With the price of gas skyrocketing daily, people don’t have to venture far over the next eight days to see a multitude of feature films, shorts and documentaries representing more than 37 countries. There’s a Family Film Series, an Action Sports Film Series, a Friday Showcase, a Saturday Centerpiece and free seminars to attend.
The independent comedy, “Sherman’s Way,” starring James LeGros, Michael Shulman, Lacey Chabert, Brooke Nevin and Enrico Colantoni will screen on opening night.
Festival co-founder and chief executive Gregg Schwenk described the film as a “great, light indie comedy,” a commodity he said is often hard to find. He said choosing this film to open the festival sets the tone for a celebration right from the beginning.
“We are proud to kick off the 2008 festival with a refreshing indie comedy that truly captures the independent spirit of filmmaking.”
Craig Saavedra directed the film and co-produced it with Shulman. Saavedra said when he received the call from his business partner in New York informing him the film had been selected to open the Newport Beach Film Festival, he thought it was a prank.
“We were incredibly thrilled, and recognized it as a big honor. Everyone knows about the Newport Beach Film Festival and ‘Crash’ so I’ve already cleared a space off on my mantel.
“The trend is you open at Newport Beach, you win an Oscar,” Saavedra joked.
The film has been a hit with audiences so far, a trend Saavedra hopes will continue.
“People are looking for a little lighter fare during tough times. It’s fun to have something to divert your attention from reality,” he said.
