Cinequest’s anniversary edition celebrates thirty years of elating audiences, artists, and innovators so it only seems fitting we kick-off with the story of a man who filled people’s lives with joy and laughter. Having its World Premiere at this year’s festival is director Bob Krakower’s loving tribute to the funny man who made us forget our troubles and laugh at our foibles!
Comedic genius John Pinette, who was born and raised in blue collar Malden, Massachusetts, rocketed to fame by the 1990s, playing to full houses like Nick's Comedy Stop in Boston to Laugh Factory in Los Angeles. In the tradition of large comedians like John Belushi, John Candy, and Chris Farley, John Pinette with his cherubic smile and clean comedy routine had the audience laughing so hard they cried. Pinette regularly appeared on The Tonight Show and The View, performed in Hairspray on Broadway, and guest starred in the final episode of Seinfeld. Krakower’s film explores Pinette’s life and career—the good, bad, and funny—through hilarious clips of his stage and film performances and through interviews of the comedians who knew him best, including Lewis Black, Howie Mandel, Tammy Pescatelli, Kathleen Madigan, and Bill Burr.
Renowned comedian Matt Donaher will lead off the screening with live comedy.