Cinequest, San Jose’s annual film festival celebrating mavericks and independent filmmakers, draws to its close this weekend, but it’s going out with a bang. Besides the numerous remaining screenings, there are a number of events you won’t want to miss.

If you’re an aspiring screenwriter, the Writers Celebration on Friday, March 9 is a must. Panels and events held at San Jose Repertory Theater from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm will cover pitching your screenplay, the business of writing, and more. There will also be a the presentation of a Maverick Spirit Award to Philip Kaufman, who is based in San Francisco. Kaufman is a writer and director of such films as “The Right Stuff” and the upcoming “Hemingway and Gelhorn.”

Later Friday night, there will be a showing of “Faust,” F. W. Murnau’s silent film about the temptation of a devout alchemist. “Faust” was Murnau’s last film before leaving Germany for Hollywood, where his next film was the highly celebrated “Sunrise.” This screening of “Faust” will be accompanied by live music played by the Filmharmonica Duo — Dennis James on the Wurlitzer Theatre Organ and Theremin, and Mark Goldstein on the Buchla Lightning Wands.

Saturday March 10 brings the Adobe Youth Voices screening at 11:00 am at Camera 12. These films were made by young people in underserved communities around the world, with help from the Adobe Youth Voices philanthropy program. This free event will give you a glimpse into the minds of young people through the medium of film.

Saturday is also the last day of the festival, which closes with the 7:00 pm screening of “Deep Blue Sea.” Terence Davies (“The House of Mirth”) brings us a tale about a woman (Oscar winner Rachel Weisz) struggling to choose between her mundane marriage and a dashing affair. After the film, Davies will be presented with a Maverick Spirit award and chat about filmmaking. Following the closing night showcase, there’s a party at the Tech Museum.

If you missed some of this year’s films or are hoping to see some films from past years, check out Cinequest’s online film library at www.cinequestonline.org. The website offers DVDs and downloads of more than 60 independent films ranging in style and subject.

Cinequest also provides mentoring and education programs for young people during the year — visit the festival’s website for more information: www.cinequest.org