Cinequest 2025: San Jose’s Film Fest Glows Bright This March

Hey, San Jose film fans—mark your calendars, because Cinequest is back, and it’s ready to light up downtown with its Luminate Film & Creativity Festival! Running March 11-23, 2025, this is the 35th year of one of Silicon Valley’s most iconic events, blending cutting-edge cinema, tech innovation, and that unmistakable SJ energy. If you’ve been craving a dose of creativity to shake off the winter blues, this is your spot.

This year’s theme, “Luminate,” promises to shine a spotlight on bold stories and fresh voices from around the globe. We’re talking over 200 films—think world premieres, U.S. debuts, and those hidden gems you won’t catch anywhere else. It’s all going down at some of downtown’s best venues: the stunning California Theatre, the always-vibrant Hammer Theatre Center, and the cozy 3Below Theaters & Lounge. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just looking for a fun night out, there’s something here for you.

What makes Cinequest so special? It’s not just a film fest—it’s a vibe. Set right here in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s where art meets innovation. Expect Q&A sessions with filmmakers, tech-forward panels (hello, AI in movies!), and maybe even a silent film with live organ music if they keep that tradition rolling. Plus, the festival’s famous Maverick Spirit Awards will honor some big names—last year it was Matthew Modine, so who’s next? Stay tuned!

The lineup and tickets are already live, so you can start planning your must-see screenings now. Head over to Cinequest’s official site to grab yours—pro tip: the All Access Pass is the move if you want VIP perks like express entry and party invites. Venues are spread across downtown, so you can make a whole day of it—hit a film, grab some eats at San Pedro Square Market, and soak in that SJ buzz.

Cinequest isn’t just a win for film lovers; it’s a boost for our city too. Tens of thousands of people flock here every year, filling up theaters, restaurants, and streets with excitement. It’s a reminder of why San Jose’s downtown scene is so unbeatable—world-class events with a local heart.

So, what’s your Cinequest plan? Are you chasing the next Oscar-worthy short or just here for the afterparties? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re hyped for. Let’s get ready to luminate San Jose this March!

Cinequest 2023 ("Energized") kicks off tomorrow

The 33rd Cinequest returns tomorrow, August 15th and runs through the end of the month. It features over 300 films this year, 84 of which are US or world premiers. This has become a top-10 film festival in the US, so it's well worth checking out. My favorites are always the collections of shorts, especially the comedies.

For a short guide, head over to SJ Today. To see the full list of films and buy your passes, Cinequest.org is your best bet.

Lights, Camera, Action: Cinequest 2019

Cinequest 2019 occurs March 5^th to March 17^th in San Jose and Redwood City (Silicon Valley) where it will showcase the work of artists from 56 countries, including 132 World and U.S. premiere films and virtual reality.  One hundred works at Cinequest have been directed by women. Fifty-four celebrations, performances, and special events round out the offerings—amounting to 531 screenings, events, parties and experiences.

Some of my top flick picks and screenings I'm so excited about watching include: Freaks, Every Time I Die, The Public, Groupers, #Like, Undercover, The Edge of Success, Cut Off (Abgeschnitten), Go Back to China and Shadow to name a few!!!

Here’s a look at Bay Area films, documentaries and short films worth checking out:

·      Bring Me An Avocado

·      Lucky Fifty

·      Circles

·      The Edge of Success

·      The 17

·      Hook Up 2.0

·      Your Friend

·      49 Mile Scenic Drive

·      Bones

·      Shades

·      Swan

·      When an Egg Meets a Tomato

·      My Mother, Myself and I

·      Love for Food

·      In Our Heads

·      The Fringe Class

·      Lunch Lady

·      American Muscle

Key Cinequest 2019 highlights include:

Closing Night Screening and Celebration: Sunday, March 17, 6:00pm, California Theatre

Cinequest 2019 culminates with The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. 

Maverick Spirit Award Events:

Cinequest’s highest honor, the Maverick Spirit Award, recognizes the world’s most compelling visionary and creative forces. Cinequest 2019’s Maverick Spirit Award recipients are:

• Legendary star of screen and stage Bill Nighy
• Actor, director, writer, and activist Nandita Das
• Life of a Maverick Award Recipient, Esther Wojcicki

Television & Webisodes at Cinequest 2019:
It wasn’t that long ago when award-winning actors, directors, and producers wouldn’t dream of working in television or creating a web series. All of that has changed as the golden era of TV prevails. Cinequest is extremely proud to offer a First Look at upcoming shows, and you get to experience these dynamic stories on the big screen!!! Lineup includes:

• THE BLACKOUT (U.S. Premiere) 
• A glorious addition to the science fiction genre, The Blackout defies expectations and electrifies.
• JOE ALL ALONE 
• Joanna Nadin’s bestseller about finding optimism and adventure in deprived circumstances. Thirteen-year-old Joe Holt is left behind when his mum and unsavory boyfriend take a week-long holiday.
• M (U.S. Premiere)  
• An exhilarating horror-thriller from Argentina, M follows Diane and Tim, a young American couple who travel to Patagonia to search for Tim's father, a biologist who disappeared 10 years earlier.
• OVER WATER (U.S. Premiere) 
• Over Water is a captivating psychological drama set against the raw background of a sea port. Former television star John Beckers is given one last chance to get his life back on track.
• TABOO (U.S. Premiere) 
• Called “The comedy show you shouldn’t laugh with,” Taboo examines that which we often take for granted and forget to cherish.
• UNDERCOVER (U.S. Premiere) 
• One of the largest ecstasy producers in the world, Ferry Bouman, lives a charmed life in his villa, but things start to change when two undercover agents move into his territory.

Regular Screening Prices:

·      General Admission: $12

·      Regular screening tickets are not valid for special events. Opening and Closing Night films are special events.

·      Matinee: $8 All weekday (Monday – Friday) screenings before 5 pm.

·      Students: $6 Valid Student ID required at Box Office.

Complete lineup with ticket and pass sales information at www.cinequest.org