Cinequest film festival goes live again while staying virtual
As the Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival prepares to go live in August for the first time since the pandemic cut the festivities short in 2020, organizers say the virtual offerings they created to fill the gap between in-person events will continue.
Cinejoy, the online arm of the film festival, is set for April 1-17, featuring more than 130 movies from more than 50 countries. This marks the third outing for Cinejoy, which in 2021 held two events featuring more than 300 films, plus 200 live and interactive events for audiences from 58 countries.
Cinequest CEO Halfdan
Hussey said that while Cinejoy won't replace the in-person festival, the virtual events have extended the festival's reach.
“Once we do in-person again, we'll continue doing Cinejoy as well,” Hussey said at a March 10 launch for the virtual festival. “This is not a COVID substitute.”
Films in the Cinejoy Showcase can be screened on demand throughout the festival. To help create the camaraderie that is part of the live Cinequest experience, festival organizers are asking film fans to host or attend Cinejoy Screening Parties online. Some parties will be hosted by the filmmakers.
Cinejoy's Spotlight lineup features 15 screenings and includes conversations with cast members and filmmakers. For “Trash Talk,” the April 6 Spotlight offering, two films with environmental themes are lined up, followed by a question-and-answer session presented by San Jose's Environmental Department.
Director Nira Burstein and executive producer Fred Armisen will be on hand for an April 10 screening of their film “Charm Circle.” Armisen, of “Portlandia” and “Saturday Night Live” fame, is a 2017 recipient of Cinequest's Maverick Spirit Award.
Hussey said more details about Cinequest's in-person festival should be announced in June.
For Cinejoy tickets and more information, visit https://creatics.org/cinejoy.