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Set to Connect Across Generations
October 14th, 2026 by Randi Lavik
When I was assigned to write this article, I was happy to see it was on the Newport Beach Film Festival. I was also happy to discover that the topic of 3D printing is one of the featured films.
My son, a newly graduated electrical engineer, is literally on his fifth 3D printer. The subject is one we have all been impacted in some way which resulted in an exciting new documentary.
The 8 days of music excellence will bring over 100 films from around the world to The OC. In its 27th iteration, the NBFF brings filmmakers, speakers and cultural programming along with the who’s who of the movie industry. Screenings will take place at venues around the greater Newport Beach area. Venues include Fashion Island, The Lot, Regal Edwards Big Newport, Regal University, Starlight Cinemas and the Lido Theater (Check NBFF Website for exact location of each film).
Opening night features a film of Peter Frampton. Anyone who lived through “Frampton Comes Alive,” will appreciate this one. There will also be some Irish shorts sure to entertain.
There will also be a nice feature called “Smooth World,” that introduces us to the world of smooth jazz. For those who like to dance, there’s “Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart.”
For those who love a good music documentary, there’s “Unleashed Spirits: The Rise of The Hollywood Vampires.” And for those who love punk rock, check out “And Out Comes the Wolf.” And if you like animated and foreign films, there are plenty to pick from.
For a full list of films being featured:
The film / documentary that stood out to me and my son (the engineer), is “The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing.” It is a new film on a very timely topic.
This inspiring story is one of perseverance and true love. Smart people always bet on the quietest, most thoughtful guy in the boardroom. Mrs. Hull believed in Chuck, while others dismissed his innovative ideas.
Chuck Hull’s 3D printers have created bigger and more meaningful treasures over the years.
3D printing is wonderful and useful in the areas of science (3D-printed replacement vertebrae for example), building (via beautiful and economic housing structures), space exploration, and the arts.
The possibilities for this technology are limitless. Printers are evolving into more user-friendly and affordable units and hopefully will be attainable for future generations to utilize in their households. 3D items are environmentally beneficial as well. Plastic can be recycled, then extruded into innovative new designs. Chuck Hull’s determination has been beneficial to the planet. What a wonderful legacy!
The documentary has been created by expert hands and several of those experts will hold a live Q&A following the screening. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Chuck Hull, director Brent Wilson, producer Ray Marchant, and executive producer Mark Ciardi following the premiere screening.
Each member of the production team is experienced in the art of storytelling.
Brent Wilson has directed several music videos, is an Emmy nominee, and is noted for his acclaimed documentary “Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road.”
The Newport Beach Film Festival
October 15th-22nd, 2026
According to the filmmakers, “The Last Inventor: Chuck Hull & The Hope of 3D Printing” will be an inspirational event. “Shot in 8K anamorphic and scored by a 40-piece live orchestra, it is a hopeful portrait of what technology can be when its purpose is to improve the world.”
To check out this film, you can catch it this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at the Regal University Town Center, Screen 6.
TO FOLLOW
SID 261015 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
