” the feature directorial debut of screenwriter Steven Peros (“The Cat’s Meow”). The mystery, starring Sybil Temtchine, was shot in Hollywood at Grauman’s Chinese and at the Egyptian. https://www.americancinematheque.com
Only good movies
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