Behemoth Will Close Newport Beach Film Festival
The 27th annual event in Newport Beach will host a screening of the new film on October 22.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Science Fiction
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The Newport Beach Film Festival will conclude its 27th annual iteration with a screening of the science fiction film Behemoth on October 22, 2026. Following the presentation, director Tony Gilroy and production designer Jade Healy will lead a public conversation.
Why it matters
The choice of this high-profile project to anchor the festival finale highlights the growing prestige of the Southern California event. Attracting over 50,000 attendees, the festival serves as a key platform for showcasing major upcoming productions ahead of their wider release.
The production of Behemoth features the collaborative work of nine distinct composers. The film, which stars Pedro Pascal as a cellist named Alex Serian, follows a character arc involving 20 years spent on the road.
The players
Tony Gilroy
He is an acclaimed film director known for his work on major cinematic projects and his contribution to modern franchise storytelling.
Jade Healy
She is an accomplished production designer responsible for crafting the visual identity and immersive environments of major feature films.
Pedro Pascal
He is a prominent actor who portrays the lead character, Alex Serian, in the upcoming film Behemoth.
Newport Beach Film Festival
This is a long-standing Southern California cinematic event that celebrates international and independent films in its 27th year.
The details
Behemoth, a science fiction film set in Los Angeles, will enjoy this festival spotlight before its official wide premiere later in the year. The closing night event includes the screening followed by an in-person discussion with director Tony Gilroy and production designer Jade Healy.
Timeline
The 27th Newport Beach Film Festival takes place from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22, 2026.
The festival concludes with the Behemoth screening on Oct. 22, 2026.
Behemoth is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 4, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The selection follows the organizational pattern established by the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival closing night. This reflects the broader industry trend where regional festivals act as essential launchpads for major studio titles during the competitive fall season.
Attendees at the Newport Beach Film Festival can view the film on October 22, weeks before its general theatrical release. The event provides direct access to the creative team through the post-screening conversation.
The takeaway
Large-scale regional film festivals remain vital for building anticipation before a project hits wide release in December. Audiences should look for these early festival screenings to gain insight into the production process from the filmmakers themselves.
Further reading
For more information on current cinema trends, visit the Science Fiction section.
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