Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my film to Fantastic Fest?
Approximately 35% of the films at Fantastic Fest are selected through the submission process. For 2009, we are exclusively using Without A Box for submissions. Submissions for the 2009 Festival close on July 17, 2009.
What is Fantastic Fest?
Fantastic Fest is an eight day festival of the best new Sci-Fi, Horror, Fantasy and genre films, as well as choice classic and obscure cult titles from all over the world.
Fantastic Fest was created to offer exposure to genre films which are often overlooked by the traditional festival circuit. We strive to offer acquisition, media and exhibition opportunities for undistributed films as well as to spotlight upcoming genre theatrical releases and give audiences a chance to see 35mm prints of repertory genre classics.
Where is Fantastic Fest held and where should I stay?
The majority of screenings at Fantastic Fest screenings are held on multiple screens of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema located on South Lamar in Austin, Texas. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema was named the best theater in the country by Entertainment Weekly in 2005. Additional screenings are held at other venues in Austin including the historic Paramount Theater and the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz. For a map of nearby hotels and the venues, click here.
When is the Festival held?
Dates vary slightly year to year, but the 2009 Fantastic Fest runs from September 24-October 1.
When will the Fantastic Fest lineup be announced?
Pertinent dates for the 2009 Festival:
First wave of content announced: July 13, 2009
Second wave of content announced: August 10, 2009
Schedule Announced: September 3, 2009
Festival Begins: September 24, 2009
Join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for updates and special screenings throughout the year.
Who is behind Fantastic Fest?
Fantastic Fest was founded by Tim League from the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Harry Knowles from Ain't It Cool News. Co-founders are Paul Alvarado-Dykstra and Tim McCanlies. Tim League serves at the Festival Director and the programming team includes Twitchfilm.com founder Todd Brown, Cinema is Dope's Blake Ethridge, Twitchfilm.com's Rodney Perkins, and the Alamo Drafthouse's Lars Nilsen, Henri Mazza and Zack Carlson. Matt Kiernan is the Fantastic Fest Sponsor Coordinator. The volunteer coordinator is Lyrae Anderson.
What non-festival dining and entertainment options do you recommend for out of towners?
We know you won't have too much time for the famous Austin nightlife since you'll be gorging on movies with the rest of us, but you still have a chance to get a taste of Austin during the day. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite Austin-area attractions. We have compiled a list of Day Activities and Austin restaurant recommendations for our out of town guests. If you would like recommendations for anything else to do in Austin, come and see me (Tim League) during the fest and I should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Fantastic Fest merchandise is available online at Mondo Tees