Special Presentations

Running time: N/A

Cinequest 14 proudly offers five special presentations - an eclectic mixture of lost treasures, thought-provoking cinema, comedy-horror and spotlight on local filmmakers. Often the most original, the most innovative, the most complex, the most deeply felt art does not find immediate recognition. It does not gain the instant recognition of lesser accomplishments because the work is ahead of its time or simply does not find the audience that "gets it" right away. The remarkable film, Being, was such a case upon its initial viewing in the early nineties, when it was seized by the Soviet censors and then sat shelved in the archives for nearly ten years. Therefore, it is our honor and privilege to shine a new light on the power of Being, the first light this film has seen in our United States. Best known for films like Silence of the Lambs, Stop Making Sense and Philadelphia, Jonathan Demme's work has been nominated for 20 Academy Awards. His latest achievement, The Agronomist, is a long-cherished personal film about journalist, broadcaster and human rights activist, Jean Dominique, and his tireless fight against injustice and oppression—the story of his uncompromising crusade for liberty and democracy in the vibrant country of Haiti. Both a fascinating political story and a haunting, emotional journey, The Agronomist is the riveting portrait of a champion that no one will ever be able to forget. Always one to surprise, never one to back down from bringing his vision to life, Christopher Coppola (Bel Air, Palmer's Pick-Up) presents the United States Premiere of his latest Digi-Flick, The Curse of Bloodhead, a gripping comedy-horror adventure that masterfully captures the intense struggles with money, prejudice and youth. Starring an array of 70s actors ranging from Bernie Kopell ("Doc" on The Love Boat) and Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) to Frank Gorshin (The Riddler from Batman) and Mrs. Partridge herself, Shirley Jones, The Curse of Bloodhead is, without a doubt, a film that will keep audiences mesmerized until the last second. Returning to Cinequest, Cupertino-raised Phil Leirness (The Party Crashers) presents the North American Premiere of Spectres, a drama and a mysterious ghost story that displays Leirness' unique talent for drawing complex characters balanced with stylish, entertaining cinema. The tale of a family torn apart by the death of a parent stars Marina Sirtis (Star Trek: The Next Generation), Dean Haglund (The X-Files), Tucker Smallwood (Star Trek:Voyager) and Lauren Birkell. And Cinequest's Special Presentations would certainly not be complete without a look at local filmmakers, with the presentation of San Jose Shorts, a series of short films featuring Shawn Flanagan's (Friggin' Mafia Movie) The Greatest Challenge, Local Time and Doyle. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS - Being; The Agronomist; The Curse of Bloodhead; Spectres; Shorts Program 9 - San Jose Shorts