I thought I'd give you a quick run down of a typical day at the Cinequest Film Festival (at least for me).

At 9:30 AM I was enjoying complimentary coffee in the foyer of the Rep Theater in San Jose, free coffee is always a great way to start the day. Then the Day of Distribution forums began with an insightful discussion on how to make an independent film that can be sold. This was followed by a great panel discussing the role of the media in promoting your film, and how to make the most from them. I'll review both sessions in more detail later in the week.

I then popped out for a Hungarian rom-com feature called Just Sex and Nothing Else, which was quite enjoyable and not too taxing.

After ramming down a falafel, I headed back to the DoD forums to record a discussion with JJ Abrams. He was highly entertaining and extremely honest about his craft. Sadly, nobody was afforded an interview with him, but I will be posting an in-depth review of his talk in the coming days.

Then it was off to watch Hitler Meets Christ, a pet project of Michael (Law and Order) Moriarty, which is as controversial as it sounds and a very interesting viewing experience. More on this one too, later in the week!

After a brief pause to chat to the makers of Monster Camp (which I am really looking forward to), and to watch a couple of girls beat the snot out of each other with foam rubber swords like a pair of Frazetta valkyries, it was off to short film program #6 - Mindbenders.

They did not disappoint.

There were some truly amazing short films, mostly amusingly twisted or sadistically horrific, and I got to chat with the two directors of a couple of my favorite entries (again! I'm blessed!). I'll post those interviews as soon as I can.

So now here I am, posting this in the wee hours of Saturday morning, knowing that I'll be getting a few hours of sleep before doing this all over again.

Thank God Red Bull is one of the sponsors this year...

by Neil Baker

www.StudioMoraine.com