Top 5 San Jose Film Festivals [Must Attend]

As the film industry continues to grow worldwide, so too will the film scene of San Jose, California. San Jose film production community members host diverse film festivals that are highly acclaimed with consistent and excellent reviews. To single out the best one would be a hard feat. As a result, here are the top 5 San Jose Film Festivals that you should keep an eye out for.

 

1. Cinequest Film festival 

Cinequest Film festival originated in 2012 from a dream of love for arts and technology. This film festival unites technology and the arts to create and transform cinema. Young artists and innovators are empowered to come to this festival to connect and share their creations. This film festival has a competition component, which is always a viable option to get your films on a platform that will help to take your art to the next level. The Cinequest Film Festival plays a role in qualifying films for the Best Animated Short and Best Narrative Short categories for the Academy Awards.

Location:

Cinequest
P.O. Box 720040
San Jose CA 95172-0040

Contact:

Phone: (408) 295-3378 (FEST)
Email: [email protected]

2. San Jose Short Film Festival

For each screening, the San Jose International Short Film Festival delivers and shows why it is among the top 5 San Jose Film Festivals. After 11 years of existence, this film festival has not lowered its standards nor excellency. The San Jose Short Film Festival showcases over 150 short films over a few days. The filmmakers aim to provide an excellent cinematic experience through the various film categories.

Moreover, this festival also serves as a ripe opportunity to network and grow your contacts. Connect with countless film lovers such as fellow filmmakers, industry executives, Silicon Valley notables, and celebrities. And discover new and upcoming filmmakers and their talented projects.

Location:

3088 Olsen Dr, San Jose, CA 95128

Contact:

Phone: (408) 554-7010

3. Silicon Valley African Film Festival

The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) started in the face of the sad truth of the colonial rule in Africa and the slave trade. Its basis is that Africans are taught misguided perceptions that circulate across the continent. The Silicon Valley African Film Festival seeks to take back the narrative of African people. Young African filmmakers can showcase their talent and through art, denounce popular myths and thoughts. It also provides social commentaries on contemporary issues that affect African Americans.

Location:

25 North 14th Street
Suite 505
San Jose
California 95112
U.S.A

Contact:

Phone: +1 408-886-0049

4. Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival

The Asian community is a minority group that is often left unappreciated. Thankfully, the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival seeks to change this. It serves as a judgment-free and familiar setting for Asian Americans and visitors to connect and appreciate films directed by fellow Asians. The SVAAPFF serves as the opportunity for film creators to contribute their unique story as an Asian and Pacific Islander in America. The use of written word, song, or performance connects each person through their shared love for artistry.

Location:

SIFF Film Center; 305 Harrison Street; Seattle, WA 98109.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

5. NorCal International Film Festival

The NorCal International Film Festival is a little different from the usual. While other film festivals are annual, this film festival is often screened four times in one year, giving you the luxury of attending four screening per year. The evening will kick off with a red-carpet event where you can take magnificent pictures. After this, there will be an opportunity to network with other filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to learn, share, and craft life-changing connections. It also hosts a film competition that allows you to showcase your talent on the center stage, in hopes of winning honorable awards and prizes.

Location:

See website

Contact:

Phone: 818-276-6747

 

San Jose Filmmakers and film enthusiasts performed so well, that San Jose Film Festivals have created a name within this industry. If you are in the city of San Jose during these film festivals, be sure to acquaint yourself with what they have to offer. Each Film festival is unique and it will be a shame to miss them.