NEWPORT BEACH, CA, April 15, 2008 - The Newport Beach Film Festival will present its annual Swedish Spotlight Event on Tuesday, April 29th at 7:30 p.m. at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The Swedish Spotlight Event will feature the West Coast Premier of the award-winning film: The King of Ping Pong (Ping-pongkingen), the feature directorial debut from Swedish director, Jens Johnsson's. The King of Ping Pong won the prestigious World Cinema Dramatic Grand Jury Prize and the Cinematography Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. The film screening will take place at Edwards Island Cinema, located at 999 Newport Center Drive.Following the screening, a Gala reception featuring Scandinavian cuisine, cocktails and music will take place at Design Within Reach, located at 401 Newport Center Drive. In support of the event, the Consulate General of Sweden, Nina Ersman states: "This is our second year supporting the Newport Beach Film Festival, and we are extremely excited about the fantastic line up of films presented during the Swedish Spotlight. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and promote Swedish film on the West Coast."Sponsored by the Consulate of Sweden, the Gala will include delectable Scandinavian cuisine, catered by Food Perfected and cocktails courtesy of Absolut Vodka. D.J. Julian will spin a variety of pop music, including ABBA and other popular Swedish groups. Admission to the Swedish Spotlight film screening and Gala is $35.The festival will also premiere several other Swedish inspired films including: Suddenly by Johan Brisinger, premiering Tuesday, April 29th at 4:30 p.m., The Seekers by Frank Megna, premiering Tuesday, April 29th at 5:00 p.m., Sun Storm by Leif Lindblom, premiering Monday, April 28th at 7:45 p.m., and a short length feature, Welcome Back by Jonas Embring, premiering Sunday, April 27th and Tuesday April 29th. Tickets are now on sale for both The Swedish Spotlight and other films. For further information and ticket purchases, visit www.newportbeachfilmfest.com.ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:The ninth annual Newport Beach Film Festival runs April 24- May 1, 2008 and will showcase more than 400 films from around the world, offering an ambitious and international selection of feature length narrative, documentary, short and animated films. For tickets, passes, press credentials and a complete Festival schedule, visit the NBFF website at www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com or call (949)253-2880. Press Kits and Photo Stills are available upon request.