Showing posts with label san jose film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san jose film. Show all posts

Monday, August 14, 2023

Cinequest 2023 ("Energized") kicks off tomorrow

The 33rd Cinequest returns tomorrow, August 15th and runs through the end of the month. It features over 300 films this year, 84 of which are US or world premiers. This has become a top-10 film festival in the US, so it's well worth checking out. My favorites are always the collections of shorts, especially the comedies.

For a short guide, head over to SJ Today. To see the full list of films and buy your passes, Cinequest.org is your best bet.





Friday, March 25, 2022

Downtown San Jose is getting a new film festival

3-Below--Downtown San Jose's only remaining movie theater--is hosting a brand new event featuring the works of aspiring filmmakers. The short film festival is called "Screen!" and the films will be shown on May 5th, 13th, and 20th. 100% of the ticket sales are going directly to the filmmakers. On June 3rd, they will announce the audience choice winners and award prizes.

This is partially funded by the City of San Jose Parks Department Abierto program and the SJDA. Tickets will be available closer to the event dates at the 3Below website over here.




Sunday, February 18, 2018

"Such Great Heights" short film by Leland Productions

This 22 minute short is written by Travis Leland, directed by Brandon Leland, and produced by both brothers. Here is the description of the film in their words:

It follows the connection between Luke and Leah, two lost souls searching for something meaningful in their quiet, mundane, suburban lives. Little do they realize they can find the potential for a great life in one another. Such Great Heights is a snippet into lives that aren't terribly uncommon or amazingly unique, and we think our audiences will see parts of themselves reflected back in the two main characters.

"Such Great Heights" was shot and inspired by life in the San Jose Bay Area using all local talent and crew. You can watch the film over here.




Tuesday, September 13, 2016

The Light Between Two Towers

Our good friend Thomas Wohlmut from WMS Media embarked on a mission to discover if there is any connection between the San Jose Light Tower and the Eiffel Tower. I think his findings will surprise a lot of people. The documentary film will be available in 2017, and the very first trailer is below!


The Light Between Two Towers - Trailer from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.



Friday, October 16, 2015

The 7th Annual San Jose International Short Film Festival

Next weekend the 2015 San Jose International Short Film Festival kicks off at Santana Row's CineArts Theater. This will be the largest event in the film festival's history. Over 180 short films will be screened over the four-day festival, grouped into 30 different categories. Film makers across 20 different countries will be represented this year.

Tickets range from $12 for a 90 minute collection of films to $125 for a VIP all-access plan (includes all screenings, special events, after-parties, access to the VIP lounge in Santana Row, and a T-shirt). The festival runs from October 22nd to October 25th.

For more information and to buy tickets, head over here.



Thursday, May 21, 2015

1st Annual San Jose J-Town Filmfest!

First came Cinequest, then the San Jose Short Film Festival, and now there is a brand new festival for movie lovers. The San Jose J-Town Filmfest will run from May 29th to the 31st at the JTS Northside Community Center and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose. There will be a total of seven screenings, two special events, and multiple Q&As with the filmmakers.

For more information and tickets, just head over here.




San Jose J-Town FilmFest Film Line-up:



Friday  May 29   (Northside Community Center)
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7:00pm - Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farmworkers (30min)

Delano Manongs tells the story of farm labor organizer Larry Itliong and a group of Filipino farm workers who instigated one of the American farm labor movement's finest hours :  The Delano Grape Strike of 1965 that brought about the creation of the United Farm Workers Union.

After the film, there will be a discussion and reflection on the 1965 Delano Grape Strike by famed playwright/filmmaker Luis Valdez and Marissa Aroy, the film's director.


8:15pm - Special Live Music Event featuring San Jose-based group Sonido Clash. Enjoy a night of live music, dancing, and food to kick off the first night of the festival!



Saturday  May 30   (Northside Community Center)
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11:00 am - Hibakusha (45 min)

An animated documentary/drama directed by Steve Nguyen and Choz Belen, the film centers around Kaz Suyeishi, a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. As an older woman, she recalls her most vivid and horrific memories of the bombing when she was a student in Hiroshima.

The filmmakers reached out to Mrs. Suyeishi in order to tell her story using computer animation and hand-drawn techniques. The film utilizes specialized graphic design techniques and 3-D implementation to establish the unique visual animation style.

Film screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Steve Nguyen.


12:45pm- Kumu Hina (77 min)

Kumu Hina is a powerful feature docu-drama that shines light on the struggle to maintain Pacific Islander culture and values within the Westernized society of modern day Hawaiʻi. It is told through the lens of Hina Wong-Kalu, an iconic Native Hawaiian figure who is both a proud māhū (transgender woman) and an honored and respected kumu (teacher) and community leader.

A special Q & A with Kumu Hina live via Skype will follow the screening of the film.


3:00pm - Skin Stories (60 min)

Skin Stories is an anthology of stories and stunning images gathered from the hot spots of Pacific tattoo culture. The film offers an insight into how various Pacific Island cultures have reclaimed their deep ancestral heritage of tattooing.

Co-Producer Emiko Omori will appear for a post-screening Q&A discussion.


5:00pm - East Side Sushi (100 min)

Winner of the Audience Award at the Cinequest and CAAMFest film festivals, this critically acclaimed film introduces us to Juana, a working-class Latina single mother struggling to make ends meet.

After landing a job at a Japanese restaurant, Juana is introduced to a completely new culinary experience after observing the restaurant's sushi chefs. A reinvigorated Juana embarks on a journey to become a great sushi chef, determined not to let anyone stop her from achieving her dream.

A Q&A with director Anthony Lucero will follow.


7:15pm - Special Sushi Reception

Join East Side Sushi director Anthony Lucero and other special guest filmmakers for a festival reception with sushi!


8:30pm - The People I've Slept With (89 min)

Karin Anna Cheung stars as a promiscuous young woman who finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy. Determined to find the father, she goes on a comical and raunchy hunt through her past hook-ups in this charming romantic comedy.

There will be a post-screening Q&A discussion with screenwriter Koji Sakai and the female lead, Karin Anna Cheung, after the film.



***Sunday May 31 (Japanese American Museum of San Jose)***
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1:00pm - Issei: The First Generation (54 min)

Filmed in and around Walnut Grove, this historical documentary revolves around original interviews with Issei (first generation Japanese Americans) as they recount their lives and experiences growing up in rural California before, during, and after World War II.

***SCREENING ONLY AT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE ***


Filmmaker Toshi Washizu will appear for a post-screening Q&A discussion.

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You can join us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/765557100224091/

For more information, visit our main website: http://www.catsasiantheater.com/

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose

The first full-length feature film about San Jose is going to premier at the California Theatre on January 22nd. Changing Boundaries will track the stories of of the working people, political leaders, and dreamers who built this city. Interviews that will be weaved into the film include Tom McEnery, Blanca Alvarado, Norm Mineta and a variety of historians.

CreaTV San Jose, History San Jose, and Norm Kline Productions are working in partnership to produce this documentary. The film is directed by Tricia Creason-Valencia and narrated by actor Peter Coyote. The musical score is composed by Robert Barry of Soundtek Studios and will reflect the historic time periods and rock and roll "firsts" in San Jose.

I can't wait to see the final product! For more information follow the Changing Boundaries Facebook page over here and check out the trailer below. You can also get your tickets for the premier here.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Licks Screening at Camera 12 Tomorrow

LICKS is filmed on location in the Bay Area with a cast and crew that was born and raised here. It was a first time experience for everyone involved, yet the movie has received quite a bit of attention after its premiere last year at SXSW. It is coming to San Jose for a one night screening at Camera 12 tomorrow. You can find out more about the movie over here.


LICKS follows the story of a young man, D, as he returns to his Oakland neighborhood after serving two years in prison for a robbery gone wrong. In the days after his release, we are taken into D’s world while he navigates the harsh realities that plague his inner city community. His judgment is tested by the insidious influences around him, forcing D to decide what direction to take his life.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

San Jose Documentary!

Norman Kline, a local tech executive and entrepreneur, is launching a feature-length documentary about San Jose. He grew up in Downtown San Jose and was always proud of his city. Today he's partnering with CreaTV San Jose and History San Jose to produce what is the first full-length documentary about San Jose (90min).

The focus of the film will be on San Jose's role in Silicon Valley's evolution, but everything from the orchards to the mercury mines will be a part of the documentary.

The release is targeted for Spring 2014. Norman is hoping to premier it at a local theater and then distribute it via PBS and online for free. For more information on the firm, just head over to the Norman Kline Productions website over here.

Source: SVBJ, Norman Kline Productions




NORMAN KLINE PRODUCTIONS, CREATV AND HISTORY SAN JOSE TO PARTNER
September 9, 2013, San Jose, CA - Agreement has been reached between Norman Kline Productions, Inc., CreaTV San Jose and History San Jose to work in partnership to produce a major documentary on the history of San Jose. Acclaimed producer/director Michael Pierce has been tapped to direct the film based on an original script by Norman Kline.
“There has never been a documentary of San Jose of this scope and we believe it’s about time,” says Mr. Kline, project creator. “San Jose has rich history, amazing canvas of land and weather and the most innovative and creative people on the planet. We need to recognize the positive power and influence of our city and how we got here - with all the ups and downs along the way.”
“CreaTV San Jose is honored to provide the production facilities, staffing and fiscal sponsorship for this project. We look forward to producing an exceptional documentary worthy of our great city,” says Suzanne St. John-Crane, executive director of CreaTV San Jose. The ninety minute documentary will feature authentic archival footage and photography to illustrate San Jose’s past. Alida Bray, president and CEO of History San José, says “It always amazes me how many incredible stories come out of San Jose. You name it, and we have been there or done it. From the first State Capital, to first regular radio broadcast, to development of RAMAC the first magnetic disk drive -- San Jose has historically led the way in creativity and innovation. We can't wait to share these incredible stories with a larger audience!”
The project is possible with the partnership of the two nonprofits and financial backing of the wider community. Funding is being sought from businesses, civic groups and individuals. All contributions will be made directly to CreaTV San Jose and are one hundred percent tax deductible. Any remaining contributions from the production and distribution of the film will be donated to the two major sponsoring nonprofits. “After the premier, the film will be accessible to the public for free,” says Mr. Kline. “We want this to be educational for all San Joseans - something real to unite us.”
About CreaTV San Jose
Founded in 2007, CreaTV San Jose is a member-based, non-profit community media center that helps the residents, businesses, schools and organizations in San Jose to effectively communicate their message to a broader audience using our public and education television and Internet channels. CreaTV fulfills its mission to inspire, educate and connect San Jose communities, using media to foster civic engagement, by providing the free airtime and the low-cost training and tools that allow diverse and often under-served communities to tell their stories and express their views through video.
About History San José
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of the diversity and innovation in San Jose and Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish government records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.  
About Norman Kline Productions
Norman Kline Productions, Inc. is a startup film production studio specializing in historical documentaries of Silicon Valley. Norman Kline is a businessman, innovator, and community leader from San Jose who served in several public positions including the Santa Clara Planning Commission, Mayor of the City of Saratoga and the San Jose Planning Commission. Prior to founding his own internet company, LibraryWorld, Inc., Mr. Kline held technology and management roles with Lockheed Missiles and Space and Apple Computer.


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

I'm in Love With a Church Girl Premiers in San Jose

Okay, normally I wouldn't be promoting a mainstream theatrical movie on the blog but there are three important reasons why "I'm in Love With a Church Girl" is an exception:

1.) The producer/writer is a pastor in San Jose, the funders and the crew are also based here.
2.) The national premier of the movie is today at the California Theater Downtown (playing in movie theaters everywhere starting this Friday, Oct 18).
3.) The film was almost entirely shot in San Jose. Check out the trailer below. There are at least three shots of Downtown San Jose (Fairmont, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, California Theater) and one of Santana Row. I'm sure you guys will find more.

Oh, it's also based on a true story. Check it out!


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

5th Annual San Jose International Short Film Festival Opens Oct 17th @ CineArts Theater Santana Row

The stellar San Jose Short International Film Festival kicks off next week with a greatly expanded offering! They are celebrating their 5th year by showing over 120 films (up from 70 last year). The festival will also expand to two screens for the first time and has added three new sets of short films:
  • Family Block (for kids aged 6-15)
  • Sci-Fi Block
  • Documentaries Block
These are of course in addition to their normal assortment of dramas, thrillers, comedies, feel-good movies, international films, and local productions. I have attended this festival for the last three years and have never been disappointed (the comedies were really awesome in 2012)! For more information just keep on reading or hop on over to the San Jose International Short Film Festival website over here!




San Jose International Short Film Festival Opens October 17th at CineArts Theater Santana Row

San Jose, CA – The 5th Annual film festival opens in San Jose with an incredible lineup of short films from across the globe, featuring selected entries from Tribecca, Cannes, Sundance and other top festivals.  With over 120 films cultivated from the hundreds of entries submitted, these World Class productions include stunning performances and visuals by some of the most talented up and coming filmmakers in world.

With over 20 short film screening blocks that feature every genre of film imaginable, there is something for everyone, plus industry guests, filmmaker panels, after-parties and more.

This year the San Jose International Short Film Festival kicks off Thursday, October 17th with the Red Carpet "Opening Night Screening & After-Party" and continues through Sunday October 20th.

The SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (SJISFF) distinguishes itself as a festival that caters to filmmakers and their craft. Beginning with the Red Carpet event and "Premiere Selection" screening & Opening Night After-Party in the heart of beautiful Santana Row.

Multiple screenings are held each day at CineArts Theater, with its All Stadium Seating and State of the Art Digital Presentation that include "Make ‘em Laugh", "The Ink & Paint Club" our tribute to Animation Shorts, “World Cinema”, featuring the best in short foreign film., and "The Human Experience”, a block of life-affirming films that resonate and make you think. And much more.

Tickets on Sale Now

Ticket and Screening Information: www.sjsff.com

Picture

Monday, October 15, 2012

San Jose International Short Film Festival Opens October 18th at CineArts Theatre Santana Row!

If you thought Cinequest was the only film festival in San Jose, think again. Last year the San Jose Short Film Festival really shined with an impressive selection of short films and events spanning several days. It looks like they are raising the bar yet again for their 4th year with the best lineup of features in the event's history. I'm really looking forward to the comedies, which are usually my favorites.

It all starts this Thursday at CineArts Santana Row and continues until Sunday night. For more information either keep on reading or head over to the festival site over here.




PictureSan Jose, August 13, 2012 – Our 4th annual event is back, better than ever with an incredible lineup of short films featuring selected entries from Tribecca, Cannes, Sundance and other top festivals.  With over 70 films cultivated from the hundreds of entries submitted, these World Class productions include performances by Michael Fassbender (Prometheus, X-Men First Class), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (The Thing, Scott Pilgrim) and many more.

With over 16 short film screening blocks that feature every genre of film imaginable, there is something for everyone, plus industry guests, filmmaker panels, after-parties and more.

This year the San Jose International Short Film Festival kicks off October 18th with the Red Carpet "Opening Night Screening & After-Party" and continues through October 21st.

The SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (SJISFF) distinguishes itself as a festival that caters to filmmakers and their craft. Beginning with the Red Carpet event and "Premiere Selection" screening & Opening Night After-Party at the prestigious Santana Row complex.

Multiple screenings are held each day at CineArts Theatre in Santana Row, with its All Stadium Seating and State of the Art Digital Presentation that include "It's Comedy, Tonight", "The Ink & Paint Club" our tribute to Animation Shorts, "I've Got A Bad Feeling About This" which features Sci-fi and Thrillers that will have you on the edge of your seat, and "Welcome to the Alternative Universe" that captures the essence of Experimental, Cult and the Avant Garde. Also, this year is our NEW screening block “Wish you Were Here”, featuring the best in short foreign film.

Tickets on Sale Now.

Ticket and Screening Information: www.sjsff.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Screening of Marty's Magnificent Day-Glo Dream-a-Thon @ Camera 3 Tomorrow

Tomorrow a feature lengh Sci-Fi / Rock Musical partially shot by SJSU students (as both cast and crew) is premiering at Camera 3. You can check out a trailer right over here: http://vimeo.com/23776687 as well as an animated sequence from the film here: http://vimeo.com/34714726. More info below!




Thursday, October 20, 2011

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The San Jose Short Film Festival is This Weekend!

San Jose is continuing to grow its presence in the film-making universe. We're already becoming very well known for Cinequest, but there is another local festival that is rapidly gaining traction. Now in it's 3rd year, the San Jose Short Film Festival has grown to 8 sets of screenings (up from 2 last year) and has attracted filmmakers both local and from afar! It all starts this Thursday at CineArts and continues through Sunday.

For more information, continue reading the press release below or visit the San Jose Short Film Festival website!

SJ Shortfest Program


San Jose Short Film Festival Opens October 20th at CineArts Theatre Santana Row


San Jose, October 10th, 2011 – The festival kicks off October 20th with the Red Carpet "Opening Night Screening & After-Party" and continues through October 23rd with 8 different genre screenings. From hundreds of entries we will be screening some of the best short films from around the globe.  Whether it’s comedy, drama, sci-fi, animation or documentaries there is something for everyone.

This year we are proud to bring the San Jose Short Film Festival to Santana Row, the premier shopping and dining destination in Silicon Valley. An ideal environment with over 12 million visitors each year, Santana Row has a natural attraction to its fabulous shops, upscale restaurants, and Mediterranean-styled residential units.

As part of the Santana Row complex, CineMark's CineArt Theatre, with its All Stadium Seating, State of the Art Digital Presentation in both 2D & 3D, and Lobby Cafe, will become our host venue on October 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.

After our screenings, be sure to join us for our Red Carpet Receptions which will include the Opening Night After-Party, the 3 Day Film Challenge Awards, and the Closing Night After-Party.

The SAN JOSE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (SJSFF) offers filmmakers from around the world, an opportunity to present their films in the best possible HD clarity before exuberant audiences in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Ticket and Screening Information: www.sjshortfest.com
Buy Tickets online now at www.sjshortfest.com  or beginning Thursday October 20th at the SJSFF Ticket office at CineArts Theatre
Thursday October 20th 7:30pm:  “Opening Night – Premiere Selections”
Friday October 21st 7pm: “It’s Comedy Tonight” (Comedy Shorts Block)
Friday October 21st 9pm: “Welcome to the Alternate Universe” (Drama, Dark Comedy)
Saturday October 22nd 12 pm: “The Best of the 2010 San Jose Short Film Festival”
Saturday October 22nd 2pm: “Welcome to the Ink & Paint Club” (Animation and Documentries)
Saturday October 22nd 4pm: “Another Slice of Life” (Drama)
Saturday October 22nd 7pm: “3 Day Film Challenge”
Sunday October 23rd 2pm: “The Bay Area Presents...” (Local Filmmakers)
Sunday October 23rd 4pm:  “I’ve Got a Bad Feeling About This” (Sci-fi, Thriller)
Sunday October 23rd 6pm: “Awards Winners and Closing Night”