“Energized” is the theme of the 2023 Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, unreeling in San Jose and Mountain View venues starting Tuesday, Aug. 15, and running through the end of the month.

“The theme is important to us,” Cinequest CEO and co-founder Halfdan Hussey told the Chronicle. “The pandemic, overseas wars, the economy and the social unrest we had starting in 2020 left people drained emotionally. … So, it’s very energizing and positive to come to Cinequest and experience different films, different politics, cultural organizations. That’s what’s wonderful about it.”

Cinequest was well underway in 2020 when the COVID-19 lockdown brought the film festival to a screeching halt. The organization rallied, introducing its virtual Cinejoy in March 2021. Since Cinequest resumed as a live in-person event in August 2022, the two festivals have remained separate. But plans for 2024 will see the two festivals merge along Cinequest’s traditional spring timeline.

“People are excited about our summer festival, and I am really having fun doing it, but we do want to get back to March,” said Hussey.

Next year’s Cinequest lineup includes 84 U.S. or world premieres. With the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, the festival was uncertain about celebrity guests, but at press time, waivers allowing talent to attend were beginning to trickle in.

与此同时,这里有11个电影this year’s lineup to enjoy.

‘Fresh Kills’

Cinequest opens with actor Jennifer Esposito’s tense, character-driven drama set in her native Staten Island. It’s a mob story told from the point of view of the women in the family.

Esposito, who has co-stars in the film and has a recurring role on “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens,” is expected to attend the screening in person.

7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15. $15 film only, $30 with party. California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. Party, after the screening, at CityView Plaza, 100 W. San Fernando St., San Jose.

‘Bolan’s Shoes’

The 75th birthday of late T. Rex front man Marc Bolan reunites two people marked by a childhood tragedy that happened after a T. Rex concert, forcing a reckoning with their past in this film that blends poignancy with a celebration of 1970s glam rock.

English actors Timothy Spall (“Mr. Turner”) and Leanne Best (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) star.

9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16 and 11:25 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18. $14. Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose.

‘When We Were Shuttle’

This fascinating documentary goes behind the scenes of NASA’s space shuttle program and recounts its legacy.

4:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. Hammer Theatre Center; 11:05 a.m. Aug. 28. ShowPlace ICON Theatre & Kitchen, The Village at San Antonio Center, 2575 California St., Mountain View. $14.

‘Miranda’s Victim’

Abigail Breslin (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Stillwater”) stars among a large ensemble cast (Donald Sutherland, Luke Wilson, Mireille Enos and Ryan Phillippe) as a teenage rape victim in this fact-based, historical drama that examines the crime at the heart of the Supreme Court’s 1966 Miranda decision, which established that police must apprise suspects of their rights.

4:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. $14. California Theatre.

‘Breakwater’

A young parolee seeks out the daughter of a fellow inmate, a well-meant gesture with disastrous consequences in this thriller starring Dermot Mulroney, Sonja Sohn, Mena Suvari and Darren Mann.

Mann, director James Rowe and producer Matt Paul are expected to attend the festival.

7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. $14 film only, $30 with party. California Theatre. Party, after the screening, at CityView Plaza, 100 W. San Fernando St., San Jose.

‘East Bay’

Constance Wu(“Crazy Rich Asians”) stars in Daniel Yoon’s comedy about Bay Area singles in their 30s and 40s grappling with lives that have not gone as planned.

11:10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. California Theatre; 7:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28. $14. ShowPlace ICON Theatre & Kitchen.

‘7000 Miles’

A young pilot in 1977 begins to suspect her grandmother might be Amelia Earhart inthis Hawaii-set dramafocused on female empowerment and following one’s dreams.

Wendie马利克(“Just Shoot Me”) and Alixzandra Dove (“Aquarius”) star.

1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22. $14. California Theatre.

‘Sloane: A Jazz Singer’

Jazz singer Carole Sloane was one of the victims of rock ’n’ roll, her career snuffed out under the more raucous genre’s rise. As she readies for one final recording session, the singer looks back in this documentary, which also contains rare archival footage.

5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23. California Theatre; 8:45 P.M. Monday, Aug. 28. $14. ShowPlace ICON Theatre & Kitchen.

‘Sometimes I Think About Dying’

Daisy Ridley (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) stars as an Oregon office worker going through the motions of life whose routine is upended when a new, extroverted co-worker attempts to forge a connection.

周四下午15点,8月24日。14美元。T名胜地图标heatre & Kitchen.

‘The Secret Song’

This uplifting documentary celebrates San Francisco music teacher Doug Goodkin as he prepares to retire after 45 years — just as the COVID-19 pandemic hits.

7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28. $14. ShowPlace ICON Theatre & Kitchen.

‘Story Ave’

A teenage graffiti artist’s (Asante Blackk) attempt to rob an MTA conductor (Luis Guzmán) on a Bronx subway platform goes awry in ways he could never have imagined when his victim reacts to his actions with compassion.

8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20. $14. ShowPlace ICON Theatre & Kitchen.

Correction:The original story has been updated to reflect that “Breakwater” actor Dermot Mulroney will no longer be in attendance.

Pam Grady is a freelance writer.