For the 25th year in a row, Silicon Valley will unplug from their hand-held electronics and turn to the big screen for Cinequest Film Festival: Silicon Valley. This year's event includes the premiere of nearly 100 international and U.S. flicks, top film artists and tech innovators, the Maverick Spirit Awards (with Rosario Dawson and noted director John Boorman), and the new Future of Film Showcase. Add these four must-attend events to your calendar, and get in touch with your inner cinephile.

As an added bonus, we're giving away two tickets to Cinequest's March 1 screening of Clouds of Sils Maria, starring Kirsten Stewart and Juliette Binoche. Sign up for our newsletter below to enter!

Opening Night: Batkid Begins

Cinequest Film Festival kicks off its 25th anniversary bash with a party-ready combination of standout cinema and first-rate guests. Bay Area residents are already familiar with the story of Batkid, the young cancer patient who joined forced with a life-sized Batman and the SFPD to "save" San Francisco. Dana Nachman’s documentary chronicles Batkid (AKA Miles Scott) and the city as together they rallied around his quest. The doc also notes the staggering international social media response to Miles’s wish.

February 24, 7 PM; 345 South First Street, San Jose

A Conversation with John Boorman

Join notorious five-time Oscar-nominated director John Boorman as he presents his latest film, the post-war drama Queen and Country. After the screening, the director will give a Q&A with the audience. 

February 26, 7:30 PM; 345 South First Street, San Jose

An Evening With Rosario Dawson

Singer, social activist, and screen siren Rosario Dawson (Top Five, Sin City, Rent, Kids), joins Cinequest in conversation with Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Miss Representation) to discuss her career, the entertainment industry, and her work for social change. The conversation will begin immediately after the Maverick Spirit Award presentation. 

February 28, 7:30 PM; 345 South First Street, San Jose.

Cinequest's Closing Night: 5 to 7

The stars step down from the screen as director Victor Levin (Mad Men) and actor Anton Yelchin (Star Trek) present their romantic comedy about an illicit affair that can only take place between the hours of 5PM to 7PM. With standout performances by Bérénice Marlohe (Skyfall), Olivia Thirlby (Juno), Glenn Close (Damages), Eric Stoltz (Caprica), and Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), it promises to be a star-studded event, both onscreen and off. March 8. 

345 South First Street, San Jose.

Cinequest Film Festival: Silicon Valley run from February 24 to March 8. Tickets and passes are available here. // cinequest.org