As the world becomes a small place, we get exposed to different cultures. But unfortunately, that also leads to clashes. The need of the hour is to resolve our differences and get together as one world. One effort in this direction is Pangea Day, which puts films to use. [Pangea, if you didn’t know, is the single piece of land mass that existed before the continents were formed.]

24 short films will be screened over 4 hours across the world simultaneously. There will be live music and some speakers too.

For our area, the date and time are May 10, 11 a.m. In addition to 6 live venues, Internet and television, we can also watch it locally. Here are some locations, one of which might be close to you.

San Jose: JJ’s Blues
Stanford: Stanford University Memorial Auditorium
Berkeley: Wheeler, 2600 Ridge Rd.
Santa Cruz: McHenry Library
Monterey: MPC / Punky Lil Kid Independent Film Festival

You can browse for more venues or even search using a map. There are some “private events” too; but I’m not sure whether we can go there.

In addition to the noble cause and watching movies, I am looking forward to a unique worldwide event. How about you?

The 26th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival is currently underway in San Francisco and Berkeley. This weekend the festival returns to San Jose for its 8th year with 17 screenings at Camera 12 Cinemas.

The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival is the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films. This year some of the films are from Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, and India.

If you missed Glory Boy Days at Cinequest, you will have another opportunity this Saturday. Glory Boy Days was filmed in San Jose. Also of interest Saturday is Happiness from South Korea.

Check the schedule for show times and get your tickets early before they sellout.

Camera 12 Cinemas
201 South Second, San Jose
Friday – Sunday, March 21-23

It has been said; all good things must come to an end. Today the Hotels will empty out, and taxicabs will be on demand for runs to the airport. The curtain has come down on Cinequest 18, and all that’s left to say is thanks for the memories…
* I learned that one of Bobby Moresco’s (Crash, Million Dollar Baby) newest works would profile the trials and tribulations of Susan McDougal. She spent over 20 months in prison when she refused to implicate Bill Clinton on scandal charges. - The Woman Who wouldn’t Talk, biography - drama.

* Paco Chierici, screenwriter and fighter pilot, convinced the fairly liberal woman director Peyton Wilson to do a film about U. S. Navy fighter pilots. She followed two young pilots through their demanding training program. Though the film is not about the war, it culminates with deployment to Iraq. I asked Capt. John “Buckethead” Cole if the pilots were still flying. The filmmakers all agreed that we needed to see the film for the rest of the story. - ‘Speed and Angels’

* Danny Glover (pictured) took over the small Hotel Montgomery press room with not only his powerful 6′ 3½” frame, but with his mind. It was as if he wanted us to share his every thought. I may not agree with his political view or its delivery, but I found that I admire his compassion, and his ability to make positive change in the world. While attending San Francisco State he was involved with one of the longest student strikes in history, the result of which was the first school of Ethnic Studies. Danny mentioned a project using the music of those times. Had me humming the 1964 “Dancing in the Street”.

After the press conference as Mr. Glover was making his way to the California Theatre to accept the Maverick Spirit Award, I doggedly pursued him up First Street like a paparazzo after Britney. The light at San Carlos turned red and I had him. I motioned to my camera and he replied with a nod. I only had time for one picture and a thank you. Instead of stepping off the curb when the light turned green, Mr. Glover held out his hand. Yes, it was one warm handshake.

* I managed to get into the Repertory Theatre lobby ahead of the crowd that was gathering to see Glory Boy Days. There I chatted with Alejandro Adams Director - Around the Bay and Katherine Celio. As Daisy, Katherine held my attention. Her ability made me care about the young woman who was yearning for connection in this uncomfortably issued take on life.

* Glory Boy Days lets mom and dad in just enough to see what their kids are up to. Not all is bad, but it left me wishing that more was good. The matter-of-fact way in which drug use was portrayed concerns me. I know, I know it’s just a movie. But, it is a movie that will be seen.

I’ll miss the energy of the Cinequest audience, their laughter and their tears. I’ll miss the passion in the hearts of the filmmakers, and their desire to please us.

A big thanks to Jens Hussey and the Cinequest staff for meeting our needs.

Bring on Cinequest 19!
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The “friendly man at Cinequest” had pointed me to Amal, after inquiring which country I am from. An Indian movie (actually Canadian, set in India) at Cinequest was a pleasant surprise. Also, it was a very useful input for me when I was wondering which movies to watch at the festival. To top it all, this was probably the best I watched in these few days.

Saturday night at Cinequest was busy as expected. I went along with my wife to California Theater. After some trouble navigating our way through Downtown, we reached the end of a long line waiting outside.

We made our entry just 10 minutes before the screening and were blown away by the grandeur of California Theater. It was reminiscent of a different age.

The surprises for the day were still not over. There was a small change introduced to the program — 2 ‘Bollywood’ dance items preceding the movie. The audience heartily cheered the amateurish performances.

Coming to the movie finally, it was a wonderful drama with a dose of philosophy and some suspense too thrown in. Wonderfully acted and directed, it featured some leading arthouse names in key supporting roles. Amal also opens the 26th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, March 21-23 in San Jose. So, catch it there if you missed it at Cinequest.

The screening was followed by a nice Q&A session with the young filmmaker, Richie Mehta.

[Picture Courtesy: Cinequest]

Cinequest: The Last Two Days

My one disappointment with the festival is not being able to see all the films on my list.  I missed The Trap, Dear Zachary, and The Art of Travel. Tonight I am making it a point to see a film called Glory Boy Days. I am looking forward to seeing  something filmed in and around San Jose.

Glory Boy Days

10PM - San Jose Repertory Theatre

Mr. Louie

So, I did have better luck at Cinequest the second time. I watched Superheroes by Alan Brown, a drama which to me threw light on the effects of (the Iraq) war on individuals. It helped that the movie had a couple of known faces in the lead roles. (more…)

Finally, I managed to find some time to figure out what the Cinequest Film Festival is about. Yeah, I didn’t really choose the best time — weekday afternoon. The motley crowd was pretty small, but everyone seemed eager to check out what the festival had to offer. The hospitality lounge was nice enough, with snacks, drinks and laptops.

Ten minutes into La Antena (The Aerial), I realized that I had also not chosen a good movie. Rather, let me just say that it was not of my taste. Technically, this Argentinian movie was pretty neat; I have no complaints about that. The subject and treatment were just too wacky — fantasy-cum-satire, with a noir feel, in black and white and set in early 20th century Europe kind of environment. You get the idea. I had a few laughs too, but the movie was plain disappointing for me. Of course, Cinequest is about ‘maverick’ — I should have expected this.

(more…)

The Press Conference: The camera flashes began as soon as Heather Veitch entered the room. Heather is a former stripper who is now dedicated to helping working girls find god. Pussycat Preacher

Olivia Hussey was there to help promote the film, Three Priests, which also stars her son Alexander Martin, who is the grandson of Dean Martin. I am looking forward to seeing this dramatically visual film. Three Priests Trailer

The Village Barbershop staring John Ratzenberger, mail carrier Clifford on Cheers, looks as though it should come with complementary tissue. The story is based on the true to life customers of a 50-year-old barbershop in Reno. Napa was used as the location site.

Christopher Masterson, Malcom in the Middle, now has the lead in Art of Travel. Art of Travel - Site

Next up was this year’s Maverick Spirit Award recipient Michael Keaton. I knew I wouldn’t make it to the award event, so I was happy that he made it to the press conference.

One thing I love about going to Cinequest, especially to the premiers, is mingling with the cast and crew. They are often around before, and after the show. I was able to have a few words with Director Craig Saavedra and Cinematographer Joaquin Sedillo. I met Enrico (Rico) Colantoni. He plays D. J. (short for Dijon - like the mustard) The guy he was with liked my brown Nikes. (?)

Sherman’s Way was filmed, for the most part, in Northern California up in Lake County. I am already making plans for a spring road trip.

The town of Kelseyville, thanks to the beautiful work of Joaquin, is now a must see vacation destination.

I didn’t want Sherman’s Way to end. I kept hoping for one more scene - I wasn’t ready to say goodbye…

Screenings: Dates and Times

I met Nina Hautumm while waiting in the lobby of the San Jose Repertory Theatre. We were both there to see the World Premier of Sherman’s Way. I discovered that Nina herself was a moviemaker. Sharp Cookies is a short comedy (17 minutes) and is one of the winners of the ‘Vuze Audience Favorites.’ I told her that I would catch it on Sunday.

Reaching into her Cinequest Gift Bag, she came up with a 12oz bag of Peet’s Coffee. She asked, “Do you like coffee?” Nina doesn’t drink coffee is the reason she gave it to me.

Nina asked me, “Where are the shops?” She wanted to pick up a few things, maybe some new shoes. Without going into the whole where in the heck are the shops in San Jose debate, I directed her to Santana Row and Valley Fair.

Sharp Cookies

Vuze Audience Favorites