Set in the Silicon Valley, the cradle of contemporary technology and innovation, Cinequest Film Festival 2014 wrapped with record crowds, Award announcements and a powerhouse lineup of events, premieres and luminaries.
Highlights and video recaps of inaugural Media Legacy Award events: Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News, Eric Kohn of Indiewire, and Kenneth Turan ofThe Los Angeles Times.
- Marty Cooper, the Father of the Cellphone, was honored with the Maverick Innovator Award, applauding his vision of a mobile, connected world and a determination that exemplifies passion and persistence. Please enjoy a video of Marty Cooper at Cinequest.
- Cinequest's inaugural Picture The Possibilities Youth and Leaders summit occurred at Electronic Arts on March 3. Scientists (Dr. Jill Tarter, Seti; Keith Baar, Molecular Biology), Entrepreneurs (Noriko Chen, Capital World; Christina Brodbeck, Rivet Ventures and YouTube; Kara Goldin, Hint; Boris Teksler, Technicolor and Apple), and Creatives (Aaron Loeb, Electronic Arts) met with PTP youth from Beijing, New York, San Diego, Mexico and Silicon Valley to cross-inspire the creating of art and science for our future. Please enjoy the PTP Summit Video.
- Cinequest presented Neil Gaiman, novelist, graphic novelist, and screenwriter extraordinaire, with the Maverick Spirit Award in honor of his masterworks and bold creativity. Mr. Gaiman wowed 1,100 people in the lavish California Theatre with inspiring words about creating your dreams. Enjoy Gaiman highlight video. Previous recipients include: Kevin Spacey, J.J. Abrams, Harrison Ford and Sir Ben Kingsley.
- Cinequest presented the Kaiser Thrive Award to SlingShot, the intimate and inspirational portrait of renowned inventor and scientist Dean Kamen and his 15-year quest to solve the world's safe water crisis.
- Cinequest proudly honored technologist, actor, and Maverick Innovator Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises, Jobs) with the Maverick Innovator Award as Modine presented his new "appumentary" Full Metal Jacket Diary. Technology meets creativity was further on display with the iPhone created movie, Uneasy Lies The Mind and the app enhanced movie App.
- Cinequest wrapped with the unveiling of Small Time. Joel Surnow (24, The Kennedys) and Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU, True Blood) celebrated Surnow's stunning directorial debut and Meloni's Maverick Spirit Award.
- Major audience highlights included: Grand Piano (Elijah Wood and John Cusack), The Grand Seduction (Taylor Kitsch and Brendan Gleeson), Hunting Elephants (Patrick Stewart), Friended to Death (Ryan Hansen), and Return to Zero (Minnie Driver and Alfred Molina).
- Cinequest presented 86 World and US premeires.
- Cinequest announced its 25th anniversary dates: Cinequest Film Festival 25 occurs February 23 - March 8, 2015
FULL LIST OF AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature Film: Drama
Ida
Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
Best Narrative Feature Film: Comedy
Kiss Me, You Fucking Moron
Director: Stian Kristiansen
Best Documentary Feature Film
Bite Size
Director: Corbin Billings
New Visions Award
Victoriana
Director: Jadrien Steele
Global Vision Award
Tempo Girl
Director: Dominik Locher
Best Narrative Short Film
My Father's Truck
Director: Maurício Osaki
Best Animated Short Film
Subconscious Password
Director: Chris Landreth
Best Documentary Short Film
Fabian Debora, A Life for Art
Director: Jessica Kaye
Best Student Short Film
Lambing Season
Director: Jeannie Donohoe