Running for several years, the Irish programme features some of the best new titles from Ireland, and this year is no exception. Features screening on 29th April are Maze, Michael Inside and The Drummer and the Keeper, and the two shorts programmes include
Making The Grade
Ken Wardrops touching film centred around the art of learning the piano will make its U.S. Premiere.
Kissing Candice
Aoife McArdle's visually dreamy drama will make its West Coast Premiere having debut at TIFF last year.
The Zoo
Directed by Colin McIvor, 'The Zoo' will also be making its West Coast debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival Irish showcase.
Acorn
During a parent-teacher meeting, busy-body mother, Maureen, disputes accusations claiming her son to be the newly risen Messiah.
The Camino Voyage
This will be the International Premiere for Director Dónal Ó Chéilleachair film.
Time Traveller
A 'Back To The Future' fanboy rushes to finish building his own DeLorean replica before his family is evicted from their halting site.
Ronnacha’ Bu’
It's just an ordinary summer for Colm, Maeve and Peadar. That is until the girls from the local school arrive, leading Peadar and Colm into unknown territory and leaving no place for Maeve.
Heart Overheard
A happy-go-lucky yet hapless woman finds herself encountering various strangers while travelling home from work that will force her to choose between her head or her heart.
The Date
A woman reunites with an ex-lover at a bar where they remember the love they once shared, but later wonders if it was all in her head.
Pernicio
In this futuristic dark comedy, a young man explores his attitude towards life and death when his suicide plans are interrupted.
Bless Me Father
A devout priest has his faith and morality tested when a dying man confesses his greatest sin.
Lost Memories
Inspired by a true story. Sean races against the clock to his mother's death bed while dealing with interfamilial politics over the phone.
Late Afternoon
After constantly being disconnected from the world around her to relieve certain memories, Emily must confront her past to fully understand the present.
Homecoming
Two Irish immigrants return to their homeland. There, they confront their shared history, their relationship with 'home', and the ways their lives have changed after a traumatic experience
Departure
It's Christmas, and a lonely grandma is about to lose hope' until something unexpected happens.
Sasha of the Sea
Sasha and her father love the ocean and often spend their days on the water. However, when her father goes missing in a fishing accident her love the sea is tested and her eyes are opened to the greater meanings of life and love.
Smithy & Dickie
In this documentary, young people react to letters between two lovers, Smithy & Dickie, written in the 1940's.
A Timely Gift
Following a horrific car accident, a deeply-troubled artist afflicted with long-term amnesia receives a mysterious gift from her Grandfather who passed away many years ago.
Full details about the Irish programme are available here
The Newport Beach Film Festival runs from 26th April to 3rd May - the full programme and Festival information are available here