BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

-- Alex Coolman

NEWPORT BEACH -- The newly resurrected Newport Beach Film Festival has

begun accepting entries for possible inclusion in next March’s official

screenings.

Gregg Schwenk, executive director of the festival, said several

filmmakers had already made inquiries about participating in the event.

The once-troubled showing of independent films, scheduled to kick off

March 30, will showcase feature-length works, along with shorts,

documentaries and animated movies.

Entry fees are $45 for feature films and $30 for shorts.

Submissions to the festival will be accepted through Jan. 15. For more

information, call (949) 253-2880 or consult the festival Web site at o7

www.newportbeachfilmfest.comf7 .