Cinequest

With its celebration of technology and independent filmmaking, Cinequest always seemed like a festival I should attend. But San Jose a big schlep for me, and I’ve yet to make it.

But that doesn’t mean you should miss it. It runs the first 12 days of March.

The festival kicks off this year with Passsione, a documentary about music by indie movie star and sometimes director John Turturro. He’s also receiving this year’s Maverick Spirit Award. The festival closes officially on the 12th with Soul Surfer, although two other screenings are scheduled after that at another theater.

Considering its techie slant, one shouldn’t be surprised that Cinequest will embrace 3D, this year. They’re even embracing an old 2D film that’s been recently converted to 3D. That’s sacrilege! Well, it would be sacrilege if the masterpiece in question wasn’t Plan 9 From Outer Space. The festival will also screen two collections of 3D shorts, Bats, Boards and Bugs and 3opolis.

Outside of Plan 9, the only film they’re showing that I know is Nosferatu, with Dennis James accompanying on the California Theater’s organ.

I’m going to try to preview a few other movies before they’re screened. If I succeed, I’ll tell you about them.