2025 Film Festivals Roundup: Orange County Celebrates Silver Screen Sensations

Local film festivals fill the fall season with big-name movies, cultural cinema and documentaries highlighting outdoor adventure.

Once again, the curtain is about to rise on several film festivals around Orange County during the fall season, offering a sneak peek at movies before they receive a wide release in theaters, as well as access to independent films that may not be screened elsewhere. Movie lovers will no doubt relish the opportunity to watch such a wide range of films this close to home, with no less than six festivals from which to choose. 

Perhaps the most high profile is the Newport Beach Film Festival – which attracts more than 50,000 attendees. The 26th edition runs from Oct. 16-23 with star-studded red carpet events, screenings, parties, guest talks, panel discussions and more. Previously held in the spring, the shift to fall in recent years allows academy and guild members to view films that may be considered in the lead-up to awards season early next year.

“The Newport Beach Film Festival continues to grow as a premier showcase for world-class cinema and unforgettable experiences,” said Gregg Schwenk, the festival’s CEO and co-founder. “This year’s program is one of our most exciting yet, and we can’t wait to welcome audiences to discover, connect and celebrate with us.” 

Others, like the OC Latino International Film Festival – which just wrapped up Sept. 19-21 at The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana – focus on showcasing cultural films. Launched in 2023 by husband-and-wife filmmakers Adrian and Allie Quiñonez, who are also founders of local drama school Q Acting Studios, their annual festival aims to highlight humanity through the lens of the contemporary Latinx experience. Cultural cinema is also represented in the Viet Film Fest, from Oct. 10-12 (in person) and Oct. 4-19 (virtual); OC Film Fiesta, running Oct. 9-25; and Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival, from Nov. 21-23. 

And the season is rounded out with the Dana Point Film Festival, from Oct. 9-12, celebrating ocean-centered adventure, conservation and educational films, and Coast Film & Music Festival, from Nov. 1-9 in Laguna Beach, bringing together outdoor adventure and documentary films that pay tribute to conservation, the human spirit and inspiring stories from the mountains to the sea.

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

 Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)

IMAGE 1: A scene from the documentary "Becoming Ruby." IMAGE 2: A promotional image for the controversial 2025 American documentary “The Stringer,” directed by Bao Nguyen. IMAGE 3: The movie poster for “Detective Kien: The Headless Horror,” a horror-mystery about a fearless detective in a rural Vietnamese village. IMAGE 4: A scene from the animation short “Little Persimmon." Images courtesy of Viet Film Fest

Viet Film Fest

Viet Film Fest 2025 boasts 60 films – 13 features and 47 shorts – by filmmakers from around the world. In-person and virtual screenings include a robust slate of documentary films, from “The Stringer” to “Becoming Ruby,”  animation shorts, including “Little Persimmon,” “The Tale of Trần Thanh Dương,” and “Zombie Lag – 15 Minutes Before Apocalypse,” and what will be the first awarding of a competitive Best Cinematography award.

Featured Films:

• The festival opens with a dual opening night screening at The Frida Cinema, featuring two horror films from major Vietnamese studios: “The Ancestral Home,” a supernatural family drama featuring a content creator and her ghost-brother, and “Detective Kien: The Headless Horror,” a horror-mystery about a fearless detective in a rural Vietnamese village.

• The 2025 American documentary “The Stringer,” directed by Bao Nguyen, stirs controversy, questioning whether Associated Press’ Nick Út was truly the photographer of “Napalm Girl,” one of the most well-known images of the Vietnam War. 

“We expect an emotional, perhaps turbulent Q&A,” said Eric Nong, artistic director of the Viet Film Fest. “I don't see this as a tirade against the AP or Nick Út, I see it as an examination of journalistic ethics first.”

• In its partial restoration premiere, “From Saigon to Dien Bien Phu,” a 1967 espionage drama directed by Lê Mộng Hoàng, has been digitized from vibrant 35mm Eastmancolor stock and will feature its original, non-digital subtitles that were burned into the print, in both English and traditional Chinese characters.

“We believe that there is not a lot of South Vietnamese cinema that still exists,” Nong said. “And even if there was … Vietnam does not have the infrastructure to restore them. So this is very important.”

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

 Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)

Dana Point Film Festival 

Returning for its third year, the Dana Point Film Festival – from Oct. 9-12 – showcases films about marine life and our relationship with the sea, including cinematic creations that educate, focus on conservation and preservation, or highlight ocean adventures. The four-day festival culminates with a free 50th anniversary screening of “Jaws” outdoors on Baby Beach. Festivalgoers are invited to watch the iconic 1975 Steven Spielberg movie from the beach (first come, first served) or on the water from your own boat or a loaner floatie. 

But first, opening night features “The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story,” about legendary surfboard designer and builder Brewer, described as both colorful and controversial. Then, on Oct. 11, the spotlight film is “Shaping the Future,” a feature documentary exploring the lasting impact that Lance Collins and his unique surfboard brand, Wave Tools (based in Costa Mesa), have had on Southern California culture despite the many obstacles Collins has faced. Also on Oct. 11, the documentary “32 Miles” will take audiences on the journey of athletes and organizers of the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race, a grueling test of endurance that spans 32 miles from Catalina Island to the Manhattan Beach Pier. 

On Oct. 12, indulge in an indie shot entirely in 16-millimeter color film to document longboarding and early hotdogging as a tribute to the 1960s surf film “Some Like It Wet!” Filmed over seven years in California, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Mexico and France, the piece captures some history of surfing pioneers as well as the evolution of influential surfboard designs. 

Another feature film on Oct. 12 is “A Marble in the Jar,” which refers to the practice of consciously recognizing something positive – large or small – as a method to deliberately find the good in an experience. A reflection on resilience and perspective, the film follows Tatiana Weston-Webb’s professional surfing journey as the young girl from Kauai, Hawaii, rises to become one of the world’s best surfers, followed by a heartbreaking loss at a high-level competition and her fight back to the top. Her career parallels the growth of World Surf League, which helped women’s surfing reach new levels of performance and recognition by offering equal prize money for men and women and having them compete on the same world-class waves. The story swells with emotion when Weston-Webb’s coach and close friend, the late Greg Browning – who directed the film – faces an ALS diagnosis. 

Many screenings are followed by Q&As with the filmmakers. Several series of short films complete the lineup, along with after-parties and a Meet the Filmmakers event Oct. 9. Another special event is Oct. 12 at Craft House, featuring a presentation of films created by children from the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. The festival is produced by Tenacity Entertainment in association with Dana Point community members. 

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)

IMAGE 1: A promotional image for “Life Is Art," a documentary about prolific Mexican American actor Pepe Serna. IMAGE 2: A scene from Del Zamora’s “The Last Brown Beret,” which unravels the emotional journey of four former Brown Berets reuniting for a funeral. IMAGE 3: A scene from Bernard Hetzenhauer’s “Those Next to Us,” a haunting documentary about migrants in a human-smuggling operation from Mexico to Texas. Images courtesy of OC Film Fiesta

OC Film Fiesta

OC Film Fiesta returns with more than 50 feature and short films from 17 different countries that celebrate cinema and multicultural heritage. 

“Right now we're seeing threats, not just to our community and our civil liberties, but the biggest attack is on freedom of speech and the First Amendment,” said Victor Payan, producer and director of OC Film Fiesta. “The independent filmmakers around the world are the brave ones who tell the stories that others aren't telling.” 

Featured Films:

• Del Zamora’s highly anticipated feature film “The Last Brown Beret,” based on Alfred Ramos’ award-winning 1993 play “The Last Angry Brown Hat,” unravels the emotional journey of four former Brown Berets who reunite for a funeral and reflect on a life of activism.

“We usually curate films that specifically address local issues like gentrification and police brutality and, of course, civic participation and democracy,” Payan said. “And this year we have films about ICE, films about immigration.”

• One of those films is German filmmaker Bernard Hetzenhauer’s “Those Next to Us,” a haunting documentary about a group of migrants locked inside a tractor-trailer during a human-smuggling operation from Mexico to Texas. 

• Closing out the festival is the documentary “Life Is Art,” about prolific Mexican American actor Pepe Serna, best known for his supporting roles in films such as “Scarface” and “Silverado” and, more recently, for his newly-launched career as a starring short film actor. 

“He's an inspiration to a lot of people so we're excited to have him,” Payan said. “We’re showing some of his most recent short films for which he’s the star. It's a new kind of career for Pepe, after 100 feature films to be doing short films. He's really making himself accessible to the next generation of filmmakers.”

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

 Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)

IMAGE 1: Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in “Frankenstein,” directed by Guillermo del Toro, to be shown on the closing night of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Photo by Ken Woroner/Netflix. IMAGE 2: Ewan McGregor (left) and Scott Feinberg speak on stage during the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival at The Resort at Pelican Hill on Oct. 22, 2024, in Newport Beach. Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images. IMAGE 3: "Blue Moon" will be screened on the opening night of the Newport Beach Film Festival. Photo courtesy of "Blue Moon" IMAGE 4: Terry Crews attends the Sunset Series with Arts Champion Award presentation to Terry Crews at Lido Marina Village during the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival on Oct. 21, 2024, in Newport Beach. Photo by Tiffany Rose/Getty Images. IMAGE 5: From left, Gary Sherwin, Jenelle Riley and Amy Poehler attend the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival Honors Brunch on Oct. 20, 2024, in Newport Beach. Photo by Tiffany Rose/Getty Images.

All images courtesy of Newport Beach Film Festival

Newport Beach Film Festival

Opening with Richard Linklater’s “Blue Moon,” starring Ethan Hawke – about the downward spiral of Lorenz Hart, former songwriting partner of Richard Rodgers, during the latter’s debut of hit musical “Oklahoma!” – the 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival will screen more than 100 feature films and 250 shorts hailing from 32 countries during its run from Oct. 16-23. 

The wide-ranging festival includes categories dedicated to culinary, music, fashion, action sports, animation, environmental and art, architecture and design films as well as documentaries and international spotlights. When it comes to feature films, the closing night selection – appropriate in the lead-up to Halloween – is Guillermo del Toro’s retelling of “Frankenstein.” 

“The Newport Beach Film Festival has always been about celebrating the art of storytelling and connecting our community with the best in global cinema,” said Todd Quartararo, festival co-founder and vice president of marketing. “I’m especially excited for this year’s lineup, the incredible talent joining us, and the unforgettable experiences we’ll be sharing with our audiences.”

This festival often features films that become major award contenders. In fact, many of this year’s Centerpiece films are already generating awards buzz. Some of those titles include “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” with an all-star lineup including Daniel Craig; Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague”; Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda”; and Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value.” 

While these motion pictures are gaining national – and international – attention, Orange County’s own Pacific Chorale is also featured in a documentary, “To the Hands,” set to have its world premiere during the festival. Capturing the chamber choir’s September production (complete with dancers and string music by Delirium Musicum) in cinematic quality, the film utilizes music, light and movement to explore themes of homelessness and displacement, human fragility and strength, suffering, resilience and our shared responsibility to one another. “To the Hands,” created by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw in 2016, is her response to Buxtehude’s “Ad Manus” of 1680. 

O.C. residents also have some films showing in the festival. Look for “The OC Effect,” a surf-skate documentary; “Sin City: Newport Beach,” based on the book “Bawdy Balboa,” about this luxury destination that was once a scandalous seaside playground in the 1920s and ’30s; “Harbour Chronicles: Shaping a Legacy,” about surfboard maker Rich Harbour building his brand in Seal Beach; “Bob Gurr: Living By Design,” a documentary on Gurr, part of the original team behind Disneyland; and “Golden Era of Skateboarding,” highlighting the Dogtown era of skateboarding in the 1970s and those who inspired the likes of Tony Hawk and Christian Hosoi, with never-seen-before archival footage. 

In addition to movie screenings in multiple venues around town, events are planned Oct. 18 in partnership with StyleWeekOC: First is a panel discussion and book signing at 11 a.m. with Sophie Ansari, Penn Badgley and Nava Kavelin about their new book, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age,” followed by a fashion Q&A with actress Ashley Park (“Emily in Paris”) at 1 p.m.; both events take place at the Bloomingdale’s-Neiman Marcus Courtyard at Fashion Island. 

And don’t miss the parties including an Opening Night Gala at Fashion Island and an elegant closing night celebration at Sherman Library & Gardens, both featuring entertainment, hosted cocktails and top local restaurants serving signature bites so you can feel like a celebrity even if you’re not in the movies. 

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

 Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)

IMAGE 1: Still shot from "Brothers of the Sea," to be screened at Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Ethan Edmunds and Armin Korsos. IMAGE 2: From "Mother River," to be screened at the Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Jeremiah Schuster. IMAGE 3: From "The American Southwest," to be shown at the Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Ben Masters. IMAGE 4: From Reel Rock's "Death of Villains," to be screened at Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo courtesy of Nick Rosen and Gareth Leah

Coast Film & Music Festival

More than 75 films showcasing stories of outdoor adventure will surely inspire, inform and entertain crowds at the seventh annual Coast Film & Music Festival, taking place at several venues in Laguna Beach.

The festival also presents live music, including a new, two-night benefit concert Nov. 8 and 9 at the historic Irvine Bowl, a 2,600-seat outdoor amphitheater on the Festival of Arts grounds. Other highlights include a Do Good Village featuring booths by local organizations committed to environmental preservation, and the Coast Summit, a one-day immersive experience that brings together leaders, innovators and changemakers focused on creating a sustainable future. Also planned are filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, an art gallery and auction, silent disco, gourmet food by local chefs, craft beer and cocktails, after-parties and more. 

“We’re committed to purpose-driven storytelling that drives real change,” said festival co-founder Enich Harris. “Our audience comes curious and leaves inspired – whether through international documentaries that bridge cultures, our Coast Summit exploring human and planetary health, or our youth filmmaker programs. This year, by bringing world-class music to the Irvine Bowl with proceeds benefiting ocean conservation through Jack Johnson’s Ohana Foundation and our Coast Film Foundation, we’re proving entertainment and impact can go hand in hand.”

The benefit concert will feature singer-songwriter Johnson and friends in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his classic surf films that helped to launch his music career. Remastered from the original 16 mm prints to stunning 4K, these films will be shown during the concert events. “Thicker Than Water” screens Nov. 8 with a live performance by Johnson, Hermanos Gutiérrez, G. Love, Todd Hannigan, Xocoyotzin Moraza and bandmates Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski and Zach Gill. “The September Sessions” screens on Nov. 9 with a live performance by Johnson and G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter, Matt Costa, Topol, Podlewski and Gill. 

“This year represents a transformative moment for the festival,” said festival co-founder Ben Warner. “We're honoring the Irvine Bowl’s original 1941 vision as a venue for live concerts by bringing Jack Johnson’s remastered surf films back to the big screen after 25 years, paired with intimate live performances under the stars. These films launched a generation and defined surf culture – now we’re introducing them to an entirely new audience. It’s storytelling at its finest, where film, music and community converge in one of California’s most beautiful amphitheaters.” 

PHOTO 1: Musician Matt Costa performing during a past year's Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo by Steve Sherman. PHOTO 2: A panel discussion during the Coast Summit at a past year's Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo by Caroline Rustigian. PHOTO 3: A filmmaker discussion at a past year's Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo by Steve Sherman. PHOTO 4: Gathering for an outdoor film screening during a past year's Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo by Caroline Rustigian. PHOTO 5: The Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach, one of the venues for the Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo by Jan Schrieber. PHOTO 6: An outdoor film screening during a past year's Coast Film & Music Festival. Photo by Jan Schrieber. Photos courtesy of Coast Film and Music Festival

A popular free film night also returns this year on Nov. 6 at The Promenade on Forest. The film, to be announced, will be shown under the stars with complimentary popcorn offered for attendees. 

Other films during the nine-day festival include “Mother River” by Jeremiah Schuster; “Brothers of the Sea” by Ethan Edmunds and Armin Korsos; Reel Rock’s “Death of Villains,” and “The American Southwest” by Ben Masters. The full schedule was expected to be released in coming weeks.

“Mother River” follows single mother Devin, who leaves corporate America to reconnect with nature and her childhood roots of kayaking as she seeks to become the first Black female to paddle the entire Mississippi River. “Brothers of the Sea” highlights the transformative journeys of Bernardo and Diego, who seem to be living the dream, surfing perfect waves in Mexico, but had to grow up quickly after being abandoned at a young age, surviving hardship to become loving fathers themselves. “Death of Villains” tells the story of a former child climbing prodigy who – with help from an unlikely and controversial partner – pursues his lifelong dream to accomplish the first ascent of a 5.15 climb (a route graded as the most difficult level in sports climbing) after emerging from his struggle with an eating disorder. “The American Southwest,” narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, takes audiences on an adventurous journey to explore the wildlife, cultural history and uncertain future along the Colorado River. 

Screenings will take place at a wide range of venues including Rivian South Coast Theater, Forum Theater and a large outdoor screen (at night) at the Festival of Arts grounds, Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center, Hobie Surf Shop and more.

But participants can do more than watch films about the outdoors – they can sign up to try some of these activities, too. While specific outings are still to be determined, past years have included hiking, biking, kayaking and yoga sessions. So if you feel inspired after watching the movies, lace up your hiking boots or grab a paddle and choose your own adventure. 

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

 Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)

IMAGE 1: The movie poster for “Akaal-The Unconquered," an action-packed historical drama set in the 1840s. IMAGE 2: The movie poster for “Mittran Da Challeya Truck Ni,” which explores relationships and traditional romance norms. IMAGE 3: The movie poster for comedy-drama “Chai Mera Putt 4,” where a group of struggling friends come across a bag with a million pounds. IMAGE 4: The movie poster for “Maa Jaye,” a powerful story of love, sacrifice and brotherhood. IMAGE 5: The movie poster for “Sardaar Ji 3," in which a ghost hunter and his ghost friend uncover secrets in a haunted castle. Images courtesy of Sikhlens

Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival 

The annual Sikhlens: Sikh Arts & Film Festival kicks off once more at The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana with a Red Carpet opening night, followed by two days of back-to-back short films, critically acclaimed feature films and the return of “Creative Sikhs,” Q&A sessions featuring prominent Sikh creatives in film and literature. The Sikhlens 2026 Annual Art Calendar, with art by the internationally acclaimed Singh Twins, will also be released.

Sikhlens has historically showcased “Sikh-centric” creative works, including movies, books, music and art, in an effort to share Sikh heritage and culture with the world. This year, for the first time, the festival is also accepting submissions from filmmakers from Southeast Asia, along with filmmakers from all other backgrounds, particularly underrepresented voices. The majority of the festival films are in English or feature English subtitles to encourage non-Sikh communities to attend.

SikhLens founder Bicky Singh notes that while the Sikh community is well-represented in many sectors of work, it’s missing from key communications fields.

“When the entire diaspora is concentrated in [certain] areas, except media, broadcasting, journalism and films, then their stories are not being told,” he said. 

This realization led to the launch of the first annual Sikhlens Art Calendar, collective pieces featuring world-class artists that bring Sikh arts and heritage to broader audiences. Later, in response to a rise in hate crimes against Sikhs post-9/11, additional initiatives were launched, including the SikhLens Film Festivals, and evolving collaborations with schools and communities to provide scholarships, grants, and training opportunities to nurture young talent.

“The decision at our board level was like, ‘OK, you know, we need to aggressively inspire our community to get into films, media, broadcast, journalism and tell our stories right,” said Singh. “If we don't write our own stories then nobody else is going to do that.”

Featured Films:

• “Crafting Legacy” celebrates dedication and hard work through the story of Bal Chola, a boy from Southall whose early love for drawing led to an award-winning career in engineering. 

• Unfolding across decades and continents, “Maa Jaye” is a powerful story of love, sacrifice and brotherhood.

• In the comedy-drama “Chai Mera Putt 4,” a group of immigrant friends, struggling financially while sending money to their families back home, come across a bag with a million pounds.

• “Akaal – The Unconquered” is an action-packed historical drama set in the 1840s, where Punjab warriors defend themselves against a vengeful army.

• Ghost hunter Jaggi and his ghost friend Pinky uncover secrets in a haunted castle in horror-comedy “Sardaar Ji 3.” 

• “Mittran Da Challeya Truck Ni” explores relationships and traditional romance norms through the story of a truck driver seeking a practical wife and an independent woman seeking wealth. 

JUMP TO: Viet Film Fest (Oct. 4-19) | Dana Point Film Festival (Oct. 9-12)

OC Film Fiesta (Oct. 9-25) | Newport Beach Film Fest (Oct. 16-23)

 Coast Film & Music Festival (Nov. 1-9) | Sikhlens: Arts & Film Festival (Nov. 21-23)