Cinequest -- Discover.

Fest Celebrates 18 Years of Discovering and Distributing Films

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- 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 150 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.

Discover -- Film Program

Cinequest remains one of the last big-fest bastions for the discovery of new, emerging and yet-to-be amply recognized artists. This year over 1,800 submissions (features and shorts) competed for slots in the Cinequest 18 program. Of those films, 153 films covering a variety of genres were selected. Thirty-seven features are World and U.S. premieres. Over 100 first-time, emerging film artists are represented from 34 countries including: Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Discover -- Distribution

Cinequest Distribution (launched November 2006) is making its name in the world of film by offering distribution solutions that work for the Maverick gems that get lost after their festival life. Many of the world's truly deserving films do not receive traditional distribution with some estimating that less than one percent of U.S., and less than five percent of international indies receiving Hollywood distribution. Cinequest, long a harbinger of the use of new technology to empower artists, has created a distribution solution to deliver films to fans worldwide via unique Internet marketing and delivery plus comprehensive DVD.

"Technology always drives the film business. In Cinequest we have a good window on the future. I think they're leading the world in this regard."

--Peter Belsito, Executive Vice President, Film Finders

Currently, the Cinequest Distribution catalogue consists of over 50 Maverick titles available on DVD and PPV/VOD as well as additional titles available on PPV/VOD only.

Discover -- Maverick Spirit Award Events

Some of the most exciting moments in Cinequest history have been the trademark Maverick Spirit Events. Past guest recipients have included: Sir Ben Kingsley, William H. Macy, Minnie Driver, Gus Van Sant, Spike Lee and Kevin Spacey to name but a few. These one-on-one live conversations with top film moguls and masters have entertained, inspired and intrigued. This year, Cinequest is excited to celebrate three Mavericks in their own right by presenting them with the festival's highest honor, The Maverick Spirit Award. On Monday, March 3, at the California Theatre, actor John Leguizamo, one of the world's most captivating actors, will take the stage after a screening of one of his personally favorite performances in, Where God Left His Shoes. On Friday, March 7, at the San Jose Repertory Theatre, Cinequest is excited to present A Conversation with Academy Award[R] Winner Michael Arndt as part of Cinequest's Day of the Writer forum. This event will be a fascinating glimpse into the creative life of a man who walked off the stage with a Best Screenwriting Oscar[R] for Little Miss Sunshine. Wrapping up the Maverick lineup on March 8, is A Conversation with Academy Award[R] Winner Bobby Moresco. Producer and writer Bobby Moresco is one of the most dynamic individuals in the film business today. Following enormous success with his Academy Award[R] Winning films Million Dollar Baby and Crash, Moresco Productions is aggressively working on a variety of projects in film and television. This conversation at the San Jose Repertory Theatre will provide a glimpse into the workings of one of the most exciting production companies in the business. Moresco is joined on the stage with producing partner Mark Harris. For more information on the Maverick Spirit Events please go to the following program guide link:

www.cinequest.org/special_events.php

Discover -- Empowerment -- Day of Forums

Thanks to the generosity of Cinequest presenting sponsor, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Cinequest's Day of series of forums include four days of inspiration and empowerment. They include: Day of Distribution, Sight, Sound & the Dollar Sign Days 1 and 2, and Day of the Writer. Each forum presents experts in their field to motivate, educate and fascinate both filmmakers and film fans. Cinequest has partnered in this venture with companies such as AlwaysOn, Avid, Canon, Comerica, Film Finders, Imageworks Entertainment, The Harris Company, Intel, Jaman, Magic Lamp Releasing, Moresco Productions, Moving Pictures, Outpost Studios, Panasonic (NYSE:MC), Panavision, to name but a few. The Day of series combines workshops, presentations and behind-the-scenes information that will captivate anyone interested in the world of film. These are empowering days of discovery as well as exhibition. For full details on the Cinequest forums paste the following links into your browser:

Day of Distribution: www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=440

Sight, Sound & the Dollar Sign Day 1: www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=441

Day of the Writer: www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=442

Sight, Sound & the Dollar Sign Day 2: www.cinequest.org/event_view.php?eid=446

Discover -- Fun

It's not only about discovering films and innovations: it's also about discovering people. Cinequest has ramped up the opportunities for everyone to have a great time before and after the films. Stella Artois, Bud Light, Korbel champagne, Kai Vodka, Saaga Vodka and Wizard Winery have generously sponsored Cinequest. Live music has been added to the parties and at various lounge locations such as Paragon Bar which serves as the main place to schmooze. Other special presentations and performances will keep audiences entertained before the start of many screenings to make this the most fun-filled and entertaining Cinequest to date. For full program information and to purchase tickets, go to 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.

Empowering the Maverick

Cinequest is a premier motion picture institute that produces:

* Cinequest Film Festival, a discovery festival of Maverick films and technology forums.

* Cinequest Distribution: delivering films to fans worldwide through leading Internet technologies plus DVD -- while creating new marketing and business models for the Independent.

* Cinequest Screenwriting Competition.

* Mentoring and Education: groundbreaking programs including Camp Cinequest.

Cinequest serves Maverick artists, film lovers and students.

Cinequest Film Festival 18 will occur February 27 - March 9, 2008 www.cinequest.org