Filmmakers Halfdan Hussey and Kathleen Powell founded Cinequest in 1990. That first year it showed 60 films in one theater, the Camera 3 in downtown San Jose, to about 3,000 people. It now presents more than 130 world or U.S. premieres from over 30 countries, and gives Maverick Spirit Awards to filmmakers and artists.
The festival has been renamed as it grew, becoming the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival in 2019. Screenings have used downtown venues such as the California Theatre, and the program includes a silent film accompanied on a theater organ.