CINEQUEST FILM & CREATIVITY FESTIVAL

CINEQUEST FILM & CREATIVITY FESTIVAL
UNVEILS UNBRIDLED 2026 LINEUP

SILICON VALLEY — The Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival occurs March 10–22, 2026 in San Jose and Mountain View, California—home to Apple, NVidia, Google, and many global leaders. Cinequest Virtual (aka Cinejoy) occurs March 24-31, 2026 globally.

Under this year’s theme, Cinequest unites to honor the Unbridled force of maverick artists, innovators, and community—fueling our minds, stories, and lives to new levels of creativity, connection, and inspiration.

A launchpad for the best cinema, audiences will experience 268 new films from 44 countries (including 123 World and U.S. Premieres) plus unforgettable conversations and parties with 420 participating artists and innovators. Renowned as the “The Future of Film”, Cinequest continues its vanguard technology position via its third AI and Film showcase.

OPENING & CLOSING EVENTS

Cinequest opens with the magnificent World Premiere comedy Her Song and closes with the highly anticipated Maddie’s Secret and The Christophers — framing a festival journey that begins with innovation and ends in revelation.

Opening Night: Cinequest 2026 opens on Tuesday, March 10^th at the majestic California Theatre in San Jose with a star-studded red carpet and the Opening Night film, Her Song . Executive produced by the legendary James Ivory and starring Kalki Koechlin and Eléa Clair, John M. Keller’s sparkling comedy sends an American novelist back to her grandmother’s French village in search of inspiration. What she finds instead is chaos, charm, and an unexpected muse whose irreverent worldview rewrites far more than just her next book. The evening features a special AI & Film presentation (below) before the screening and concludes with a post-screening celebration at the PETE B Center.

Closing Night: Cinequest’s in-person festival concludes on Sunday, March 22^nd with two spectacular choices at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mountain View.

Maddie’s Secret: In his fearless debut, John Early leads a powerhouse comedic cast including Kate Berlant, Vanessa Bayer, Eric Rahill, and Kristen Johnston in a biting, hilarious, and unsettling exploration of wellness culture, online performance, and the secrets we hide to remain lovable — on camera and to ourselves.

The Christophers: The masterful Steven Soderbergh delivers a razor-sharp comedy as Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel face off in a delicious duel of ego, art, and ambition. When a sidelined artist is pulled into a scheme involving a legendary painter and unfinished masterpieces, the line between integrity and invention becomes dangerously entertaining.

WHAT’S NEW AT CINEQUEST

Exciting New Venue and Location: Cinequest is bringing the 2026 Film & Creativity Festival to Mountain View for nine unforgettable days of film, innovation, and community (March 14–22). Events and screenings will unfold at the newly opened Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mountain View — a next-level cinema experience featuring state-of-the-art projection, chef-driven dining, craft cocktails, and a culture built by and for film lovers.

Technology is Always New at Cinequest: Long renowned as the bastion for discovering the technologies that evolve filmmaking, Cinequest – nicknamed “The Future of Film”-continues to stand at ground zero of the AI revolution. Last year, we broke new ground with the MIT AI Filmmaking Challenge and this year, we will explore just how far that frontier has expanded.

To kick off Cinequest, we present a curated showcase of five stunning AI-short films that demonstrate the medium’s rapid evolution. The screening is followed by a candid conversation with industry leaders exploring the state of the art: what AI has mastered, where its constraints lie, and the ultimate question-how can this technology empower creativity without replacing the human spirit? Presenters include: Flick.Art Founders Zoey Zhang & Ray Wang; Stanford University’s Manasvini Kothari; and Jiajian Min: Cofounder & Director, MyStudio and Chair, MIT AI Film Hack.

This is Cinequest’s third AI and Film experience, following 2024’s groundbreaking AI Thought Leadership Day and 2025’s AI and Film exploration.

Viewers Voice (VV) Winners to Play at Cinequest: This revolutionary film discovery experience, hosted on the Cinejoy platform, empowers audiences to judge and reward new films, while film artists—rather than traditional curators—program the festival slates. VV is designed to give a true voice to both creators and film lovers, redefining how films are chosen, shared, and celebrated. During final round, February 12-18, global fans select four films to participate in the March Cinequest Festival. Further, Viewers Voice Kickoff Spotlight Event occurs on Feb. 12 where audiences will discover another first in the realm of AI meets human experiences.

MAVERICK SPIRIT AWARD EVENTS

The Spirit of the Maverick has been at the heart of Cinequest’s founding and evolution, speaking to the bold, innovative, original creativity of both technologists and the world’s most impactful artists. Cinequest’s highest award has been received by J.J. Abrams, Tatiana Maslany, Nicolas Cage, Sir Ian McKellen, Harrison Ford, Michael Keaton, Sir Ben Kin ley, Spike Lee, Elle Fanning, Gemma Arterton, Sam Neill, and Rosario Dawson.

Cinequest proudly announces two sensational recipients of the 2026 Maverick Spirit Award. Beloved actress, producer, and television host Vivica A. Fox, and charismatic, fan-favorite actor Steve Zahn — celebrating their remarkable contributions to film, storytelling, and creative expression.

Renowned for her iconic performances in Kill Bill, Independence Day, Set It Off, and countless audience favorites, Vivica A. Foxwill receive the Maverick Spirit Award during a special moderated conversation following the World Premiere of her latest film, Plan C. Starring Fox alongside Claire Cavalheiro (Man Seeking Woman) and Daniel DeSanto (Mean Girls), Plan C is an explosive, gritty crime thriller that ignites when a heist goes wrong, launching a high-stakes hostage standoff fueled by loyalty, desperation, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Beloved for his unforgettable roles in That Thing You Do, Saving Silverman, Dallas Buyers Club, and War for the Planet of the Apes, Steve Zahn will be honored following a special presentation of She Dances — a sharp, heartfelt comedy starring Zahn alongside Ethan Hawke, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Audrey Zahn. The film follows a stressed-out father who becomes an unlikely chaperone on his teenage daughter’s competitive dance journey, rediscovering connection, vulnerability, and love, one imperfect step at a time. Following the screening, Zahn and director Rick Gomez will join audiences for a Maverick Spirit Award presentation and conversation celebrating his enduring impact on independent film and character-driven storytelling.

SILENT CINEMA AT CINEQUEST

There is no cinema more Unbridled than Silent Cinema. While Cinequest celebrates the future of storytelling, we also return annually to the origins of film language and spectacle — when technologies were sprocket celluloids, carbon arc projectors, and Wurlitzer organs. This year, step into the grandeur of the 1920s with Ben-Hur (1925) , silent Hollywood’s most ambitious epic and one of the greatest achievements in cinematic history. From its legendary chariot race to its newly restored color sequences, this monumental masterpiece defined the scale of movie storytelling for generations to come. Elevating the experience beyond time, virtuoso organist Dennis James performs live on the Mighty Wurlitzer, delivering the soundtrack — and the emotions — as only silent cinema can. 

CINEQUEST VIRTUAL 

Cinequest fans can enjoy a bounty of films and events immediately following the in-person festival on Cinequest’s virtual experience, Cinejoy from March 24-31 globally. Cinejoy continues to evolve beyond a film festival that streams movies into an experience that translates the fun, excitement, interactions, and power of live film events to global audiences. In addition to online screenings (available to stream 24/7 during the event) Cinejoy will provide live spotlight events, interactive passports, and artist meets audience experiences.

NOTABLE CINEQUEST FILMS

Cinequest’s discovery lineup will showcase 268 films (123 World & US Premieres) from over 40 countries along with hundreds of presenting artists from over 40 countries including 130 women directors. Lineup highlights include:

96 Lbs. Of Dynamite | Documentary | Strength lives in the heart—and Chad has it in abundance. Born with a rare genetic disorder, he wasn’t expected to survive beyond six weeks. Five decades later, he continues to defy every expectation. An inspiring, often laugh-out-loud journey of resilience and joy. | World Premiere

Adult Children | Comedy | Starring Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad), Aya Cash (The Boys), Ella Rubin (The Idea of You), Thomas Sadoski (The Newsroom), and Mimi Rogers (Bosch), this hilarious story follows 17-year-old Morgan, who jumps at a rare chance to spend time with her much older siblings—hoping they’ll reveal what it means to be an adult. Instead, she discovers they’re all just faking it. | Bay Area Premiere

After Love | Comedy | An engrossing and subtle comedy where a husband’s failed attempt to kill his wife sparks their most intimate journey—one that makes them confront love, aging, and the absurdities of survival. | World Premiere

American Muscle | Thriller | A gripping and unflinching crime thriller following a debt-ridden mechanic desperate to escape his violent past. When his estranged sister returns and two ruthless debt collectors come calling, long-buried family secrets resurface—setting the stage for an explosive reckoning. | World Premiere

Baby Love | Drama | Rhiannon “Baby Love” Mitchell is an MMA fighter on the brink of self-destruction. After a series of concussions, she’s forced into an unconventional equine therapy program. Skeptical at first, she gradually rediscovers her inner strength and confronts her past—but what will it mean for the future she’s fought so hard to earn? | World Premiere

Bayaan | Thriller | A gripping thriller in which a young Delhi detective finds her investigation into a revered spiritual leader exposes a web of silence, loyalty, and fear. As truth collides with power, her pursuit becomes not just a case but a test of courage in a town determined to bury its own secrets. | San Jose Premiere

Bif Naked | Documentary | Bif Naked is more than a rock star—she’s a cancer survivor, a poet, and a trailblazer. This electrifying journey traces her punk roots to her rise as a beloved music icon, celebrating an artist who refuses to be defined by anyone but herself. | United States Premiere

Borealis | Science Fiction | When a solar flare wipes every mind on Earth clean, Thalía wakes with no past, only a scar that hints at the child she’s lost. As new leaders seize power in the chaos, she races through a haunting new world to uncover the truth of who she was…and who she must become to survive. | United States Premiere

Born To Lose | Drama | A riveting portrait of a biker navigating life in western Kentucky, grappling with his father’s troubled legacy and escalating debts. Starring Dylan Arnold (Oppenheimer), James Le Gros (Drugstore Cowboy), and Ambyr Childers (You), with Matty Matheson (The Bear) as executive producer. | World Premiere

Brenda | Comedy | An absolutely sidesplitting comedy, set in 1994 New Orleans (before the internet), where two married marijuana dealers face a crisis when their curious five-year-old son accidentally overhears their code name for contraband and tries to solve the mystery of his parents’ imaginary friend: Brenda. Executive produced by Richard Linklater. | World Premiere

Carolina Caroline | Romance-Thriller | With the soulful appeal of the Jonathan Edwards song that shares its name, Carolina Caroline is a sweet, slick road movie about a woman yearning to find herself. Finding love instead, she starts robbing banks. Starring Samara Weaving (Ready or Not), Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling), Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer), and Jon Gries (Napoleon Dynamite). | Bay Area Premiere

The Christophers | Comedy | The masterful Steven Soderbergh delivers a razor-sharp comedy as Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel face off in a delicious duel of ego, art, and ambition. When a sidelined artist is pulled into a scheme involving a legendary painter and unfinished masterpieces, the line between integrity and invention becomes dangerously entertaining. | Bay Area Premiere

Coaled Blood | Thriller | A remote cabin. A year-old crime. A group of coal miners whose secrets are more explosive than their rifles. When survival collides with suspicion, every shadow hides a story…and maybe a vendetta. | World Premiere

Comedy Family Style | Documentary | San Francisco comedians Helen and her 10-year-old son Evan live comfortably performing and writing. But Helen wants Evan to appreciate his humble roots in historic Beijing and understand the legacy behind his “good life.” Their journey challenges them both, individually and as a family. | World Premiere

Dead Or Dying | Comedy | In a near-future Los Angeles where death has become strangely routine, the film drifts from one character to the next, each encounter revealing another absurd slice of city life. As loved ones, coworkers, and even billionaires drop dead, Los Angeles keeps moving—messy, human, and unexpectedly funny. | World Premiere

Deliver Us | Documentary | Power comes not only from oneself but from community. Amid a global pandemic and national reckoning, Black midwives open birth centers and demand justice for Black mothers, who die at staggering rates during childbirth. | World Premiere

Face To Face: Don Bachardy | Documentary | The deeply personal and revealing portrait exploring the life and art of Don Bachardy, one of the most distinctive portrait artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. A story of relentless curiosity, courage, and a lifetime of seeing deeply and revealing humanity. | World Premiere

Give It Up | Comedy | Gareth Reynolds (Arrested Development), Jake Johnson (New Girl), Cat Reitman (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Anna Lore (Doom Patrol), and Maggie Maye (Conan) star in this hilarious mockumentary. When stand-up comic Mortimer is replaced on his podcast by a 9-year-old viral star, he sets off on a desperate DIY tour—and confronts a question deeper than the punchlines: what’s so funny? | World Premiere

Heavens: The Boy And His Robot | Science Fiction | A plucky young pilot and his loyal, snarky fighter-robot dive into a war-torn galaxy, joining a cosmic battle that will decide their fate. A wildly inventive adventure packed with high-octane action, humor, and a mech-sized heart. | World Premiere

Her Song | Comedy | Executive produced by the legendary James Ivory and starring Kalki Koechlin and Eléa Clair, John M. Keller’s sparkling comedy sends an American novelist back to her grandmother’s French village in search of inspiration. What she finds instead is chaos, charm, and an unexpected muse whose irreverent worldview rewrites far more than just her next book. | World Premiere

Holy Meat | Comedy | A rural amateur production of the Passion of Christ spirals into a blasphemous rave. Stationed in Winteringen, Oskar races to save the parish from closure by staging an unforgettable Passion play to impress a theatre-loving archbishop. An absurd, triptych tale of loneliness, responsibility, and faith. | United States Premiere

In Spite Of Ourselves | Romance-Drama | Sparks fly between a grounded Portland baker and a charming LA comedian — but once real life intervenes, chemistry alone may not be enough. Funny, tender, and disarmingly honest, this romance explores timing, vulnerability, and what it really means to choose each other. | World Premiere

Linka Linka | Drama | Returning to Lhasa to shoot a film about her childhood friend, Samgyi is swept into memories that blur past and present. When Lhamo unexpectedly appears, reality begins to ripple—and nothing is quite what it seems. | United States Premiere

Lonely Nights | Romance-Drama | Shy Andres falls for Lorena, a young prostitute trapped under a controlling pimp. Their fragile, forbidden connection forces them to navigate love, loyalty, and survival in a world that refuses to forgive or forget. | World Premiere

Maddie’s Secret | Comedy | In his fearless debut, John Early leads a powerhouse comedic cast that includes Kate Berlant, Vanessa Bayer, Eric Rahill, and Kristen Johnston for a biting, hilarious, and unsettling look at wellness culture, online performance, and the secrets we hide to stay lovable on camera…and to ourselves.

Mermaid | Drama | Devyn McDowell (Annette), Arturo Luiz Soria (Insatiable), and Nat Faxon (LOOT) star in this luminous story of a drag queen rediscovering joy and a ten-year-old dreaming of becoming a mermaid. Their unexpected bond unfolds into a magical, life-affirming celebration of identity, imagination, and chosen family. | World Premiere

Mockbuster | Comedy-Documentary | A struggling filmmaker dives into the chaotic world of The Asylum, making a B-grade smash while navigating compromise and chaos. Equal parts hilarious behind-the-scenes exposé and love letter to trash cinema. | Bay Area Premiere

No Room For Love | Comedy | Seven dreamers. One tiny L.A. apartment. Zero personal space. This hilarious Filipino-American family comedy turns chaos into charisma as everyone chases stardom and proves that even when love sounds like nonstop bickering…it’s still love, and sometimes it sounds a lot like yelling. | World Premiere

No Thanks, I Quit Smoking | Comedy | Nuria has 24 hours to scrape together her rent, all while trying to survive a single day without smoking. A funny, high-stakes race against time, addiction, and the chaos of early adulthood. | United States Premiere

Normal | Thriller | When a botched bank robbery rips open a small town’s darkest secret, the sheriff (Bob Odenkirk) suddenly finds the whole town — deputies included — trying to kill him. With Lena Headey and Henry Winkler fueling the chaos, Normal explodes into a sharp, darkly funny shoot-out where survival is the only law left standing.

Plan C | Thriller | Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Independence Day), Claire Cavalheiro (Man Seeking Woman), and Daniel DeSanto (Mean Girls) star in this explosive and gritty crime thriller. After a heist goes horribly wrong, Clare takes a cosmetic surgery clinic hostage to save her brother, igniting a pulse-pounding chain of twists, desperate choices, and relentless suspense. A high-stakes story of loyalty, survival, and how far family will go when everything is on the line. | World Premiere

Poetic License | Comedy | Starring Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) and Andrew Barth Feldman (No Hard Feelings), Leslie Mann (This is 40, Knocked Up). Two college guys think they’re mature enough to handle love, art, and adulthood-right up until they both fall for the same older woman in their poetry seminar. What follows is pure comic chaos: bruised egos, tangled hearts, and a gloriously funny meltdown of friends and desire | World Premiere

Reunion | Comedy | Stuck embalming bodies and craving change, a funeral home worker attends his high school reunion—only to be mistaken for the most mysterious, successful grad. A modern Cinderella story of laughs, mistaken identities, and unexpected charm. | World Premiere

Serena | Science Fiction | Starring Andi Matichak (Halloween), Steven Strait (The Expanse), and Ashleigh Murray (The Other Black Girl), with special guest appearance by Matt Pinfield. Washed-up rock star Chris signs on to beta-test an AI assistant—only to find every keystroke under Serena’s watchful eye pushes him closer to unraveling. A tense, psychological thriller where technology becomes both ally and adversary. | World Premiere

She Dances | Comedy | Steve Zahn, Ethan Hawke, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Audrey Zahn shine in this sharp, heartfelt comedy about a stressed-out dad who becomes an unlikely chaperone on his teenage daughter’s competitive dance journey. Amid dance moms, cheap motels, and big emotions, father and daughter rediscover each other—one imperfect step at a time. | Bay Area Premiere

This Tempting Madness | Thriller | Her past is missing. Her present is unraveling. As Mia struggles to reconstruct a life she barely remembers, this taut thriller drags the audience into a relentless, mind-bending journey through guilt, rage, and the fragility of memory. | United States Premiere

Unscripted Lives | Documentary | A small Vermont town, a daring musical, and a cast of extraordinary residents who defy expectations. Funny, heartwarming, and unforgettable, UNSCRIPTED LIVES celebrates community, courage, and the joy of seeing the world through new eyes. | Bay Area Premiere

Victoria | Drama | A small-town beautician faces a life-changing day, guided by an unruly rooster serving as her unexpected spiritual witness. A whimsical, quietly profound story of awakening and self-discovery. | United States Premiere

Wardriver | Thriller | Dane DeHaan (Kill Your Darlings), Sasha Calle (On Swift Horses), and Mamoudou Athie (Jurassic World: Dominion) star in this slick thriller about a tech-savvy thief pulled into a dangerous web of romance, deception, and high-stakes crime. A pulse-pounding ride where love may be the riskiest hack of all. | World Premiere

Young Female Playwright | Comedy | Millie’s “deeply personal” play sparks panic in her family and community—but as reality and fiction collide, she uncovers truths buried deep in her subconscious. A darkly funny, tense exploration of creativity, memory, and belief. | World Premiere

For a comprehensive overview of our line-up and World and U.S. Premiere films, please go to www.cinequest.org.

TOP STARS & LUMINARIES IN CINEQUEST FILMS

FEATURE FILMS

Adult Children — Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad), Aya Cash (The Boys), Ella Rubin (The Idea of You), Thomas Sadoski (The Newsroom), Mimi Rogers (Bosch)

Bayaan — Huma Qureshi (Gangs of Wasseypur, Badlapur,Monica, O My Darling), Chandrachur Singh (Maachis, Dil Kya Kare, Kya Kehna)

Born To Lose — Dylan Arnold (Oppenheimer), James Le Gros (Drugstore Cowboy), Ambyr Childers (You) / Matty Matheson (The Bear) as executive producer.

Brenda — Ajay Neidu (Office Space), Jamie Neumann (Atlanta), Heather Burns (Miss Congeniality), Jay Chandrasekhar (Super Troopers, Beerfest)

Carolina Caroline — Samara Weaving (Ready or Not, Borderline), Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling), Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer), Jon Gries (Napoleon Dynamite).

The Christophers — Sir Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, Gods and Monsters), Michaela Coel (I May Detroy You, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer), James Corden (Into the Woods) / directed by Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven, Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Erin Brockovich)

Coaled Blood — David Keith (An Office and a Gentleman), Samuel Dunning (Tim Travers & the Time Travelers Paradox), Conor Donnally (The Sex Lives of College Girls)

Give It Up — Gareth Reynolds (Arrested Development), Jake Johnson (New Girl), Cat Reitman (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Anna Lore (Doom Patrol), Maggie Maye (Conan)

Her Song — Kalki Koechlin (Margarita with a Straw), Eléa Clair (Ad Vitam)  / Executive produced by James Ivory (A Room with a View, Remains of the Day, Howards End)

Maddie’s Secret — John Early(Search Party, Other People), Kate Berlant (Sorry to Bother You, Don’t Worry Darling), Vanessa Bayer (Saturday Night Live, Trainwreck), Eric Rahill (Friendship, The Paper), Kristen Johnston (The Righteous Gemstones, Mom)

Mermaid — Devyn McDowell (Annette), Arturo Luiz Soria (Insatiable), and Nat Faxon (LOOT)

Normal — Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Nobody), Lena Headey (Game of Thrones, 300), Henry Winkler (Barry, Arrested Development)

Plan C — Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Independence Day), Claire Cavalheiro (Man Seeking Woman), Daniel DeSanto (Mean Girls)

Poetic License – Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza), Andrew Barth Feldman (No Hard Feelings, Leslie Mann (This is 40, Knocked Up)

Reunion — Jake Choi (Single Parents, American Housewife), Madeline Zima (Californication, Doom Patrol), Ryan Hansen (Veronica Mars, Party Down)

Serena — Andi Matichak (Halloween), Steven Strait (The Expanse), Ashleigh Murray (The Other Black Girl)

She Dances — Steve Zahn (Chad Powers, The White Lotus, Dallas Buyers Club), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon, Before Sunrise), Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married, Your Sister’s Sister), Sonequa Martin-Green (The Walking Dead, Star Trek: Discovery) Audrey Zahn (debut role)

This Tempting Madness — Simone Ashley (Bridgerton), Austin Stowell (Bridge of Spies), Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi), and Zenobia Shroff (The Big Sick, Ms. Marvel),

Wardriver — Dane DeHaan (Oppenheimer, The Amazing Spider-Man 2) and Sasha Calle (The Flash, On Swift Horses, The Rip),

Young Female Playwright — Raoul Bhaneja (Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Blindspot), Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Ellie Moon (Adult Adoption)

SHORTS FILMS / MUSIC VIDEOS / EPISODIC

The Colosseum –Vincent Cassel (Black Swan, La Haine)

Dear Shop Girl — Rory Culkin (Signs, Mean Creek), Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Saturday Night Live, Wednesday)

Dr. Sam –Alec Baldwin (Beetlejuice, 30 Rock)

Duckville — Jim Dale / directed by Bill Plympton

Em & Selma Go Gryphon Hunting — Pollyanna McIntosh (Outer Banks, The Walking Dead)

His Date — Richard Kind (A Serious Man, Argo, A Bug’s Life)

Holy Smokes — Mena Suvari (American Beauty), Kevin Smith (Clerks)

I Came With Earrings — Bebe Neuwirth (Summer of Sam, Frasier)

The Liars of Black Mountain Road — Nolan Gould (Modern Family) / executive producer Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Signs)

Mary the Widow — Stephen Tobolowsky (Groundhog Day, Sneakers), Arianna Ortiz (This Is Us, Parenthood)

Scissors — Ethan Embry (Christie, Grace and Frankie)

The Theory of Spice — Jon Batiste (musician)

Too Good — Jean Smart (Hacks, 24), Lil-Rel Howery (One of Them Days, Free Guy)

Better Life — Randall Park (Always Be My Maybe, The Interview, Fresh Off The Boat)

For complete premieres lineup and available media screeners: publicity@cinequest.org.

Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival Tickets are available at www.cinequest.org.

“What differentiates Cinequest is that its founding team was a dynamic combination of artists, technologists, and leaders. You’ll find this reflected today in our Leadership Council which includes legendary innovators Steve Wozniak (co-founder Apple Inc.) and Marty Cooper (father of the cell phone), as well as producers, writers, educators, and entrepreneurs. The commonality is creativity and a commitment to open access and opportunity to all people.” – Halfdan Hussey, Co-Founder & CEO

Cinequest-Cinejoy Partners:  Jay Paul Company, Adobe Inc, City of San Jose, James Boyce Trust & Kris Otis, Applied Materials, The Wolff Family, Alamo Drafthouse, Kaiser Permanente, Campbell Foundation, Brandenburg Family Foundation, Bank of America (BAC), Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority – VTA, Urban Community, Westbank, Metro Silicon Valley, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo 48, Capital Group Companies, Hayes Mansion Curio Collection by Hilton, The FAY, The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio, Agile Ticketing Solutions, iHeartMedia (STAR 101.3, WILD 94.9, iHeart80’s 103.7, The Breeze 98.1, KMEL 106.1), Clear Channel Outdoor, KALW-91.7FM, Backstage, El Observador, Content Magazine, YELP, The Morrison & Foerster Foundation, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Drake’s Brewing Company, PETE BE Center, Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana, Scott’s Seafood San Jose, Mezcal Restaurant, and Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza.

About Cinequest: Cinequest fuses innovation with the arts to empower great creations and to connect audiences, youth, artists, and innovators with these creations and with each other—forging community, joy, and our future. Set in Silicon Valley, Cinequest’s uniqueness, impact, and legacy result from applying this powerful integration of creativity and technology to democratize opportunity and to transform lives. Cinequest does this through the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, Cinejoy Virtual Festival, and Picture The Possibilities global youth programs.

Please watch The Story of Cinequest.  
Please watch Cinejoy Highlights.

Cinequest Film Festivals 2026 occur March 10-30