You've made your travel reservations. You've laid out your socks and underwear, and even purchased a fresh toothbrush carrier so you can be 100% germ-free and make it all through the 8 days of the festival. But guess what? You probably aren't done packing yet. Unless, by chance, you've already backed your black and red satin cape, plenty of white make up, and blood, lots and lots of blood.
That's the kind of stash you're either going to need to bring with you or source for yourself here in Austin if you plan on making it all through way through the festival this year, because our closing night party now has a theme, and it's all VAMPIRE through and through.
We'll have a DJ spinning the best dance music for teenagers to slit their wrists to, bloodbags full of tasty concoctions to keep you alive all through the night, and plenty of plastic fangs for any mortals who sneak in and think they can fool us. But we'll also be having a costume contest, and crowning the new king and queen of Bontemps right here in Austin.
You can get a taste of what people looked like in our last Vampire Prom in this video from our beloved fallen local PBS Docubloggers. Check it out, and I'll be here ready, just waiting to suck your blood.
fantasticfest2007'S B-SIDE BLOG
UNDEAD TILL DAWN: The Fantastic Fest Vampire Party
Sep 22, 2009 | 8:20 PM
Fantastic Fest's newest Filmmaking Frenzy: UWE BOLL'S TOTALLY AWESOME VIDEO GAMES
G4 and Fantastic Fest present
UWE BOLL'S TOTALLY AWESOME VIDEO GAMES!!!!
The computer was invented in 1936, but the '80s taught it how to PARTY. What was once just a tool for algorithms and manufacturing data suddenly became ground zero for barrel-jumping Italian plumbers, ghost-eating yellow circles and ostrich-riding jousters. Mankind was thrust into an Age of Digital Sorcery...without even having to get up from the couch. These games and characters soon became as important to us as food and family. As the '90s dawned, so did a new genre of cinema, ushered in by innovative masterpieces like MORTAL KOMBAT, SUPER MARIO BROS and (of course) Jean-Claude Van Damme's epic, globe-spanning STREET FIGHTER. But shockingly enough, several of the most beloved console classics remain unadapted to the movie medium.
Where is our long-awaited dramatic re-interpretation of DIG DUG? How long must we wait before Vin Diesel and Paul Walker will get behind the wheel for a big-screen version of FROGGER? It's high time that we, as a community of creators and lifelong Nintendo warriors, rise up to provide a hungry world with the two- sted, universe-shaking GALAGA adaptation that Hollywood has so foolishly failed to spawn. Filmmakers, grab your camera in one hand and your joystick in the other, assemble your fellow electro-enthusiasts and take aim at your target -- from PONG to GRAND THEFT AUTO -- for the absolute ultimate lmmaking frenzy competition: TOTALLY AWESOME VIDEO GAAAAAAMES!!!!
Finalists' Films will be judged by none other than our planet's supreme arcade-to-megaplex megamaster UWE BOLL! Game OVER!!!
Screenings of TOTALLY AWESOME VIDEO GAMES will happen during Fantastic Fest 2009, and registration is open right now over at G4TV.com/Fantastic. Head over there to check out the full rules and get your film uploaded before September 4!
Aug 09, 2009 | 2:59 PM
The Alamo Drafthouse and Synapse Films bring 42nd STREET FOREVER to Fantastic Fest!
One of the many great things about seeing a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse are the classic movie trailers that play in front of new features, often ingeniously placed (NUNS ON THE RUN in front of DOUBT was one of my recent faves), enhancing the movie going experience in a manner that no other theater can bring you. These trailers come from the Alamo's massive trailer archive, which we have been amassing for years, and we're now finally ready to share with the rest of the world. Working with our friends at Synapse Films, we've put over 40 of our finest trailers and special announcements onto one spectacular DVD: 42nd STREET FOREVER VOLUME 5: ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE EDITION!Over a year in the making, this incredible trailerthon is just the tip of the iceberg of the many gems in our collection, and it includes some of our absolute favorites for a DVD event that will finally give you the experience of a night at the Drafthouse in the comfort of your own home. Like the other great Synapse 42nd STREET FOREVER titles, the ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE EDITION contains all trailers in their original aspect ratios (mastered in high definition), and features a new original documentary about the Drafthouse along with an audio commentary from Drafthouse founder Tim League and programmers Lars Nielsen and Zack Carlson! Here are just some of the classic trailers you'll find on this stellar DVD:
A LIFE OF NINJA
STING OF THE DRAGON MASTERS
THE BODYGUARD (CHIBA)
MAD MONKEY KUNG-FU
WONDER WOMEN
LUCKY SEVEN
THE SHARK HUNTER
BIRDS DO IT, BEES DO IT
LET S DO IT
CHATTERBOX
DANISH LOVE ACTS
GROUP MARRIAGE
VIOLATED
CAGED VIRGINS
MESSAGE FROM SPACE
THE TERRORNAUTS
MIND WARP
ZEBRA FORCE
BLAZING BATTLE
INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND TRAP
MACHINE GUN MCCAIN
STACEY
LIGHTNING BOLT
MISSION THUNDERBOLT
3 SUPERMEN IN THE WEST
PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW
PUTNEY SWOPE
REDNECK COUNTY
MOONRUNNERS
THE FABULOUS WORLD OF JULES VERNE
THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS TREE
PINOCCHIO'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE MAGIC OF THE KITE
THE SECRET OF MAGIC ISLAND
KARZAN: MASTER OF THE JUNGLE
THE NORSEMAN
SORCERESS
TERROR IN THE WAX MUSEUM
THE MANSON MASSACRE
THE DEVIL WITHIN HER
. . . and more!
To help celebrate this momentous release, Fantastic Fest will be hosting a special screening of every trailer in 35mm, with special guest Don May, Jr. of Synapse Films! This will be the only time these trailer will be shown in the same program, so don't miss this truly amazing event! (Screening date and times TBA)
42nd STREET FOREVER VOLUME 5: ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE EDITION will be available in stores on September 29, but it's available for pre-order now on Amazon and will also be available for purchase at Fantastic Fest. And with the holidays right around the corner, don't forget that this DVD also makes for a great Christmas gift!
Jul 27, 2009 | 2:23 PM
Fantastic Fest presents free advance screening of THE COLLECTOR + Special Guests!
Fantastic Fest and HorrorSquad present THE COLLECTOR with Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton in attendance!!
Over the course of my non-stop flick-hoppings, I've become a small and unofficial cog in the Fantastic Fest machine. (Let's say I'm half-consultant and half-cheerleader.) Tim League and his Alamo team scour the globe for the best in horror, sci-fi, action, etc., but I've been known to drop those guys a line when an interesting flick crosses my path. (Or when I'm just really bored. Curse you, caller ID!!) So here's some exciting news for those who A) live in Austin, B) love new horror movies, and C) are sure they can tolerate my presence for two consecutive hours:
July 22nd! 10pm! Alamo Ritz! THE COLLECTOR with Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton in attendance!! And they're nice guys! Yes, the guys who wrote FEAST, SAW 4, FEAST 2, SAW 5, FEAST 3, SAW 6 and THE COLLECTOR will be at the theater to A) eat cheese fries, B) drink beer, C) watch their movie on the big screen, and D) stand up for a Q$A thingy! It's going to be fun. I decree it to be so.
THE COLLECTOR, as you may know, was recently known as MIDNIGHT MAN, but it switched titles when it jumped over from Dimension to Freestyle. The plan is for the film to hit theaters on July 31 (which is why they couldn't just hold it for Fantastic Fest: September is after July), and I've already heard from the likes of Ryan "Rotten" Turek, Rodney Perkins, and (yes) Tim League that this is one kick-ass horror show! And now a few words from first-time director Marcus Dunstan: "Well, we just received our R rating after four trips to the MPAA, and I'm happy to say that none of the film's impact has been lost. Matter of fact, their notes made some scenes hit even harder! We're beyond lucky to be a part of Fantastic Fest again, even if it is a few months early this time. Austin welcomed FEAST with open arms, and I am over-the-moon excited to bring THE COLLECTOR to a city that loves movies so much."
In response, Tim League had this to say: "This movie rocks."
Important notes:
Admission to this screening is free. 2009 Fantastic Fest badge-holders can RSVP in advance by emailing brad@originalalamo.com with "THE COLLECTOR ROCKS" in the subject line. Badge-Holders who rsvp will be seated first come, first served. Non-badge-holders are welcome to attend subject to availability; simply arrive at the theater 45 minutes before the show. For more information on Fantastic Fest, please visit the official website at www.fantasticfest.com.
The first wave of content for Fantastic Fest will be posted there on July 13!
-Scott Weinberg, the Horror Squad
Over the course of my non-stop flick-hoppings, I've become a small and unofficial cog in the Fantastic Fest machine. (Let's say I'm half-consultant and half-cheerleader.) Tim League and his Alamo team scour the globe for the best in horror, sci-fi, action, etc., but I've been known to drop those guys a line when an interesting flick crosses my path. (Or when I'm just really bored. Curse you, caller ID!!) So here's some exciting news for those who A) live in Austin, B) love new horror movies, and C) are sure they can tolerate my presence for two consecutive hours:
July 22nd! 10pm! Alamo Ritz! THE COLLECTOR with Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton in attendance!! And they're nice guys! Yes, the guys who wrote FEAST, SAW 4, FEAST 2, SAW 5, FEAST 3, SAW 6 and THE COLLECTOR will be at the theater to A) eat cheese fries, B) drink beer, C) watch their movie on the big screen, and D) stand up for a Q$A thingy! It's going to be fun. I decree it to be so.
THE COLLECTOR, as you may know, was recently known as MIDNIGHT MAN, but it switched titles when it jumped over from Dimension to Freestyle. The plan is for the film to hit theaters on July 31 (which is why they couldn't just hold it for Fantastic Fest: September is after July), and I've already heard from the likes of Ryan "Rotten" Turek, Rodney Perkins, and (yes) Tim League that this is one kick-ass horror show! And now a few words from first-time director Marcus Dunstan: "Well, we just received our R rating after four trips to the MPAA, and I'm happy to say that none of the film's impact has been lost. Matter of fact, their notes made some scenes hit even harder! We're beyond lucky to be a part of Fantastic Fest again, even if it is a few months early this time. Austin welcomed FEAST with open arms, and I am over-the-moon excited to bring THE COLLECTOR to a city that loves movies so much."
In response, Tim League had this to say: "This movie rocks."
Important notes:
Admission to this screening is free. 2009 Fantastic Fest badge-holders can RSVP in advance by emailing brad@originalalamo.com with "THE COLLECTOR ROCKS" in the subject line. Badge-Holders who rsvp will be seated first come, first served. Non-badge-holders are welcome to attend subject to availability; simply arrive at the theater 45 minutes before the show. For more information on Fantastic Fest, please visit the official website at www.fantasticfest.com.
The first wave of content for Fantastic Fest will be posted there on July 13!
-Scott Weinberg, the Horror Squad
Jun 29, 2009 | 12:11 PM
Mark the date: 7/13 - first wave of FF content
We've been on the hunt since last October, scouring the globe for the best of the best in bat-shit-crazy-beautiful cinema. Now that Fantastic Fest is a mere 3 months away, we are plotting to release details on the first wave of content in this year's festival. We have LOTS more special events, premieres and surprises that we will be trickling out roughly once a month until the festival. We'll be launching the newly revamped website and activating the BSide community all at the same time, so mark your calendars, July 13 by noon CST we'll be offering up the first glimpse of the Fantastic Fest 2009 toybox! If you want to stay on top of all the news and events, especially during the festival, subscribe to this blog and follow us on twitter! Badges are still available for this year's festival, so tell your friends - there ain't no party like a Fantastic Fest party. Fantastic Fest 2009: September 24-October 1
Jun 27, 2009 | 2:12 PM
Behold! 2009 Fantastic Fest T-Shirt And Poster Art!
Way back in March, I announced that we had commissioned Jon Vermilyea to produce artwork for the 2009 Fantastic Fest poster. Every year, the Fantastic Fest programmers go all out attempting to bring you things that you've never seen before. To me, the poster should be no different. With monsters being the theme this year, we set out to do something we've never attempted before. Instead of having a poster with the normal 2 dimensions that you are all accustomed to, we thought, "Why not up the ante and make it 3?!" Here we are...the day has come...I can't wait any longer...Behold! This year's 3D FANTASTIC FEST POSTER!
What do you all think? I can tell you that when I first saw the linework for the poster I said "shit" really loud. When I saw this final with color, I said something much worse.
Many of you might be asking, "Well, if it's 3D, where are all the red and blue lines?" You will find none of that here. We used a very special process called Chromadepth. With your poster you will receive a pair of glasses. The special specks react with the colors and stretch the image to make it 3 dimensional. You can read more about the process here, but essentially, warm colors shoot out at you and cooler colors fall back into the background. If you have 3D Chromadepth glasses with you right now, feel free to put them on and take a gander. If not, feel free to stop in at the Mondo shop anytime and ask to use ours.
Not only did Jon destroy the poster, he did an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT image for the shirt.
So there you have it. This is just a taste of what you can expect from Fantastic Fest this year. We will no doubt have more announcements and surprises for you soon, so stay tuned. The Fantastic Fest poster and shirt will be on sale at Mondo soon!
-Justin
P.S. If you can't wait to get your hands on the Fantastic Fest shirt from Jon Vermilyea, you can order a DEADLY SPAWN shirt right now! The last run sold out quick so we brought it back in two new colorways...black and slime!
What do you all think? I can tell you that when I first saw the linework for the poster I said "shit" really loud. When I saw this final with color, I said something much worse.
Many of you might be asking, "Well, if it's 3D, where are all the red and blue lines?" You will find none of that here. We used a very special process called Chromadepth. With your poster you will receive a pair of glasses. The special specks react with the colors and stretch the image to make it 3 dimensional. You can read more about the process here, but essentially, warm colors shoot out at you and cooler colors fall back into the background. If you have 3D Chromadepth glasses with you right now, feel free to put them on and take a gander. If not, feel free to stop in at the Mondo shop anytime and ask to use ours.
Not only did Jon destroy the poster, he did an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT image for the shirt.
So there you have it. This is just a taste of what you can expect from Fantastic Fest this year. We will no doubt have more announcements and surprises for you soon, so stay tuned. The Fantastic Fest poster and shirt will be on sale at Mondo soon!
-Justin
P.S. If you can't wait to get your hands on the Fantastic Fest shirt from Jon Vermilyea, you can order a DEADLY SPAWN shirt right now! The last run sold out quick so we brought it back in two new colorways...black and slime!
Jun 26, 2009 | 9:50 PM
Fantastic Fest hotel discount now in effect!
Anyone attending Fantastic Fest from out of town who doesn't have friends or family in Austin now has a place to stay: The Radisson Hotel & Suites at Austin-Town Lake. A special deal for Fantastic Fest attendees is now in effect through September 15 which gets you rooms for $135 a night from September 24 to October 1, a discount of over $40 a night! In addition to being a damn nice hotel, the Radisson is located right in the heart of downtown Austin, with easy shuttle access to Fantastic Fest's Alamo South Lamar location and just walking distance from the famed Congress Bridge Bats. It also sits right on the beautiful Town Lake, which allows for great walks and is ideal for jogging. With all the food and drink you'll be partaking in at Fantastic Fest, jogging might be a good idea.In order to obtain this special discount, you can either call the Radisson's national reservations center at 800-333-3333, or go to the Radisson Downtown website and enter ALAMO into the promotional code box on the right side of the screen. Click "search" and the group rate will appear. If you experience any problems, please call the Radisson reservations line and let them know this is for Fantastic Fest 2009. Please note that these rates are only available until September 15, 2009, and any reservations made after that date must pay the full rate price.
It's also worth noting that the Radisson will also be hosting many of our special guests this year, so you never know who you're going to bump into in the elevator or get trashed at the hotel bar with at 2am. Anyone who has attended Fantastic Fest in years past can tell you these are some of the most magical moments of the entire festival, so take advantage of these great rates to stay in a top class hotel and enjoy the greatest film festival known to man!
Jun 02, 2009 | 11:00 AM
Fantastic Fest director interviews Eli Roth at Cannes
Our old friend and former Variety columnist Mike Jones was the programming director for the American Pavilion at Cannes this year. Each day of the festival featured interviews, panels, conversations and parties all programmed by Mike. Since I've been pals with Eli Roth since 2002, he asked if I could conduct an interview with him for the series. Eli engaged the standing-room audience with stories of his first trip to Cannes seeking funding for Cabin Fever, the now famous 2002 bidding war at the Toronto Film Festival, and his early days as a student filmmaker. As the room was filled largely with young, up-and-coming filmmakers, much of the discussion focused on what folks looking to break into the industry need to be doing.
Despite the lack of air-conditioning (there was an electrician's strike in France that day), Eli stayed for nearly an hour in the heat after the interview to shake hands, answer more questions and take business cards.
Check out Mike Jone's full recap of the interview here.
May 22, 2009 | 5:02 AM
THE CHASER now playing on IFC Festival Direct!
Hong-jin Na's rampaging feature debut THE CHASER is on the loose. If you weren't lucky enough to catch it at Fantastic Fest- or any of the many other international festivals that also knew how f@*#ing great this film is- now you can see it at your own, private Film Festival in your living room! The inspired minds over at IFC Films have come up with an idea to make great films (ones that might otherwise get lost amongst the the slop in the Hollywood trough) more accessible to the few of us who still have a soft spot for substance and quality.
Cablers, Behold!
BrightHouse: Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters
Cablevision: Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters - Festival Direct
Comcast: Channel 1 - Movies & Events - IFC Festival Direct
Cox: Channel 1 - Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters
Time Warner: Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters
They don't get better than this. See it. Now. Tonight. Whenever you want. Just see it.
Find out more here
Now get out there and support great film.
Cablers, Behold!
BrightHouse: Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters
Cablevision: Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters - Festival Direct
Comcast: Channel 1 - Movies & Events - IFC Festival Direct
Cox: Channel 1 - Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters
Time Warner: Movies On Demand - IFC In Theaters
They don't get better than this. See it. Now. Tonight. Whenever you want. Just see it.
Find out more here
Now get out there and support great film.
May 13, 2009 | 2:30 PM
Fantastic Fest filmmaker needs extras and locations!
This summer, Alamo Drafthouse and Fantastic Fest will be teaming up with me (Simon Rumley, director of the Fantastic Fest 2006 best picture The Living and The Dead) to shoot my new revenge feature. The movie is called Red, White and Blue and will shoot on location in and around Austin.
Being an indie production however, we need a little bit of help from you, our loyal friends!
EXTRAS
Whether it'll be sitting in a bed in hospital or eating a burger at a diner or browsing a toyshop, we'll need some of you guys to flesh out the background.
Most scenes will take no more than an hour to shoot so if you have a spare hour (or more) this is for you!
LOCATIONS
This is an ambitious movie with a ton of locations. We'll be using 'real' locations where we come in and shoot with little or no production design to change the look and feel of the locations.
The crew will be relatively small with about 12 people and next to no lights. The amount of actors will vary on the scenes but will range from between 2-6. Most locations will be required for roughly a day's filming, some during the day and some during the night.
They are as follows:
1) Franki's - Franki is a lead character and is in a band. His house should be small/medium sized with two floors. Nothing too fancy. Probably 2-3 days filming here.
2) Carl/Alvin's - Also lead characters and in the same band as Franki. Need a garage to rehearse in and also, preferably on two floors. Nothing too fancy either.
3) Ellie's - Franki's mum's house. Can be on one or two floors. Lived in by a woman in her 50/early 60s. Moderately well off/comfortable.
4) Ed's - Slightly older contemporary of Franki/Alvin's etc. Lives with his girlfriend and young daughter. Has back yard and two floors.
5) Dano - Small appartment/ground floor house, lives by himself. NB - this is required for a sex scene!
6) Barman - Barman from a hotel's bedroom. Also required for a sex scene!
7) Lil Allan's mum's house - single mum's house ideally with young boy's room and back yard.
8) Sarah's house - single woman in her 20's house, ground floor only.
9) Erica's parents's house - only need to see a run-down/basic living room from the outside.
SO WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU GUYS!?
Apart from being an integral part of a new feature film, you'll get onscreen credits and be kept abreast of all the developments/premieres/parties etc. More than that, however, you'll have the chance of becoming one of the movie's producers!
Every single person who provides a location or is an extra in at least two different scenes will be automatically entered into a raffle which will take place on the last day of filming. The lucky winner will be then given an onscreen credit as Associate Producer to impress their mums/dads/boyfriends/girlfriends etc for ever and ever.
If you wanna help produce a movie by providing a location, send an email to:
rwblocations@gmail.com
If you wanna help produce a movie by being an extra, send an email to:
rwbextras@gmail.com
Thanks everyone and I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Simon Rumley
director: Red White and Blue, The Living and the Dead
May 11, 2009 | 4:08 PM
Media 8 Acquires SXSW Favorite The Horseman
According to an article at Inside Film, Media 8 Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights to The Horseman, which had its North American debut at SXSW presents Fantastic Fest. Media 8 will be taking the film to Cannes market this month for buyer's screenings. Congratulations to Steve and his crew!
May 08, 2009 | 7:28 AM
Two Fantastic Fest 2008 Favorites Return To The Ritz This Week!
We are very proud to bring back not one, but two of our favorite films from Fantastic Fest 2008 this week to the Alamo Ritz.First up is Nicolas Lopez’s SANTOS, which had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest last year and has been burning up the festival circuit ever since. Though it was shot in Spain and Chile, SANTOS has its roots here in Austin, as it was produced by Austin’s own Elizabeth Avellan, with FX from local FX powerhouse Troublemaker Studios. Anyone who saw it last year will tell you it was easily one of the highlights of Fantastic Fest 2008, where it won a Special Jury award for originality and vision, and it returns to the Alamo this Tuesday, April 28, as part of the 2009 Cine las Americas festival, showcasing the best in new Latin cinema. SANTOS will be screening one time only at 7pm, and you can order your tickets here. Don’t miss it… again!
Another returning favoite is DOCTOR INFIERNO, the truly batshit insane first feature from Paco Limon, who was unable to attend Fantastic Fest last year, but will finally be here along with star and associate producer Javier Albarrán. There were many great films at Fantastic Fest 2008, but DOCTOR INFIERNO was a true standout, an outrageously ambitious action/comedy/fantasy/horror/sci-fi meltdown that compares to the early work of Peter Jackson and Sam Raimi. Made with an absolute intense dedication by a group of rabid creators with very limited means, the film manages to capture a boiling fervor that is practically unequaled in the annals of entertainment.
The plot: a demented gynecologist discovers a cure for all the world’s illnesses and uses it as leverage to become sole dictator of the earth. Jam-packed with monsters, kung fu, battling robots and deviant sexual practices, DR. INFIERNO doesn’t let anything get in the way of an explosive fountain of impossible ideas.
DOCTOR INFIERNO will be making it’s triumphant return to Austin on Wednesday, April 29 at 9:25pm, and tickets for this show can be ordered here. Once again, you’re a loser if you miss this.
Apr 27, 2009 | 1:12 AM
New DEATH NOTE sequel hits U.S. theaters!
As much as we'd like to, we can't play every new international genre hit at Fantastic Fest, and one of the ones missing from last year's lineup was L, CHANGE THE WORLD, the latest film in the DEATH NOTE series. Although we were unable to screen it last year, we're pleased to report that the new film will be playing theaters nationwide via our friends at Viz Pictures (proud sponsors of Fantastic Fest 2008) and Fathom Events. Screening in theaters on April 29 and 30 only, Viz is also offering the film in two different versions, subtitled on the 29th and dubbed on the 30th, which is pretty damn cool of them. They're also doing giveaways and showing behind-the-scenes footage at each screening, which is even cooler.
Picking up after the events of DEATH NOTE II, the new film gives us the details of the last 23 days in the life of mastermind detective L (Kenichi Matsuyama), as he goes up against a bio terrorist organization trying to wipe out humanity with a deadly virus. Directed by RINGU director Hideo Nakata, L, CHANGE THE WORLD features the returning Kenichi Matsuyama as L, and is inspired by the immensely popular DEATH NOTE features, which are based on the best-selling supernatural action manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, but this spin-off follows a new original storyline.
Tickets for this special event are available at presenting theater box offices and online. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit www.FathomEvents.com (theaters are subject to change, and please note these shows are not playing at the Alamo Drafthouse). For more information on the DEATH NOTE live action events and other VIZ Pictures films please visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.deathnotefilms.com. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.viz.com.
Apr 21, 2009 | 1:54 PM
Use BSide at SXSW
For those of us who have gotten very accustomed to using the intuitive BSide interface at Fantastic Fest, there is great news! The BSide team has put together an interface with information on all SXSW Film, Music and Interactive events.Even better, they have introduced a new scheduling "genius" tool to help you optimize your schedule once you have marked down everything you want to see. I'm working up my personal schedule there, and I can't wait to use it for Fantastic Fest come September!
Mar 13, 2009 | 9:57 AM
Film School Rejects SXSW report on 15 Films You Must See
The cinematically obsessed crew at FilmSchoolRejects.com have posted their 15 Top Picks for this year's SXSW Film Festival, and we're proud to say that several of the titles selected for Fantastic Fest at SXSW made the cut!
But THE HORSEMAN, LESBIAN VAMPIRE KILLERS and ONG BAK 2 aren't the only pulse-bursting titles on the rundown, so head over to that list HERE!
Mar 12, 2009 | 12:28 PM
BRUNO is coming to SXSW presents Fantastic Fest!
In the spirit of tastelessness, offensiveness and tactlessness that is Fantastic Fest, SXSW presents Fantastic Fest is proud to announce a special 22 minute exclusive presentation of scenes from BRUNO at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar this Sunday, March 15, at 11pm. Unlike many of the other SXSW events, no badge is required, but the theaters will be seated solely on a first come/first served basis. So in other words, get there early.This is the first time any footage from BRUNO will be seen by the general public, and we have been assured by our friends at Universal (distributors of BRUNO) that this footage is fucking hilarious. It all promises to be one of the most talked-about screenings of SXSW, so do what you can to make it there this Sunday night!
Mar 11, 2009 | 12:43 PM
Astropia VS. Heroes, there can be only one!
We were in the loop yesterday as the great Heroes/Astropia battle of 2009 began to develop. Everyone knows NBC's hit show Heroes, but if you didn't attend Fantastic Fest 2008, you may not be aware of the Icelandic nerd opus Astropia, one of the most successful Icelandic films of all time. The producers emailed us a link to a scene from an upcoming episode of Heroes that has a very familiar look, feel and tone to a key moment in the Astropia storyline.Swarez over at Twitch film has broken the story and now has the Heroes clip and the Astropia clip side by side on the site. I can't personally say for sure whether the Heroes writing pool got their inspiration from Astropia or it's just a case of eerie coincidence. In any event, check out the story at Twitch, watch both of the clips and you be the judge. We'll update you if the Icelandic annoyance swells to actual legal fisticuffs.
Mar 10, 2009 | 11:13 AM
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN on DVD March 10! Adolescent swedish vampires in your HOME!
There really was no other movie in 2008 that stole our affection and excitement like Tomas Alfredson's undeniably gorgeous adolescent vampire first-love masterpiece LET THE RIGHT ONE IN. It was on the Top Ten lists of everyone at the Alamo, and I humbly submit that it's the best new movie in years, from anywhere, about anything.
LTROI had a huge amount of success at our theaters and played for months, but if you missed it, you're in luck...the DVD will be coming out next week. And if you DIDN'T miss it, I'm certain you'll be ahead of me in line to get your own copy. I've seen the film five times and still can't wait to get my hands on it, dammit.
Mar 02, 2009 | 11:44 AM
Meet 2009 Fantastic Fest Poster Artist: Jon Vermilyea!
Earlier this week, festival founder, Tim League asked me if I could recommend an artist for this year's Fantastic Fest poster. I sent him a list of about a dozen artists that I thought would do a good poster, but in my mind there was only one that could DESTROY this year's poster. Say hello to the 2009 Fantastic Fest poster artist: Jon Vermilyea.
Jon's work has been featured in Vice Magazine, Fantagraphics BEASTS 2 and most recently in the new Animal Collective video for My Girls among other things. The first couple of times I talked to Jon, I tried to play it cool. I really, reaallllly tried to be professional and not get all weird about talking to my favorite artist on the planet, but those conversations quickly degenerated to me saying how badass he was. Honestly, how could I not have?! Look at his site for Christ's sake. There is an animated, flying piece of pizza melting on the homepage! Arggggghhhhhhhh! Can you imagine how good the poster is going to be this year? I haven't even got to the part where I say that it's going to be in 3D. Well, here goes. This year, the Fantastic Fest poster WILL BE IN 3D! That's right...3-Dimensions of Jon Vermilyea Monsters!
I don't know about all you other Fantastic Fest warriors, but I cannot wait to see what he comes up with. The poster is still a ways off from completion, but if you like Jon's stuff (you better) Mondo is going to be doing several shirts with him in the very near future. As soon as updates are available, you better believe they'll be posted here.
Mar 01, 2009 | 3:33 PM
FF '07 Don Dohler documentary BLOOD BOOBS & BEAST on DVD today!
Few films at FF draw an even larger crowd for their second screening, but the response to the first show of BLOOD BOOBS AND BEAST was so strong that the following show was absolutely packed.
The documentary tells the tale of unjustly overlooked shoestring scifi/horror filmmaker Don Dohler, a Baltimore family man who spent decades making some of the most innovative and entertaining creature features the world has never seen. Documentarian John Paul Kinhart captured the drive, respectability and uniqueness of Dohler in BB&B, and the audience of reacted with a huge amount of interest and emotion despite the fact that 99% of them had never heard of the guy before.
The fact is: it's a great film about a great filmmaker, and the DVD is being released as I type this. If you haven't seen this movie, buy it, rent it or buy it twice.
Here's the film's website, and
here's the link to just up and purchase your own!
Feb 24, 2009 | 7:05 PM
Fantastic Fest presents Karaoke Apocalypse Mar 15
You always wanted to be in the band but didn't have the time, the energy or the talent. You wanted the chicks, the drugs, the booze, but you just couldn't get it together. Friends, you don't have to suffer your lame ass life anymore!Get instant rock-star-fantasy gratification with KARAOKE APOCALYPSE. Live band backed karaoke for indolent rock stars!
You get to lead the band through your own rendition of a classic punk rock or heavy metal number. Choose from over 80 timeless headbanging, fist pumping songs!
We'll provide a lyric sheet with easy to read lyrics and directions on the arrangement of the song, but you shouldn't need them...because this ain't your granddad's karaoke, this shit is for real!
If you've ever seen KARAOKE APOCALYPSE perform before, you know they're a solid, well-rehearsed, talented outfit of ass kickers- and yet they let you be the one in the spotlight. If this is really what the apocalypse is like, call me the anti-christ.
This party is going down at the abandoned Salvation Army space in the Alamo South Lamar shopping center on Sunday, March 15. The party will end in time for the "SXSW presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight" shows that night. Admission is free, and beer and cocktails will be available. There is no advance sign-up, please find the hostess day of the show.
This show is open to the public, but 2009 Fantastic Fest and SXSW Badge Holders will have priority admission.
Feb 20, 2009 | 8:24 AM
Showtimes posted for "SXSW presents Fantastic Fest" films
We've locked down the screening schedule for the six "SXSW presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight" titles. All titles will play at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar from the 13th to the 18th of March. Each title (with the exception of THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT) will screen twice. You can check out the full schedule on the Alamo Drafthouse site. If you click on any title, we have also uploaded trailers for all six films.Also, to answer a few questions we've been getting about access to these shows. The SXSW presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight program is part of the SXSW Film Festival. A Fantastic Fest 2009 Badge will not get you into these screenings, you must have a SXSW badge or pass. You can buy passes at any Alamo Drafthouse Cinema location, or click on www.sxsw.com for more options.
Feb 19, 2009 | 6:27 PM
SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight
Austin, Texas – February 17, 2008 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival announced the official titles for their new program “SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight,” kicking off with the International Film Festival Premiere of Ong Bak 2, the most anticipated new action film of the year. Six films from six countries comprise the lineup, featuring four international premieres, one North American premiere and one U.S. Premiere. From horror to action, to comedy and suspense, these six films collectively represent the spectrum of genre films featured in Austin’s annual Fantastic Fest. All films will play at midnight at the SXSW Film Festival at the Alamo South Lamar, in addition to the traditional SXSW Midnighters section, which will take place at the Alamo Ritz. The program will feature:
Ong Bak 2 (Thailand)Director: Tony Jaa. Writer: Panna Rittikrai
Martial-arts superstar Tony Jaa is back in an epic prequel to the 2003 action smash Ong Bak. Cast: Tony Jaa, Sorapong Chatree, Sarunyu Wongkrachang, Nirut Sirichanya, Santisuk Promsiri, Primorata Dejudom (International Film Festival Premiere)
Black (France)Director: Pierre Laffargue. Writer: Pierre Laffargue, Lucio Mad and Gábor Rassov
A nouveau-blacksploitation adventure awash in black magic, African Mysticism, mutant arms dealers, gargantuan machete-wielding mercenary armies and a truckload of knuckle-sandwiches. Cast: MC Jean Gab'1, Carole Karemera, François Levantal, Anton Yakovlev (World Premiere)
The Haunting in Connecticut (U.S.) Director: Peter Cornwell. Writer: Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe
In the tradition of such real-life horror movies as The Exorcist and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Haunting in Connecticut tells the astounding true story of one family's supernatural ordeal. Cast: Amanda Crew, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan (International Film Festival Premiere)
The Horseman (Australia)Director/Writer: Steve Kastrissios
When, Christian Forteski’s (Peter Marshall) drug addicted daughter dies after appearing in an amateur Porn Video, he deals with his grief by burning, kicking, smashing and stabbing his way through those responsible. Cast: Peter Marshall, Caroline Marohasy, Brad McMurray, Jack Henry, Evert McQueen (North American Premiere)
Lesbian Vampire Killers (UK)Director: Phil Claydon. Writer: Paul Hupfield and Stewart Williams
Matthew Horne and James Corden, the comedy duo behind the award-winning BBC comedy series Gavin and Stacey, are two hapless losers whose idyllic country holiday is shattered by the arrival of an army of thirsty lesbian vampires. Cast: Paul McGann, James Corden, Mathew Horne, MyAnna Buring, Silvia Colloca (World Premiere)
Pontypool (Canada)Director: Bruce McDonald. Writer: Tony Burgess
A seemingly ordinary day’s work at the radio station for Grant Mazzy (Stephen McHattie) turns sinister when calls begin to flood the station about violent outbreaks in and around Pontypool. Cast: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly, Hrant Alianak, Rick Roberts (U.S. Premiere)
The SXSW Film Festival (March 13 – 21 in Austin, TX) will open on March 13th with a screening of I Love You, Man, directed by John Hamburg and starring Paul Rudd, Jason Segel and Rashida Jones. The complete lineup and schedule can be found at http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/films/. SXSW will also host over 60 Film Conference panels, which will take place Friday, March 13 – Tuesday, March 17. For full panel descriptions and participants, visit www.sxsw.com/film/talks/panels. Check out http://www.sxsw.com/film often for more information and updates. For more information about Fantastic Fest (September 24 – October 1) visit www.fantasticfest.com.
South By Southwest Film Conference & Festival
SXSW offers a uniquely creative space for filmmakers, film fans, and even cinephiles to partake in the big and small picture discussions about filmmaking today. The Conference hosts a five-day adventure in the latest filmmaking trends and new technology, featuring Conversations with film icons, intimate mini-meetings and one-on-one mentor sessions with industry veterans. The internationally-acclaimed, nine-day Festival boasts some of the most wide-ranging programming of any US event of its kind, from provocative documentaries to subversive Hollywood comedies, with a special focus on emerging talents. Learn more at sxsw.com/film.
2009 Festival Sponsors
SXSW Film Conference and Festival is sponsored by Miller Lite, Fuze Beverage, ZonePerfect, The Independent Film Channel (IFC), Sierra Mist and The Austin Chronicle.
# # #
PLEASE NOTE: Media registration for SXSW Film is still open - contact Elizabeth Derczo at press@sxsw.com for instructions on requesting press credentials. Press credential requests must be submitted by Friday, February 20, 2009. Walk-up requests for press credentials will not be granted.
Press Contact:
Rebecca Feferman
Film Press Liaison
rebecca@sxsw.com
T: 512-467-7979 x 236
Elizabeth Derczo
Publicity & Credentials
press@sxsw.com
T: 512-467-7979 x 209
Tim League
director
Fantastic Fest
info@fantasticfest.com
T: 512-912-0529
Mar 22, 2009 | 9:32 PM
SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight
Austin, Texas – February 9, 2008 – The South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Conference and Festival announced today a new partnership with Fantastic Fest which will manifest through a new lineup in the official film festival program: “SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight.” Now in its 5th year, Alamo Drafthouse’s Fantastic Fest has quickly become one of the largest genre film festivals in the United States and has been dubbed “Geek Telluride” and “one of the 10 festivals we love” by Variety. “SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight” is a representative sample of the young festival’s signature midnight genre programming, featuring six new premieres exclusive to SXSW.“The Alamo Drafthouse has been an eleven-year partner of SXSW,” says Fantastic Fest director and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League. “In fact, our very first show at the original Alamo Drafthouse location was opening night of SXSW 1997. We are proud to work so closely with such a respected institution, and in 2009 with ‘SXSW Presents Fantastic Fest at Midnight,’ we plan to deliver one of the best movie experiences of the year for genre film fans.”
"We couldn't be more excited to enhance our Midnighters section with the infusion of six badass Fantastic Fest films," says SXSW Film Conference and Festival Producer Janet Pierson. "The Fantastic Fest, in its short life, has really added a lot of energy and fun here in Austin, and the Alamo Drafthouse is already such a natural and significant partner to SXSW, so it was a no-brainer to invite them to preview their program with us."
The full “SXSW presents Fantastic Fest at midnight” lineup will be announced later this month at www.sxsw.com. For more information about Fantastic Fest (September 24 - October 1) visit www.fantasticfest.com .
Feb 17, 2009 | 6:58 PM
FRIDAY THE 13th advance screening!
SPECIAL ADVANCE SHOWING with the new Jason, DEREK MEARS, live in person! Also, producers BRAD FULLER and ANDREW FORM will be in attendance for this screening!!
Jason Voorhees is THE undisputable icon of terror.
After a long vacation from terrorizing the denizens of Crystal Lake, he's back in this bold reinterpretation of the most popular horror franchise in the history of the genre: FRIDAY THE 13th! From the filmmaker behind 2003's TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and featuring a lead performance from SUPERNATURAL's Jared Padalecki, this is a new version of the FRIDAY films that looks to pay some serious respects to the finer points of the original series. Meaning the REAL star here is none other than everyone's most beloved psychopath, JASON VOORHEES, who'll be joining us for the show to field all questions and punish all horny teenagers!
Yep, the most eagerly anticipated horror film of the year is here, in a special FREE advance screening at Alamo . To get your tickets, email rsvp@fantasticfest.com with "CAMP CRYSTAL LAKE 4EVER" in the subject line. Winners will be randomly selected and announced/notified on Tuesday, Feb 10 by 5:00 PM!
Jan 29, 2009 | 4:38 PM
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