03/02/2008 07:08 PM
Just returned from the Bay area and what a good time it was! My escort to the Cinequest film festival was my sister, Aubrey who lives in San Francisco. We arrived in downtown San Jose just in time for the opening night event. They gave me a bag of goodies and we took advantage of the wine and delicious appetizers.
The opening night film, "Eden Court" featured Thomas Lennon from "Reno 911" and Stephanie Weir from "Mad TV." It had it's moments but all in all, it was a modest effort.
The best film I was able to catch was "La Antena" by Argentinian director/cinematographer: Esteban Sapir. Stylistically inspired by German Expressionism, this film's visuals will blow you away and charm your soul with the horror and innocence of its fairy tale.
I have yet to see "Juno" but Aubrey claims the Swedish take on the similar topic: "Bitter Sweetheart" is so much better than the American version.
On Saturday, we saw Michael Keaton speak - he was thinner than I had imagined but still a big entertainer. Then it was the premiere of "Whisky Marine."
It was grouped with 5 other shorts from 4 countries. I had no idea how WM was going to look and it did have some technical set backs that made me blush. But at least most of the audience clapped not like another short that received only a couple of supporters.
Afterwards, the filmmakers who were present went up to the front for Q & A. I am usually a terrible public speaker but I think I did alright. I think we impressed at least couple of the viewers.
Unfortunately, I could only be "out of the office" for 4 days and Cinequest will go on until March 9. I felt quite lucky to be included in a such festival. It really was a wonderful experience.
The opening night film, "Eden Court" featured Thomas Lennon from "Reno 911" and Stephanie Weir from "Mad TV." It had it's moments but all in all, it was a modest effort.
The best film I was able to catch was "La Antena" by Argentinian director/cinematographer: Esteban Sapir. Stylistically inspired by German Expressionism, this film's visuals will blow you away and charm your soul with the horror and innocence of its fairy tale.
I have yet to see "Juno" but Aubrey claims the Swedish take on the similar topic: "Bitter Sweetheart" is so much better than the American version.
On Saturday, we saw Michael Keaton speak - he was thinner than I had imagined but still a big entertainer. Then it was the premiere of "Whisky Marine."
It was grouped with 5 other shorts from 4 countries. I had no idea how WM was going to look and it did have some technical set backs that made me blush. But at least most of the audience clapped not like another short that received only a couple of supporters.
Afterwards, the filmmakers who were present went up to the front for Q & A. I am usually a terrible public speaker but I think I did alright. I think we impressed at least couple of the viewers.
Unfortunately, I could only be "out of the office" for 4 days and Cinequest will go on until March 9. I felt quite lucky to be included in a such festival. It really was a wonderful experience.