It's opening night at the 19th annual Cinequest Film Festival in San Jose. The film festival is one of the South Bay's marque events of the year attracting thousands of people to the downtown area.
The event will come with all the trimmings including a red carpet, movie stars and local celebs.
Tonight's event at the California Theater, 345 S. First St., will feature the world premiere of "Wake," a movie starring Jane Seymour, Danny Masterson, Bijou Philips and Marguerite Moreau.
San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed will host an opening night after party will follow the screening.
The festival, which goes through March 8, is expected to boost downtown business to the tune of $4 to $5 million.
Here are the numbers: an estimated 80,000 people from 44 different countries are expected to participate in some part of the festival, with hundreds of filmmakers and other industry officials also in attendance.
More than 72 films are scheduled to have their official premier in San Jose. Many of them will be followed by forums which allow viewers to discuss the films with key players.
Local
The newly renovated California Theater, Camera 12, and the San Jose Repertory Theater will be the main venues.
Tickets for opening night are $40 and that includes the film screening and the after party.
Room in the 1,000-seat theater is still available and doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Information about single tickets and passes for the rest of the festival is available on line at http://www.cinequest.org.
