Today marks the start of the largest genre film festival in the United States – Fantastic Fest.
The festival is known for being a little out there, but Fantastic Fest and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League says that’s what makes it special.
“In the last five years or so it seems like it’s been the rise of the nerd,” League tells KUT News. In light of the comic book-based blockbusters filling theaters, League says the nerd demographic represents “a pretty significant arm of the spending economy and a lot of the movies coming out from Hollywood are geared towards us."
Many films set to premiere at this year’s festival many are highly anticipated by nerds and non-nerds alike. For example, writer/director Rian Johnson’s time-traveling Looper is sure to get genre crowds excited. Also making a debut at the festival is a remake of the 1984 ‘the Soviets are invading’ flick Red Dawn.
The film festival spotlights horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action movies, but film watching isn't the only attraction. The festival also includes debates, concerts, and a couple Nerd Rap Throw Downs.
Also back this year is the Fantastic Arcade, a free arcade open to the public at the Alamo’s sister establishment, The Highball, featuring games from designers here in Austin and around the world.
Fantastic Fest badges are sold out. Individual tickets will be sold during the festival.
