Fantastic Fest has grown into one of the can’t-miss events for geeks in Austin and across the country. Making its triumphant return to the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar from September 18 – 25, this year’s festival is shaping up to be just as unforgettable as previous years.
In August, the first tantalizing wave of programming was announced. Tusk, the new horror-comedy from Kevin Smith will premiere at the festival; in addition, there will be appearances by legendary film critic Leonard Matlin and fast-rising comedy superstars Kumail Nanjiani and Jonah Ray.
Fantastic Fest is adding to the anticipation of its 10th anniversary with the latest programming announcement. Keanu Reeves returns to the festival with his next film, John Wick, which will be released nationwide on October 24. Reeves plays an assassin who comes out of retirement to take on gangsters who took everything from him.
Several gems have been added to the film lineup. A special highlight for animation fans will be the U.S. premiere of The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film is the latest release from the iconic Studio Ghibli in Japan.
And horror fans can catch the Texas premiere of Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead, the much anticipated sequel to the 2009 cult-classic Norwegian film. Also, Japanese director Takashi Miike returns to his horror roots with Over Your Dead Body, an adaptation of a classic Japanese ghost story.
The annual Fantastic Debates, which combine a debate with a boxing match, will return again this year. The main event features Matt Mason, chief content officer for BitTorrent, Inc. Anyone who thinks BitTorrent is a detriment to sustaining the independent film industry, can submit a response video to Fantastic Fest. One winner will challenge Mason in the Fantastic Debates during the festival.
Fantastic Arcade, free and open to the public, sets up shop in the lobbies of the Alamo Drafthouse and the Highball. You can play numerous games from some of the best independent developers in the country.
For more programming details, visit the Fantastic Fest website.
Fantastic Fest will also feature Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead, the sequel to the cult classic Norwegian flick about Nazi zombies.
Tancho Sushi offers affordable omakase.
Photo courtesy of Tancho Sushi
