CineCats Coming to Town

Joanne Talesfore, chairwoman of CineCats, the Film Showcase of Los Gatos, loves movies. Sunday night, in fact, she'll be watching the Oscars at her home with two other couples.

They'll be armed with Oscars ballots, food and lots of excitement and anticipation for Hollywood's biggest night—the 83rd Academy Awards.

On Saturday, these were her predictions:

• Best Actor: Colin Firth for his role in The King's Speech.
• Beast Actress: Natalie Portman for her role in Black Swan, although she was also impressed with Annette Bening's acting nuance and "prowess" in The Kids Are All Right.

Talesfore, who serves on the Los Gatos Planning Commission, will also be talking to her friends about her hopes to have the town's short film festival CineCats be a success this year.

This will be the event's sixth year, as it is held every two years, she explained.

In 2009, CineCats was at Calvary Church, 16330 Los Gatos Blvd. It's also been held at Los Gatos Cinema in downtown Los Gatos. The event has attracted more than 50 entries in the past from film enthusiasts of all ages.

In May 2009, the festival's theme was “Small Films, Big Ideas” and allowed entries from students in grades kindergarten through high school and from those older than 18.

"We encourage filmmakers of all ages," Talesfore said of her desire to allow local talent to grow and develop in the Bay Area film industry.

Each film is judged by a panel of regional film and video professionals, she added. And winners receive special certificates, with one movie selected to be featured on the big screen for the entire community, according to the event's website.

Those interested participating this year had better start their projects soon. To learn more about the festival visit cinecats.org/