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Lights, camera, action: Cinequest returns to San Jose

The 2025 edition of Silicon Valley’s annual indie film fest is from Tuesday, March 11 to Sunday, March 23.

The California Theater stage lit up by Cinequest's main screen.

Are you ready for this year’s exciting lineup of films?

Photo via Cinequest

Shhh… the movie is starting.

Cinequest — Silicon Valley’s annual indie film festival — returns Tuesday, March 11-Sunday, March 23 with an exciting lineup of screenings and premieres, panels, and special events. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect for the 2025 edition.

The films

This year’s schedule includes an opening night screening of “The Luckiest Man in America” starring Paul Walter Hauser and the closing night screening of “The Friend” starring Naomi Watts + Bill Murray — both at the California Theatre.

In between, attendees can screen dozens of other films— from dramas and comedies to documentaries and shorts — at 3Below, Hammer Theatre Centre, and California Theatre.

Tickets + passes

Ready? There are lots of ways to see the films:

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