Every year, filmmakers and appreciators of independent cinema from around the world converge on San Jose for Cinequest, the annual celebration of maverick filmmaking. Last year, Cinequest had over 80,000 attendees and over 500 of them filmmakers for the two-week event. This year’s festival runs from February 25 through March 8, 2009, and will be packed full of independent films from all over the world.

Cinequest is held in downtown San Jose at a collection of venues within walking distance of each other. Films will be shown at the California Theater, Camera 12 Cinemas, and San Jose Repertory Theater. There are also several hotels close by for out-of-towners and plenty of restaurants as well.
This year’s festival includes 18 world premieres and eight US premieres, and films from all over the world and of all genres. There are documentaries and thrillers, dramas and comedies. Whatever genre you like, it’s sure to be represented. There are also two silent films being screened on Friday February 27th and Friday March 6th at the California Theater, with accompaniment on the theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. The films are DW Griffith’s “Birth of a Nation,” his controversial masterpiece, and “Intolerance,” his response to those who accused him of racism for “Birth of a Nation.”
The Maverick Spirit Events at Cinequest each year are very popular, and this year looks like it will be no exception. Comedian and actor Kevin Pollock (“The Usual Suspects,” “Numb”) will present an evening of stand-up tailored for the festival March 4th at 7:00 PM, followed by a retrospective of his career and an award ceremony. Screenwriter and author Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “The United States of Tara”) will receive an award and engage the audience in a moderated discussion.
Cinequest also has a series of forums on films and filmmaking. Friday, March 6th is the Day of the Writer, with forums on Film Noir, the writing process, and more from creenwriters including Richard Walter, Lew Hunter, and Hal Ackerman. There are other Film and Innovation forums throughout the festival, covering topics from distribution to the newest technology available to independent filmmakers. See www.cinequest.org/special_events.php for more information.
As usual, Ealasaid Haas and Fred Crow will be reviewing as many films as they possibly can at Cinequest, starting very soon. Watch this space or visit their on line Cinequest headquarters at www.ealasaid.com/cineblog/ for their reviews.