Cinequest?s 2017 program is filled with passion that elevates us to laugh, be inspired and thrilled, to celebrate, to think innovatively, and to embrace love. So, it?s fitting we serve up a combination of emotions with our closing night extravaganza, highlighting a film that encompasses myriad emotions: The Zookeeper?s Wife, starring the two-time Academy Award-nominated Jessica Chastain (Miss Sloane, Zero Dark Thirty), Daniel Brühl (The Fifth Estate, Captain America: Civil War), and Johan Heldenbergh (The Broken Circle Breakdown).

In 2002, director Niki Caro wowed the world with the spectacular Academy Award-nominated Whale Rider, swiftly followed by the Academy Award-nominated North Country, and most recently the inspirational McFarland, USA. She now brings us the adaptation of Diane Ackerman?s best-selling book, and serves up a mesmerizing feast of filmmaking.

The real-life story of one working wife and mother who became a hero to hundreds during World War II. In 1939 Poland, Antonina Zabinska (Chastain) and her husband, Dr. Jan Zabinski (Heldenbergh), have the Warsaw Zoo flourishing under his stewardship and her care. When their country is invaded by the Nazis, Jan and Antonina are stunned - and forced to report to the Reich?s newly appointed chief zoologist, Lutz Heck (Brühl). To fight back on their own terms, Antonina and Jan covertly begin working with the Resistance - and put into action plans to save lives out of what has become the Warsaw Ghetto, with Antonina putting herself and even her children at great risk.

Cinequest audiences will be joined by guests from the film for a captivating discussion afterwards, then will enjoy a fun-filled evening at the Closing Night Party with an all-out bash with your festival friends at Hyatt Place San Jose Downtown for creative food and beverage pairings with Tito?s Handmade Vodka, Stella Artois, and local wines.