Cinequest turns 21

The only film festival I've ever been to is the Cinequest Film Festival, hosted in downtown San Jose. It's not Sundance or Cannes, but it's close enough that I can usually hit a screening or two each year and it's affordable enough with tickets selling for $10 per screening (a little more for special events.)

It may be in the heart of Silicon Valley, but I've had the chance to see plenty of celebrities at the various events I've attended. Each year the film festival gives a Maverick Spirit Award to a filmmaker or actor of note. In recent years, they have also added events with "emerging" Mavericks, up and coming filmmakers to watch, such as AnnaSophia Robb.

Through the years I have seen William H. Macy, Michael Keaton, Lili Taylor,Edward James Olmos and Benjamin Bratt. This year's maverick is John Turturro, who is featured at tonight's opening night event.

One of the cool things about the festival is that even at the regular screenings, not just the special events, a lot of the filmmakers come into town so guests have a chance to ask about the films. I've heard from actors, directors and producers about what it was like to make the movies that are shown at the festival.

Each year I try to see a shorts program since it is one of the few opportunities to see short films. I like the way Cinequest comes up with new ways to group the short films into three or four programs. In addition to the short films, there are plenty of feature films and documentaries to watch as well.

The hardest thing about Cinequest is trying to decide what to see since there are so many movies from which to choose. The festival runs today through March 12. I won't be able to catch any of the showings on weeknights, but I am looking forward to catching a few this weekend. I plan to catch a shorts program, and hope to hear from at least a few filmmakers.