The 18th Cinequest opened Wednesday, February 27, with the world premiere screening of Paul Leuer's Eden Court starring Thomas Lennon (Reno 911), Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Father of the Bride, According to Jim) and Stephnie Weir (MADtv). Eden Court is a dramatic yet humorous story of a washed up baseball star living in a trailer park trying to escape his current life by running off to Australia in pursuit of his "American Dream." It's not a story where one man beats the odds to become the one-in-a-million who succeeds, but instead is about one of the 999,999 who didn't. Poignant, serious, yet at times laugh-out-loud funny, Eden Court will leave audiences pondering their own lives and where they fit on the one-in-a-million scale. Director Paul Leuer will be introduced to the stage by Scott Budman of Cinequest sponsor NBC

OPENING NIGHT Eden Court  
Wednesday, February 27, 2008.

ETE

The opening night party at Paragon Restaurant and Bar (located one block from theatre at the Hotel Montgomery, 211 S. First St., San Jose) will immediately following the screening. (Party open to ticket holders and Elite and Premiere pass holders).

FOOD

Patrons will be treated to a fabulous array of Paragon's Executive Chef Philippe Breneman's specialties including tiger prawn spring rolls in citrus shallot sauce and goat cheese and herb tarts to name but a few of the culinary choices. 

FUN

Korbel Champagne, Saaga Vodka, Stella Artois, Redwood Creek Wines, Wizard Winery and Bud Light, are all new sponsors to Cinequest and will be pouring during opening night festivities. At other Cinequest events look for Kai Vodka and Hacienda Vieja Tequila, also new sponsors to Cinequest.

MUSIC

Cinequest's Opening Night Party will feature special music guest Pamela Rose, who will enthrall and mesmerize with her soulful style. 

Pamela Rose - Having thrilled audiences locally and internationally with her swinging, soulful style, San Francisco jazz and blues vocalist Pamela Rose is that rare breed of entertainer who connects solidly with her audience by always delivering a personal and unforgettable musical experience. Her rich, warm voice and easy rapport with excellent musicians moves jazz and blues audiences of all ages.

FESTIVAL

Film festivals used to be a place to discover cinematic gems that weren't in the mainstream theatres. As more and more festivals have become vehicles for celebrity appearances and Hollywood "independent" films, Cinequest continues to focus on what its festival organizers feel is at the core of their mission - discovery. Globally unique in its concept, the eighteenth edition of the Cinequest Film Festival presents an event that goes beyond the traditional concept of "film festival," providing the world of independent and foreign filmmakers, technology innovators, students and film lovers with an opportunity to discover, empower and distribute. Cinequest Film Festival is not only a platform to premiere films and celebrate talent, but Cinequest Distribution has become a viable option to reach a worldwide audience. Cinequest was the first festival in the world to present feature films for download in DVD or HD quality. Today, through its PPV/VOD partners and DVD label, over five million people have viewed Cinequest Distribution films. During the 12 days of February 27 through March 9, over 180 films from around the world will converge in San Jose for an event that is expected to draw 80,000 attendees. This is a festival of true discovery, empowerment through knowledge and the latest in technologies, and revolutionary distribution.

TIX

For full program information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.cinequest.org/. Tickets may also be purchased by calling (408) 295-FEST. A complete list of press releases and media guides to help navigate all that is Cinequest may be found at www.cinequest.org/press_room.php.