Cinequest is again in particular person for the primary time since March 2020, however the first-ever summer season model of the Silicon Valley movie competition gained’t be a shot-by-shot remake of previous fests. In film phrases, that is extra like a tender reboot.
The competition, which opens Aug. 16 and runs via Aug. 29, will nonetheless have the majestic California Theatre in downtown San Jose as its signature location, together with the Hammer Theatre Middle and 3Below Theaters. And it'll nonetheless be a boon for lovers of impartial motion pictures, with greater than 130 world and U.S. premieres being screened.
However the nightly VIP glad hours — the place passholders and filmmakers may mingle, fueled by wine and Tito’s vodka — aren’t taking place this time round. As an alternative, they’ve been changed by a wine and beer backyard on the Unzipped Pavilion, the mind-bending modular construction constructed within the parking zone of the Valley Title constructing throughout from the California Theater on South First Avenue. That venue might be open to everybody, even non-ticketholders, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. all through the run in downtown San Jose (besides Aug. 18).
“That is simply a good way for youthful audiences to get collectively in a relaxed ambiance in the summertime,” mentioned Halfdan Hussey, Cinequest’s co-founder and competition director.
The downtown eating places and bars that hosted the VIP occasions for earlier years have actually been harm by the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, Hussey mentioned, and the competition didn’t need to put any monetary pressure on them proper now. As an alternative, he hopes Cinequest attendees hit these spots on their very own for dinner and dialog — even on Aug. 16 when there might be no opening night time get together following the screening of “Linoleum,” with Maverick Spirit Award recipient Jim Gaffigan.
Even the film programming might be somewhat brighter than within the March model, with extra of an emphasis on comedies and quirky dramas. “As a result of we’re popping out of the pandemic, the vibe to me ought to be enjoyable, recent and joyous. That’s what we need to deliver individuals,” Hussey mentioned. “We actually needed to have plenty of comedies and uplifting movies, and we didn’t know what movies would get made popping out the pandemic. However individuals sat again and mentioned, ‘Let’s have some laughs.’ This has been actually encouraging.”
Some issues are choosing up instantly from 2020, together with a gap night time video tribute for lead sponsors T.J. Rodgers and Valeta Rodgers. Co-founder Kathleen Powell mentioned that with out the continued assist of each the Rodgers’ and the town of San Jose, returning to an in-person competition this yr wouldn’t have been potential.
However the greatest twist comes on the finish, as Cinequest’s final 5 days — Aug. 25-29 — will transfer over on the Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell, creating virtually a second competition with 80 screenings on the dine-in movie show. The competition schedule, together with tickets and passes, is on the market at www.cinequest.org.
COOL CATS: An enormous crowd got here out Wednesday night time to see the Brubeck Brothers quartet play the penultimate live performance for Jazz on the Plazz in Los Gatos. The free live performance collection wraps up with Tony Lindsay and the Soul Troopers on Aug. 17, after which Jamie Davis would be the headliner for the Los Gatos Music and Arts Gala on Sept. 18, offered by Linda L. Lester and held on the stunning La Estancia, the Los Gatos dwelling of David Stonesifer and Larry Arzie. You will get extra info at www.jazzontheplazz.com.
And when you missed the Brubeck Brothers, you'll be able to catch Chris and Dan Brubeck — sons of jazz legend Dave Brubeck — carry out at San Jose Jazz’s Summer time Fest on Saturday at 5 p.m. Go to www.sanjosejazz.org for ticket info.
ART AND ABOUT: The Triton Museum in Santa Clara bought an enormous response to this yr’s Salon on the Triton: 2D Artwork Competitors, with greater than 1,400 entries. You'll be able to see which 100 works have been judged to be the very best on the exhibition, which opens Aug. 13 and has a gap reception Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. It’s additionally the final week to take a look at the Dana Harris Seeger exhibition, “The Fantasy of Reminiscence,” earlier than it closes Aug. 21.
There’ll be quite a bit to do that weekend for the month-to-month Second Saturday on The Alameda in San Jose, which incorporates music from 3 to six p.m. at seven venues together with Hop & Vine, Complete Meals, Crema Espresso and Present Tattooing. Artist Pilar Aguero Esparza will give a 2 p.m. speak on the Visible Philosophy Studio, which additionally could have an artist exhibition by Robynn Smith of Blue Mouse Studios. The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Neighborhood Middle at 938 The Alameda is including Drag Bingo to the lineup beginning at 5 p.m.
And there ought to be an enormous crowd Saturday to have a good time India’s Independence Day in Milpitas, with a daylong competition of dance, music and meals from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Greater than three dozen organizations of Indian origin within the Bay Space are partnering on the occasion, and you will get extra particulars at www.aiaevents.com.