Feb 26, 2004

Cinequest entry for fourth year
Almaden-inspired producer punches out thick plot with no budget

By Karl Laucher
Staff Writer

Shawn Flanagan of Almaden Films is something of a pugilist, in a movie producing kind of way. He has shown the promise of an artist with wry humor, deep emotions and the ability to jab and move when up against powerful forces.

He has a particularly creative sense of survival in the world of film where the word “budget” is but a blasphemous term meaning money crematory. Even “low budget” short films can cost in excess of a few million smackers for those not guarding the vault.

But when Flanagan says “zero money spent,” he means it like a guy who manages apartments for a living. Which he does.

Fortunately, Flanagan has the kind of committed comrades who would contribute equipment, food, labor and site locations to create something out of nothing.

Despite his fiduciary constraints, Flanagan's success rate at landing a film in the highly-regarded Cinequest Film Festival also is something phenomenal. He will be making his fourth consecutive appearance. The March 3-14 event will present some 68 films in four downtown theaters, but traditionally turns down hundreds more submitted to Cinequest directors.

This time, Flanaga, 40, scores with “The Greatest Challenge,” a story about a down and out bum who comes back physically and spiritually with the help of a priest who taught him the art of prize fighting. The plot not only is thick, but provocative, hardly fast food but still executed in 25 minutes as part of a three-pack Shorts Program 9 presented on March 14, 9:30 a.m. at the Morris Daily Auditorium on the San Jose State University campus.

Unlike his formative years, Flanagan's film was not shot in Almaden Valley where, as a youth, he practiced cinematography, hence the name of his now Campbell-based company, Almaden Films. He says his outlook on film making has changed slightly since he focused on nature at Almaden Reservoir more than two decades ago. “Now I want to make people more aware,” he said, referring to his homeless protagonist in “The Greatest Challenge.”

Cinequest has announced that it will present 38 world, North American and USA feature premieres during the 12 days of illuminating silver screens at Camera One, the San Jose Repertory Theater and two SJSU venues (including the SJSU Theater at One Washington Square). The festival includes various clinics and talks by film producers, directors and talent. Among honored contributors this year will be Governor Arnold Schwarzennegger.

The annual Maverick Award will go to a talented and successful film maker. Shawn Flanagan, writer/director/producer, might make a great choice.

Cinequest tickets and information are available at www.cinequest.org or call 295-FEST (3378).