Cinequest 17 is coming soon: February 28 through March 11, 2007, downtown San Jose will be packed with filmmakers and film lovers from all over the world. The maverick-oriented film festival is packed with exciting events and films from over 30 countries, many of which are being shown here for the first time.
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. The festival organizers have made arrangements for plenty of parking and even parking validation at some lots. There are also several hotels close by for out-of-towners and plenty of restaurants as well. Last year, over 67,000 people attended the festival and had an impact of $3.75 million on the city.
The Maverick Spirit Events at Cinequest each year are very popular, and this year looks like it will be no exception. Director Christine Vachon (“Boys Don’t Cry,” “Kids”) will discuss her films and accept a Maverick Spirit Award on Friday, March 2. Acclaimed actress Minnie Driver will discuss her career and be presented with a Maverick Spirit Award on Saturday March 3. Filmmaker and musician Stewart Copeland will discuss his work after a screening of his film “Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out” as part of Cinequest’s Day of Sight And Sound on Saturday, March 3.
The Day of Sight and Sound is part of Cinequest’s series of forums on every aspect of film production. Friday March 2 is the Day of Distribution, Saturday March 3 is the Day of Sight and Sound, Friday March 9 is the Day of the Writer, and Saturday March 10 is the Day of the Producer. Each collection of forums will feature experts on each topic and an opportunity for both experienced and new filmmakers to learn about the art and craft of film.
Although most of the films shown at Cinequest are chosen by a panel, this year several films are being chosen by viewers in the Viewer’s Voice competition. Cinequest Online offers film lovers a chance to watch the films competing for the last few coveted spots at the festival and vote on which ones should be selected. The films are available for free download at www.cinequestonline.org.
Cinequest is moving into year-round distribution with both the Viewer’s Voice competition at Cinequest Online and with Cinequest Distribution, where film lovers can find DVDs of films from past Cinequest festivals. Both features and short films are available, and many can be watched directly on the website if you don’t want to wait for a DVD to be delivered.
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.