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Empowering the Maverick

A Maverick stands apart from the crowd, willing to create and innovate from a place of personal yet global vision. Daring to act as a catalyst of dynamic change in a cookie cutter world; the boundaries become endless when inspired by ingenious thinking. The Maverick spirit thrives within the world of art and innovation. Cinequest empowers Maverick film artists, movie lovers, innovators, and students, while holding a unique global position.

A global company set in the Silicon Valley, The Cinequest Institute 501(c)3 produces Cinequest Film Festival, Cinequest Distribution, Cinequest Mentoring & Education, and Cinequest LLC operates Cinequest Mavericks Studio.

Cinequest’s uniqueness and impact results from being ahead of the curve, whether it comes to discovering or producing original voices, showcasing new technology, or reinventing the very definition of film distribution and marketing. It’s a celebration of premium quality Maverick cinema, television and innovation.

Cinequest Film Festival

Cinequest remains one of the last big festival bastions for the discovery of new and emerging film artists. Cinequest Film Festival (CQFF) presents a dynamic 12-day event of 200 international films with over 600+ film artists, technologists, and professionals from 44 countries in attendance. Over 10,000 artists have attended CQFF to date.

Exhibiting unique social and artistic visions from around the globe, Cinequest’s dynamic festival engages audiences in thought-provoking dialogue, giving film artists and film lovers alike an opportunity to connect. Furthermore, Cinequest provides cutting edge technology and movie-making forums to empower professionals and students.

Although 80,000 attend CQFF, the four-block proximity of its state-of-the-art venues along with Cinequest’s renowned hospitality, makes the festival experience as warm and personal as it is electrifying.

Cinequest Film Festival 19

• 2,000+ Film Submissions
• 188 Films Presented
• 80 World & U.S. Premieres
• 600+ Visiting Film Artists
• 44 Countries Represented

What Critics are Saying…

"This festival is one that sets the trends and is actually ahead of the trends. Other festivals are copying Cinequest; I see it all the time." - Chris Gore, Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide and Film Threat

“The film and technology forums delved into the important realms of integrating internet delivery into the home entertainment environment, creating true Internet revenue streams for film artists, and effectively leveraging the budding mobile marketplace.” — Forbes Magazine

“If you can get away to San Jose at the end of the month you will be blown away by their Cinequest Film Festival. It is going to be a state-of-the-art digital extravaganza like you’ve probably never seen.” — Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News

“Cinequest has consistently managed to pull in heavyweight guests.” — Dennis Harvey, Variety

“Technology always drives the film business. In Cinequest, we have a good window on the future. I think they’re leading the world in this regard.” — Peter Belsito, Executive Vice President, Film Finders

“I will go to Europe and tell everybody that Cinequest is the festival to go to in the United States. You are the best.”
— Ilmar Taska, Director Set Point

Cinequest Distribution

Cinequest Distribution, leads the world in creating and executing profitable distribution for Maverick films via groundbreaking Internet, Internet TV, and comprehensive DVDs. The distribution of Maverick films for fans happens worldwide, all the time.

Launched in 2006, Cinequest Distribution offers distribution solutions that work for top films that would otherwise lose momentum after their festival life. Long a harbinger of the use of new technology to empower artists, Cinequest created a distribution solution to deliver festival favorite films to fans worldwide via unique Internet marketing and delivery plus comprehensive DVD. Cinequest films are available via DVD through top retailers like Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, Netflix, Borders, and Barnes & Noble. Cinequest also prides itself in pioneering distribution through digital media outlets like Jaman, iTunes, Move Networks and the exciting world of Internet TV.

Distribution Milestones

• In less than two years, the Cinequest Distribution catalogue has grown to over 60 Maverick titles available on DVD and PPV/VOD as well as additional titles available on PPV/VOD.

• Oprah Winfrey featured powerful Cinequest documentaries Awful Normal and Accidental Hero on her show for their compelling and inspiring stories.

• Star power featured in Cinequest films boast names Gillian Anderson and Robert Carlyle (The Mighty Celt), Leighton Meester and Jennifer Morrison (Flourish), and Bob Hoskins (Ruby Blue)—with many more in the pipeline.

• To date, more than five million people have watched Cinequest films online or on DVD.

And introducing... Cinequest Mavericks Studio

Starting in the autumn of 2010, Cinequest Mavericks Studio will produce, co-produce and distribute A-list motion pictures, television, and new media demonstrating artistic impact, social responsibility, leadership and innovation.

Cinequest Mentoring & Education

Additionally, Cinequest provides groundbreaking mentoring and education programs for elementary through college students. The mission focuses on engaging students in the art of telling their story through film, thus planting the seed for the future of cinema. College students also benefit greatly from professional mentoring and seminars focused on business and art careers.