By Jennifer Keil
The community’s rich past took center stage at a pair of captivating film events in February as the Newport Beach Historical Society hosted documentary screenings that drew history buffs, film fans and longtime residents alike to celebrate Southern California’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Rediscovering the Origins of Irvine and Newport
On Wednesday, February 4, filmgoers gathered at the historic Lido Theater for a special screening of an Irvine documentary that offered rare insights into the origins of the Irvine Ranch and its transformation into one of Orange County’s most influential master-planned communities.
The event, curated by filmmaker Nathan Gopen, showcased previously unseen footage and extended interviews that traced 150 years of history — from sprawling agricultural fields to the modern urban landscape that includes communities like Newport Beach today. Attendees also enjoyed a director-led Q&A session, deepening appreciation for how early ranching and land development helped shape the region’s economy and identity. The screening drew significant interest from local historians and residents alike, many of whom shared personal memories of the area’s evolution and discussed the importance of preserving such stories for future generations.
On Thursday, February 26, another sold-out crowd packed the historic Lido Theater for the premiere of “Sin City: Newport Beach,” a feature documentary written and directed by local filmmaker Ed Olen. The film dives into Newport Beach’s lesser-known era during the 1920s and ’30s when the seaside town was a bustling playground of bootlegging, gambling and nightlife — a stark contrast to its contemporary reputation for pristine beaches and luxury living. Drawing from the book Bawdy Balboa by Judge Robert Gardner, the documentary brings to life colorful anecdotes and personalities from Newport’s past, including dance halls, speakeasies and even a short-lived brothel that contributed to the city’s colorful reputation
Both film events reflect the Newport Beach Historical Society’s broader mission to connect the public with local history through engaging programming. From deep dives into Irvine’s ranch roots to the rollicking tales of Prohibition-era Newport Beach, these screenings offer residents and visitors alike a window into Orange County’s past that is anything but dry. Learn more at newportbeachhistorical.org/events
Newport Beach Historical Society Brings Local Stories to the Big Screen
