Cinequest Media Launch Party had a maverick performance amongst the program announcements for Cinequest 20.
Cinequest 20 Media Launch Party in San Jose
Cinequest Media Launch Party had a maverick performance amongst the program announcements for Cinequest 20.

Tonight I attended the Cinequest 20 Media Launch Party at The Works in downtown San Jose. The annual film festival doesn’t start until February 23, but already the excitement is building.

Outside, city center streets are lined with red and black Cinequest banners. Inside, there was a lot of good vibes powered by a passion for Indie films, pulsating music and edibles provided by Morocco’s and Psycho Donuts. A bite of the sweet desserts and green maverick-inspired donuts were probably enough to put a jolt into anyone’s indie film spirit.

The party started promptly at 5 pm at The Works which is just across the street from Cinequest HQ. Around 6 pm, Halfdan Hussey, co-founder of Cinequest and the rest of the team presented what’s coming up in Cinequest 20.

Halfdan Hussey announcing what's in store for Cinequest fans at CQ 20.

Noteworthy:

  • the announcement of Deepak Chopra as the ‘Life of a Maverick’ award winner
  • extension of Cinequest Film Festival by 1 day to allow for screenings of some of the favorites from the festival
  • more parties, one every single night
  • 3D showcase (Coincidentally, I had asked Halfdan in an earlier interview this week on his thoughts about 3D technology given the success of Avatar. Hear his answer in a future post on StarkSilverCreek.com)
(l to r: Dylan (Psycho Nurse), Loni Kao Stark, Jordan Zweigoron (Chief Psycho). In my right hand, I am holding a green Maverick-inspired donut.
(l to r: Dylan (Psycho Nurse), Loni Kao Stark, Jordan Zweigoron (Chief Psycho). In my right hand, I am holding a green Maverick-inspired donut.
(l to r): Ash Kalra (San Jose Councilmember and Indie film fan), Loni Kao Stark (me). I had a good interview with him on the impact of the film festival on the City of San Jose. Stay tuned!
(l to r): Ash Kalra (San Jose Councilmember and Indie film fan), Loni Kao Stark (me). I had a good interview with him on the impact of the film festival on the City of San Jose. Stay tuned!
Plenty of food by Morocco's paired with glasses of wine, great conversation.
Plenty of food by Morocco's paired with glasses of wine, great conversation.
Darnisha Bishop, publicist for Cinequest welcomes the attendees.
Darnisha Bishop, publicist for Cinequest welcomes the attendees.
Yes, this was my red carpet moment...except there wasn't a red carpet.
Yes, this was my red carpet moment...except there wasn't a red carpet.
(l to r): Loni Kao Stark (me), Alejandro Adams (film maker). Had an interesting discussion with Alejandro about his latest work that will be screened at CQ 20. This is his third piece that has been accepted into the Cinequest Film Festival.
(l to r): Loni Kao Stark (me), Alejandro Adams (film maker). Had an interesting discussion with Alejandro about his latest work that will be screened at CQ 20. This is his third piece that has been accepted into the Cinequest Film Festival.
Entrance to the media launch party for CQ 20
Entrance to the media launch party for CQ 20
Posters from past Cinequest Film Festivals.
Posters from past Cinequest Film Festivals.
At the end of the event, official Cinequest programs were handed out to all attendees.
At the end of the event, official Cinequest programs were handed out to all attendees.
The Works Gallery in San Jose, California
The Works Gallery in San Jose, California

Stay tuned for the video recap of the Cinequest presentation from tonight. For now, I leave you with my snapshots from the event.

Loni Stark is an artist at Atelier Stark, self-professed foodie, and adventure travel seeker who has a lifelong passion for technology’s impact on business and creativity. She collaborates with Clinton Stark on video projects for Atelier Stark Films. It’s been said her laugh can be heard from San Jose all the way up to the Golden Gate Bridge. She makes no claims to super powers, although sushi is definitely her Kryptonite.