Cinequest, the film festival gem of Silicon Valley, kicked off Tuesday night at the California Theatre with a screening of William H. Macy’s most recent film, “Krystal.”
The film, which took about nine years to get on the screen and is also directed by Macy, is a comedy about a sheltered young man who develops a crush on a stripper. In the words of the Oscar-nominated actor, it’s a “wild and loving look at the world of addiction.”
The film features a diverse cast including Rosario Dawson, Nick Robinson, Kathy Bates and Felicity Huffman – Macy’s wife. Among the hustle and bustle of the red carpet, the Oscar-nominated actor also took a moment to explain the importance of the Time’s Up movement in the film industry.
“I think the world would be a better place if women ran it,” explained Macy. “I think we’re going to see more films with a female sensibility and that’s a good thing.”
Macy went on to explain that Hollywood and the industry is already seeing changes and he can't think of a better time to be a woman.
For Macy, film festivals are essential in the independent film world expressing Cinequest to be a “wonderful film festival,’ and describing these festivals to be the “lifeblood of the indie world.”
When asked what advice he would give young filmmakers, the ‘Shameless’ actor said he was a little jealous and missed the early days of his career and the moments of triumph.
“Anybody who is a first-time filmmaker, my hats off to them, because it’s not an easy thing to get a film made,” said Macy.
Audiences at Cinequest were one of the first to see a sneak preview of the film “Krystal” but it is expected to premiere to the public in April.
