For 20 years, the Cinequest Film Festival has been bringing unique and enthusiastic films to San Jose and the SF Bay Area. The Media Launch Party for Cinequest 20 - Mavericks - promises a continuation of the spirit that celebrates the Independent Film movement with an impressive line up of stars and films from around the globe.

Extending the festival by a day for encore showings of favorite films, Cinequest now promises 13 days of film-viewing fun.

The Media Launch Party was full of excited, enthusiastic people from all aspects of the film industry. With the bulk of the crowd being from the media: reporters, photographers and small news crews; there were also film directors, Cinequest volunteers and Cinequest VIP contributors, all mingling, trading business cards, and swapping stories about themselves, their work and the eagerness for the upcoming festival.

Most of the Cinequest organizers were more than happy to take the spotlight, announcing the previews, giving rousing speeches about Cinequest and its maverick spirit (accompanied by a handsome contortionist who performed some amazing pretzel-like feats) and upcoming Maverick Spirit Award winner, Benjamin Bratt. Some were more reluctant to take the stage, recalcitrantly shuffling up the stairs to face the receptive audience.

Cinequest had a wonderful last year, thanks to contributors, attendees, stars and volunteers. To encourage the next generation of writers, film producers, directors and actors, Cinequest is offering two forums for film enthusiasts: Maverick Artist & Innovator forums and Day of the Writer forums. Both offer an insider's view of the tools and skills it takes to produce quality films, whether long or short.