The final time Cinequest raised the curtain — in individual — for its annual South Bay celebration of progressive filmmaking and cinematic connection was in early March 2020. It obtained off to a robust begin however needed to cancel halfway by as a result of COVID-19 unfold.
Nimbly, Cinequest co-founder/CEO Halfdan Hussey, together with board members, programmers and others on the staff, cooked up Cinejoy, the digital arm of Cinequest. It went on to entertain film followers from close to and much throughout robust occasions and gave filmmakers a platform for his or her work.
This yr, Cinequest returns to an in-person competition, providing a staggering 220 films, together with world, nationwide and space premieres in addition to a robust illustration of Bay Space filmmakers, actors and extra. Particular applications and occasions, in addition to stay music and comedy, are additionally on the lineup. And the competition is that includes for the primary time a beer and wine backyard.
Cinequest kicks off Aug. 16 with Jim Gaffigan getting offered with the fest’s first of two Maverick Spirit Awards — its highest honor — at a screening of his movie “Linoleum,” by which he performs the host of a youngsters’ TV present who decides to construct an area rocket and enterprise into house (what may probably go flawed?). The opposite Maverick Spirit Award winner is Alison Brie (Aug. 17, with the screening of her movie “Spin Me Round”).
Ought to you've got missed Cinejoy’s standout program from March, you’re in luck too. A lot of the movies featured in that digital fest are included within the in-person screenings.
Listed below are some movies we heartily advocate.
“Belief:” A matriarch’s suicide reunites three neurotic siblings for a clumsy funeral after which the studying of a shocker of a will. The temporary period of time that nursing scholar Kate (co-writer Jennifer Levinson) spends with recovering alcoholic Josh (Heston Horwin) and hypochondriac diva Trini (Kate Spare) — the belief’s executor — is for one of the best since these meetups solely collapse into bitter screaming matches. Director/co-writer Almog Avidan Antonir’s debut function, receiving a world premiere, does cowl acquainted terrain however “Belief” sports activities a fearless perspective and is rarely dismissive concerning the points at hand or the festering issues this household and its disowned father (Linden Ashby) have did not work by. The forged is first-rate on this gutsy indie with a robust message about the way it typically is finest to uproot from a dysfunctional household tree in an effort to preserve your individual sanity. Screenings: 6:45 p.m. Aug. 19 and a pair of:15 p.m. Aug. 23 at Hammer Theatre; 10 p.m. Aug. 26 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“Spin Me Spherical”: Cinequest bestows its different Maverick Spirit Award to multi-talented Alison Brie, an actor and screenwriter whose memorable work enlivened such adored collection comparable to “Mad Males,” “Neighborhood” and “GLOW.” She greater than deserves it. Brie exhibits her vary as co-writer and star on this indefinable genre-hopper set at a kooky work retreat in Italy the place star staff at a sequence American restaurant collect for a little bit of team-building. One of many fortunate staff is restaurant supervisor Amber (Brie), who attracts the attention of the flirty founder, performed with smarm by Alessandro Nivola. What appears headed for a romantic thriller takes a quick U-turn into different instructions. It really works. This marks Brie’s second profitable collaboration with director/co-screenwriter Jeff Baena (“Horse Woman”) and their “Spin Me Spherical” makes for a nice diversion punched up by an attractive forged and a scene-stealing cameo from Aubrey Plaza. Screening: 7:15 p.m. Aug. 17, Hammer Theatre.
“Ashgrove”: What seems to be yet one more dreary dystopian countdown to annihilation segues right into a multi-dimensional portrait of a crumbling marriage. “Ashgrove” is all the higher for it. Amanda Brugel sinks her tooth into the position of sensible and burned-out scientist Dr. Jennifer Ashgrove, who’s married to a laid-back, creative-type Jason (Jonas Chernick, who co-wrote the considerate screenplay). She feels the insufferable burden of being the seemingly savior of humankind after discovering an answer to a lethal virus. Her husband and physician pressure her to journey to a rustic home the place the couple needle one another and fall for one another once more. “Ashgrove” commits to specializing in the human issue of a futuristic calamity and does it with tenderness and poignancy. Director/co-screenwriter Jeremy LaLonde attracts out distinctive performances from Brugel and Chernick. Screenings: 9:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at California Theatre; 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“Peace within the Valley”: With solely his second function (the primary was the astonishingly good “God’s Ready Room,” by which he starred), director/author Tyler Riggs raises the voices of the unheard — small-town Individuals who're barely getting by. Riggs, an actor and former mannequin, opens “Peace” with a grocery retailer mass capturing the place the husband of “Peace’s” primary character is killed. Left to maneuver ahead with their 10-year-old son, Ashley (Brit Shaw, giving a uncooked efficiency) is a multitude and and clings to the reminiscences of her slain firefighter husband who died making an attempt to cease the shooter. Her husband’s twin brother, Billy (Michael Abbot Jr.) complicates Ashley’s life. “Peace within the Valley” doesn’t get into the politics of gun violence, as a substitute specializing in the after-effects of unthinkable acts of violence and the way they will ceaselessly change these left behind. Screenings: 2:15 p.m. Aug. 24 at Hammer Theatre; 7:15 p.m. Aug. 29 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“Out within the Ring”: Though it may use some tightening up, Ry Levey’s documentary, getting a U.S. premiere, illuminates the triumphs and troubles of these within the skilled wrestling group who had been closeted, those that had been out and proud and those that had been straight however adopted a homosexual persona. Constructed round insightful interviews with LGBTQIA+ wrestlers together with footage of them in motion, Levey’s engrossing documentary gives an interesting take a look at some colourful characters and their quest for self expression in a typically homophobic area. Screenings: 2:50 p.m. Aug. 21 at Hammer Theatre; 2:45 pm. Aug. 25 and 1:45 p.m. Aug. 27 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“The Smoke Grasp”: Andre Sigwalt and Augusto Soares’s epic comedy is the competition’s gonzo delight, an irreverent crowd pleaser that's assured to plaster a dopey grin in your face because it celebrates stoner and martial arts films in a single well-rolled effort. In Brazil, the Chinese language mafia targets martial-arts-in-training brothers Gabriel (Daniel Rocha) and Daniel (Thiago Stechinni). After Daniel will get roughed up, it’s as much as Gabriel to be taught from the reclusive “smoke grasp,” a pot-smoking instructor who makes use of hashish as his guiding gentle. It’s a ridiculous premise, however that's form of what makes this debut function a winner. Additionally, Rocha’s terrific within the lead. Screening: 9:20 p.m. Aug. 24 at Hammer Theatre; 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“Tehranto”: Charismatic leads Sammy Azero and Mo Zeighami spark up this Toronto-set charmer, enjoying tentative Iranian-Canadian immigrant sweethearts whose views on their heritage conflict. A narrator serves to fill within the household historical past of scrappy medical scholar Badi (Azero) and well-to-do artist Sharon (Zeighami). In his function debut, the versatile Faran Moradi serves as director, screenwriter and editor. He handles it with ease whereas illustrating the chasm that exists between immigrants who're nonetheless tied to their homeland and those that have left it behind. Screenings: 7 p.m. Aug. 17 at California Theatre; 4:15 p.m. Aug. 19 at 3Below Theatres; 9:40 p.m. Aug. 28 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“What We Do Subsequent”: Most filmmakers take effectively over two tortured hours to work by the advanced themes that screenwriter/playwright and director Stephen Belber addresses in his well-acted thought-provoker. In a taut, never-harried 77 minutes, Belber ponders how politics grounds noble, if flawed, intentions and encourages moral strains to be violated. Karen Pittman, of Apple TV+’s “The Morning Present,” digs into some chewy dialogue as New York councilwoman Sandy James, whose questionable interplay with a launched con who gunned down her abusive dad comes again to hang-out her. The previous resurfaces when a determined Elsa (Michelle Veintimilla) will get launched, and needs some assist. Tailored from Belber’s play, “What We Do Subsequent” co-stars Corey Stoll as hotshot legal professional Paul, who’s been crushing on Sandy and likes enjoying the savoir. There’s quite a bit to savor and digest on this morality play that's filmed and acted so effectively. Screenings: 7:15 p.m. Aug. 18 at Hammer Theatre; 5 p.m. Aug. 19 at California Theatre.
“Dealing With Dad”: Tightly wound, overachieving daughter Maggie (Ally Maki) hops on a aircraft for residence so will help her belligerent, unlikable father (Dana Lee) who's now bedridden and despondent after dropping his job. She recruits sad-sack brother Roy (Peter S. Kim) — whose spouse just lately ended their relationship — they usually reunite with game-playing brother Larry (Hayden Szeto) who hasn’t moved out but. Screenwriter/director Tom Huang goes too broad together with his gamers and conditions at occasions, however most frequently “Dealing With Dad” hits it goal, being each humorous and squirm-inducing, notably when it includes Maggie’s racist dad focusing on her Black husband, Jeff, throughout a fractious Thanksgiving. Screenings: 7 p.m. Aug. 19 and 4:15 p.m. Aug. 22 at California Theatre.
“Land of Goals”: Within the barely distant future, the U.S. Census Bureau requires choose staff to gather and collate desires of Individuals. The brokers do that by dropping by at residents’ properties. Sounds suspicious, proper? It's, and in Shoja Azari and Shirin Neshat’s barbed-wire satire, Iranian American census employee Simin faucets into America’s unconscious, a rattlesnake’s nest slithering with prejudices and fears. Simin (Sheila Vand) stops in on a crackpot preacher (Christopher McDonald), crackpot wealthy people (together with Isabella Rossellini in a TV display screen) and will get a hunky, seen-it-all bodyguard (Matt Dillon, spouting knowledge and intercourse attraction) within the course of. “Land of Goals” is certainly David Lynch-light bizarre, nevertheless it does have a degree, highlighting how America stays hamstrung by archaic, racist perception methods and governmental ineptitude. Screening: 7 p.m., Aug. 24, Hammer Theatre.
Honorable mentions
“Final Likelihood Charlene”: Shot in Redwood Metropolis and written, directed and co-starring one in every of its residents — Tony Gapastione — this dramedy immerses us into the frazzled mindset of an L.A. actor/screenwriter (Allison Ewing) whose life has gone off the rails within the aftermath of her brother’s suicide. It’s a liberating, humorous and truthful dramedy. Screenings: 1:45 p.m. Aug. 21 at California Theatre; 6:15 p.m. Aug. 27 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“Fanga”: On this hypnotic brooder of an grownup adaptation of “The Magnificence and the Beast” story, author/director Max Gold sends us to the stark Icelandic land that may make you shiver and tremble. Screenings: 4:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at California Theatre; 4:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“Proceed”: After a suicide try (graphically depicted), an L.A. girl (screenwriter and director Nadine Crocker) tries to get a foothold on life. Exhausting stuff, however effectively completed. Screenings: 3:50 p.m. Aug. 20 and 4:20 p.m. Aug. 22 at Hammer Theatre; 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“We Have been Hyphy”: Antioch native Laurence Madrigal’s debut documentary zips by the historical past of the born-in-the-East-Bay hyphy motion, which encompasses hip-hop, sideshows and ghost-riding, and “going-dumb”-dancing, style developments, slang and extra. It’s a dynamic overview and is born to be seen with a Bay Space viewers. Screenings: 2:20 p.m. Aug. 20 at California Theatre; 2:45 p.m. Aug. 28 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
“The Allnighter”: On this quasi-romantic drama, a brainy astrophysics scholar (Owen Beckman) goes alongside for an eventful experience with an enigmatic pawn store worker (Gretchen Lodge). Be ready for some surprises. Screenings: 6:45 p.m. Aug. 21 and a pair of:45 p.m. Aug. 24 at Californian Theatre.
“Salma’s House”: Three robust feminine characters anchor Palestinian-Jordanian filmmaker Hanadi Elyan’s debut function a few tug-of-war over the meager belongings of a husband/father. It’s humorous and heartfelt. Screenings: 4:25 p.m. Aug. 21 at California Theatre; 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at 3Below Theatres; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Pruneyard Cinemas.
Contact Randy Myers at soitsrandy@gmail.com.
CINEQUEST
When: Aug. 17-25
The place: Varied theaters in San Jose and Campbell
Tickets: Most screenings $9-$14, particular occasions, $15-$20, passes run $179-$650
Contact: Tickets, full schedule and extra info, www.cinequest.org.