The 13th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival to Showcase Exclusive Screenings of Asian Cinema

Online, April 25, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The 13th annual Newport Beach Film Festival will present its Asian Showcase, an evening celebration of Asian cinema and culture. The event will feature premiere screenings of acclaimed Asian films, followed by a festive post screening gala. Representing Korea, China and Japan, the Asian Showcase will give filmgoers an opportunity to experience Asian film and culture at its finest. The Asian Showcase will feature the West Coast Premiere of My Way as the Korean Spotlight, The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake as the Chinese Spotlight, and I Wish as the Japanese Spotlight.

My Way is a mega Korean block-buster film, inspired by the true story of one man's struggles during the Pacific War.

Director Herman Yau's latest film, The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake, follows Qiu Jin - an early feminist, revolutionist and poet in the late Qing Dynasty - as she battles corruption and societal mistreatment of women in early 20th century China.

Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu returns to Newport with, I Wish. I Wish is a gentle and heart-warming story of two young brothers who conspire to reunite their separated parents.

The films will screen on Monday April 30th 2012 at the Edwards Big Newport, (300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 9266).
Attendees can choose one of the three Showcase films and participate in the after gala event.

Monday, April 30, 2012
7:15 p.m. - My Way (2011, Korea, 137 min)
8:00 p.m. - The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake (2011, China, 115 min)
7:30 p.m. - I Wish (2011, Japan, 128 min)
10:00 p.m. - Post Screening Gala (Fashion Island)

"The Newport Beach Film Festival consistently seeks to bring the best in Asian cinema to Orange County", stated Gregg Schwenk, CEO of the Newport Beach Film Festival. "The artists from China, Japan, and South Korea clearly reflect some of the strongest filmmaking in the world. We are greatly honored to be working with such a distinguished array of talent."

The post-screening celebration will take place at the Koi Pond Courtyard in the center of Fashion Island. The event will included select tastings from top Orange County restaurants, traditional entertainment as well as multiple DJs. Hosted bar by Stella Artois and Absolut.
Retail Partners Z Gallerie and Lucky Brand will offer special in-store promotions and entertainment. For ticket and information and updates visit: www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com

Ticket Info:

"My Way"
http://newportbeach.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/myway_kangjegyu_newportbeach2012

"I Wish"
http://newportbeach.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/iwish_koreedahirokazu_newportbeach2012

"The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake"
http://newportbeach.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/thewomanknightofmirrorlake_hermanyau_newportbeach2012