Cinequest strives to keep it interesting after 35 years

Cinequest strives to keep it interesting after 35 years

Briefly

"While the first half of this year's festival, set for March 10-22, will take place in its homebase of downtown San Jose, the second half will be held at a venue that some Cinequest fans should find familiar yet changed. In deference to the Nvidia conference, which last March drew about 25,000 folks to downtown and took over many of the venues that Cinequest attendees usually frequent, the festival will pull up stakes and move to the Alamo Drafthouse in Mountain View starting March 14."

"On that Saturday, Cinequest will host two Maverick Spirit Award events, marking the first time the festival has welcomed two recipients on the same day. Vivica A. Fox will receive the Maverick Spirit Award during a moderated conversation following the world premiere of her latest film, Plan C. Steve Zahn will be honored following a presentation of She Dances, which also stars Ethan Hawke, Rosemarie DeWitt and Zahn's daughter Audrey. After the screening, there'll be a conversation with Zahn and director Rick Gomez."

"Overall, this year's festival will screen 268 new films from 44 countries, including 123 world and U.S. premieres. We like to keep it interesting, Cinequest CEO Halfdan Hussey told those assembled for a Jan. 29 media launch at Hayes Mansion in San Jose. It's a feast of festival firsts. Multiple screens at Alamo Drafthouse means that Cinequest can screen not one but two closing night films on March 22."