2005

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Mission Movie/Una Película de la Misión is derived from real stories of San Franciscoâ??s most vibrant and complex neighborhood. Inner turmoil spills outward in this bilingual drama about the struggle for territory and the need to belong.

Based on true-life stories, the cast is led by veteran Columbian actor Diego Vasquez and includes many Bay Area actors, including cameos by well-known artists and activists. In true form to the Mission District, the bilingual film features both Spanish and English subtitles.

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Michael has just woken into his nightmare.

For years he has been plagued with psychotic visions of unthinkable medical experiments being performed on him. After a failed attempt at suicide, his mother takes the young boy to a priest for guidance. The strict confines of his faith only add to his unrest, as his psychosis worsens. At eighteen, he drowns himself in his bathtub.

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"Guy in Row Five" is a comedy about an aspiring hopeful named Thess (Bobby Field) who moves to Hollywood to become a star. Ever optimistic, he lands a gig as a "background performer" on the hit TV series "Rodeo Nights". After pestering his way into an audition for the showâ??s new series regular, he is so convinced that he's booked the role that he decides to document his last day of being a struggling actor. With his girlfriend Rose (Clare Kramer) as boom operator, and a soft-spoken friend Tony behind the camera, Thess takes us on a journey of the relentless pursuit of his dream.

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** Congratulations to Viewers' Voice winner Freedom From Despair. Per the filmmaker's request, the film is no longer available online, but the trailer will be available here soon. **

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United States Premiere

Cinequest is proud to open its richly diverse collection of works from around the world with the United States Premiere of José Roberto Torero's delightful Manual For Love Stories, a freewheeling Brazilian take on the comedy of romance. Or is it the romance of comedy?

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Cinequest is thrilled to honor the courageous Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, with the Life of a Maverick Award for a lifetime of heroism and commitment to helping others. Patrons can join Cinequest in presenting Mr. Yeboah with this distinguished award following the 7:15 p.m. screening of the film Emmanuel's Gift at the Rep Theatre on March 6, 2005. Emmanuel, with only one leg, rode his bicycle across Ghana to challenge the nation's prejudice against those disabled in his country and opened the world?s eyes to their plight.

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For the first time in the Festival?s 15-year history, Cinequest will present an individual with the Emerging Maverick Award. The first recipient of this honor will be breakthrough artist Blanchard Ryan, best known for her role in the runaway-hit Open Water. Ryan will be recognized and celebrated for her emerging artistry with a conversation event focusing on how she made it as an actor, what changed in her world as the recognition grew, and how she plans to maintain her individuality and authenticity while her star continues to rise.

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SPECIAL ADDED SCREENING!!!!

World Premiere

Breaking the rules of narrative, the horror/thriller film Compartment tells the stories of four 'average' people who meddle with the unknown and meet with a sinister fate linked to the imported car they find they are unable to leave behind. Subtle and allegorical, the gritty, interwoven stories of their lives are portrayed by a Bay Area ?reality? cast of mostly non-actors in this first feature length film from director Ray Arthur Wang "RAW?.

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It is a privilege for Cinequest to present our Maverick Spirit Award to veteran actor Jon Polito at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, where he will delight the audience with a spectacular, extended Q&A following the World Premiere of Charlie the Ox.

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?When I choose a role it?s either because I recognize the man, or, that I'm very curious to know him. If I neither recognize nor know him then it is better that I don?t play him.? - Sir Ben Kingsley

Cinequest is honored and thrilled to present An Afternoon with Sir Ben Kingsley at the palatial California Theatre. The legendary Academy Award-winning actor, Sir Ben Kingsley, will participate in a lively, moderated conversation and receive Cinequest's highest honor, The Maverick Spirit Award.