It’s late February, and that means Cinequest is coming! The annual film festival brings film makers and film lovers from all over the globe to San Jose every year for a massive festival focusing on encouraging and empowering maverick filmmakers. This is the place to be if you’re interested in looking beyond the familiar stories Hollywood churns out, are an aspiring flimmaker who wants to learn more about the art and tech of moviemaking, or just love interacting with actors, directors, and movie crews. From opening night February 26 to the closing night awards gala and screening on March 9, San Jose will be the place to be if you love independent film.

Whatever your angle, if you’re interested in independent film Cinequest is well worth checking out. With over 700 presenting artists and innovators, XXX films from XXX different countries, and 86 US, North American, or world premiers, the festival is the place to be to see movies impossible to find anywhere else.

This year’s Maverick Spirit Award recipients are Chef Dominique Crenn, President of Sony Pictures Technologies Chriss Cookson, author Chuck Palahniuk, actor Harrison Ford, President and CEO of Sony Electronics Inc. Phil Molyneux, and author Salman Rushdie. Check out the various special events dedicated to each at www.cinequest.org.

Cinequest is also continuing its tradition of screening significant and interesting silent films by showing Buster Keaton’s short film “Cops” and Harold Lloyd’s feature film “Safety Last” at the historic California Theater, accompanied by Dennis James on the Wurlitzer organ. This event is Friday 3/8 at 7pm. Fans of film history will not want to miss it!

Below are brief guides for some of the many sorts of folks who might enjoy attending this year’s festival. Be sure to check the Films and Events listings at www.cinequest.org to confirm times, check out new additions, and buy tickets.

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Buying Tickets and Passes
Buy Tickets or Passes at www.cinequest.org, by calling 408-295-FEST (408-295-3378), or at the box offices of Camera 12, San Jose Repertory Theatre, and the California Theatre.

General Admission – $10
Silent Cinema Screening – $10
Matinee – $7
Students – $5

Cinequest Venues:
* Camera 12 Cinemas – 201 S. Second Street, San Jose
* San Jose Repertory Theatre – 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
* California Theatre – 345 South First St, San Jose
* San Jose State University’s Hal Todd Theatre – E. San Fernando St. at 5th St., San Jose

General Guidelines
* Unless you buy the Express Line Pass ($100), which gets you into the express line, be sure to show up early for films. I usually plan to show up at least 30 minutes ahead of time, pass or ticket in hand.
* There are plenty of places to eat downtown, though many of them are a bit pricey. Remember to schedule time to eat if you’re planning to see a lot of movies in a row, even if you just stick a granola bar in your pocket. Water is also important — most venues will allow bottles of water with sports tops.
* The events and forums can sell out, so unless you want to depend on rush tickets, get your tickets as far in advance as you can.
* Parking is usually scarce and pricey during Cinequest, so if at all possible, take public transit. There are park-and-ride lots at many light rail stations, and light rail drops you off right in the heart of the festival. Save money, time, and the environment!
* Unless you’re attending screenings and events all at the same building, wear comfy shoes for walking. It’s farther from the Camera 12 Cinemas to the California Theater than you probably think!
* Not sure what to see or what to avoid? Check out www.ealasaid.com/cineblog for reviews.

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Film Lover
You’re sort of person who makes up such a big portion of Cinequest’s attendees that there’s a special pass just for you. It will get you into any film screening (provided you get in line early enough that they don’t run out of space before you get in) without having to buy tickets.
Planning: Check out the list of films at www.cinequest.org/films.php to make a list of films you’re interested in seeing, then cross-check them with the evenings you’re available on the schedule at http://cinequest.org/schedule.php
Tickets: If you’re going to see more than 14 films, get a Film Lover Pass ($145.00) to get the most bang for your buck.

Film Maker
Love movies, and love learning about making them? You’ll want to see as many movies as you can as well as attending the forums.
Planning: There are forums about various aspects of filmmaking throughout the festival. Check the schedule to see what all is covered — it’s an impressive range this year. Also be sure to take a look at the film schedule to see what you can take in! See www.cinequest.org for the locations.
Tickets: For movie tickets, see Film Lover above. If you’re planning to attend all the special events and a bunch of movies, consider the Mavericks pass ($250), which will get you into everything but the soirees.

Festival Junkie
Don’t want to miss a single thing at Cinequest? Films, events, parties, even the VIP lounge? Well, there’s a special pass just for you, if you have the time and money.
Planning: Schedule a vacation from work and look through the entire schedule online at http://cinequest.org/schedule.php to see what all you want to attend.
Tickets: The VIP All Access Pass ($500) is the way to go. It gets you into everything.