This Month’s Film: To Be Announced
Cuisine: Korean

After checking out of the room, much of my day was spent hanging out in the lobby of the Hotel Montgomery, chatting with various hotel and Cinequest staff members. The two days had gone by so quickly that I was reluctant to say goodbye. Nonetheless, the experience was perfect for getting acquainted with the festival venue.

Most impressive was the proximity of the screening cinemas. Camera 12, where the Animated Shorts Program screened was right across the street from the hotel, and all the others were within a three-block radius, which also included a tempting array of restaurant choices and local retailers, not to mention the Tech Museum, and the San Jose Repertory Theatre.

Best of all, for a film festival of its magnitude, Cinequest is remarkably unpretentious, very casual and laid back. Filmmakers, producers, Cinequest staff, and even a few celebrities were available for casual chats in the Paragon Bar & Restaurant, a spacious and comfortable yet stylish room where everyone seemed to congregate throughout the day. Jeans, t-shirts and the ubiquitous Cinequest cinema passes on lanyards seemed to be the preferred attire, and the conspicuous lack of glitterati was a refreshing surprise. As PR Director Jens Hussey put it, “No poseurs.”

Cinequest 17 was a delightful experience from start to finish, one I hope to enjoy for years to come. Thank you Jens, Susie, Stephanie, and all the Cinequest staff and participants for an unforgettable introduction to the world of film festivals.

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