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Cinequest, at sweet 16, may now be a full-fledged teenager, but the film festival has had a rebellious attitude since infancy. Cinequest made its name championing maverick filmmakers and embracing new technology.
The 16th annual festival runs March 1-12 in downtown San Jose at the Camera 12 Cinema, California Theatre and San Jose Repertory Theatre.
Cinequest 16 opens with a gala on March 1 featuring Thank You for Smoking, a satire starring Aaron Eckhart, Rob Lowe and Katie Holmes.
Independent films from more than 20 countries will vie for the top awards in Cinequest's Maverick competition, a juried contest that recognizes the most daring and different films. But the festival's highest honor is the Maverick Spirit Award, which celebrates film artists who have a unique vision. This year's recipient is actor Edward James Olmos (Zoot Suit, Blade Runner, Stand and Deliver). Olmos will receive the award March 12 at a special event, where he will also discuss his work.
William H. Macy, a 2003 Maverick Spirit honoree, returns to the festival for a moderated conversation March 11, following the screening of Edmond, in which Macy plays the title role.
Other Cinequest programs include filmmaking and technology forums, seven different lineups of short films, and a new visions category for emerging talents. The global landscapes section showcases international films, and the viewer's voice program presents movies chosen online by film fans around the globe.
Not all of the maverick films are new. As part of Cinequest, the Stanford Theatre Foundation will present silent films by Fritz Lang and Buster Keaton at the California Theatre.
A screening of director Deepa Mehta's long-awaited drama Water concludes the festival on March 12. See the related story on this page. Closing evening festivities also include an awards ceremony and party.
Individual tickets are $5-$9 and $125-$500 for passes. Special event prices vary. For more information, call 408.295.FEST or visit www.cinequest.org.
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