Cinequest like a reunion with cool movies thrown in

Cinequest — now dubbed the Cinequest Film & VR Festival — opened Tuesday night at the California Theatre, kicking off a two-week binge-watching spree in downtown San Jose and Redwood City. But for many fans, it’s more like a reunion that draws audiences — and even filmmakers — back again and again.

William H. Macy — who walked the red carpet Tuesday as his new film “Krystal” opened the festival — has been to Cinequest three times and was honored with the Maverick Spirit Award in 2006. Festivals like Cinequest are the “lifeblood” of the industry, he said, and he enjoys coming to San Jose.

“They treat us really well,” he said. “It’s a beautiful town, and I love this theater. It’s a great audience, too. It’s a really smart audience that loves movies.”

Not only do Cinequest regulars love movies, they also love each other. The festival provides an annual opportunity to catch up with acquaintances — your “Cinequest friends” — while enjoying downtown bars and restaurants and watching a spate of independent movies.

Like any good reunion, Cinequest has its share of characters. Nathan Louie, a retired San Jose teacher, greets fans outside the California every year dressed in elaborate outfits that range from decorative traditional Chinese gowns to a glittery top hat and tails. There are few big screenings where you won’t see Jason Wiener, a scientist-by-day with a bushy beard, sitting in the front row. Dennis James is welcomed back every year to play the California’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ during the silent

film presentation, which this year is “The Wind,” a 1928 classic starting Lillian Gish.

And that doesn’t even count the scores of ushers and volunteers who become familiar faces year after year, or Cinequest founders Halfdan Hussey and Kathleen Powell, who are a constant presence at the festival.

Steve Borkenhagen, who has been in business in San Jose’s arty SoFA District since 1977, has watched Cinequest grow over the past three decades and says its a huge event for a downtown that isn’t always bustling.

“Cinequest is one of San Jose’s greatest art institutions,” said Borkenhagen, who owned the Eulipia restaurant and is still a constant presence at its successor, Cafe Stritch, which is owned by his children. “The festival brings first-rate new films to San Jose and generates a staggering amount of economic activity downtown.”

Cinequest is attempting to replicate its downtown San Jose success by screening movies at the Century 20 in downtown Redwood City for the second year. But it’ll be up to film fans to build the kind of welcoming environment you can find in San Jose.

Amy Anderson, the events manager for the San Jose Downtown Association, first came to Cinequest 16 years ago, strictly as a movie fan visiting

from the East Bay, where she lived. “I came down by myself and immediately met friendly, like-minded filmw lovers while waiting in the lines,” she said. “Many shared which other films they were excited to see, and it opened my eyes to how unique the festival was — that it was so accessible for film fans.”

Now that she’s more on the “inside” because of her position with the Downtown Association, Anderson says it’s only shown her how significant the festival’s impact is. “It’s all connected,” she said. “The more events like this that leave visitors with positive and dynamic experience, and help keep our businesses busy, the better it is for downtown in the long term.”

You don’t have to tell that to Roger Springall. The owner of Caffe Frascati, just steps away from the California Theatre, provides coffee for volunteers and the VIP Lounge at the Continental Bar. His cafe also hosts daily Maverick Morning Meet-Ups for filmmakers (pro tip: filmmakers and artists get free coffee), including many up-and-comers who are getting their first festival experience.

“It’s a lot of work for us, but I love it,” Springall said. “In addition to the filmmakers, there are thousands of people visiting San Jose for the first time, so it’s a great opportunity to make them welcome and show off our city.”