Though 2017 has been “a difficult year for the fest due to the actions of a group of people,” admits a panelist [past sexual misconduct of friend of the fest Harry Knowles, and Devin Faraci, a former employee of its affiliated company, has come under scrutiny], “Fantastic Fest is progressive and outlandish when it comes to carnivalesque stunts and events.” “Fantastic Fest has proven itself nearly unmatched” in parties, adds a panelist. Plus, shenanigans and business aren’t mutually exclusive. One panelist admits to taking work-and-play to the next level: “the sequel to my film was solidified in a karaoke room in the Highball bar in the wee hours of the night.” Come for the films, stay to acquire your own Texas yarns.
A massive pillow fight unfolds during the opening night party at Fantastic Fest 2017. Photograph by Jack Plunkett
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Loved reading this, especially seeing Roger Corman, Larry Cohen(THE STUFF), Michael Moriarty(Q THE WINGED SERPENT), Adrienne Barbeau(ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK) and more recognizable memorable greats in film. Thanks for sharing!
Who knew there are so many fests dedicated to horror. Excited to have these in my conscious reservoir to keep up with their output in the future.
I felt it could have had more members to the panel more diversity of people who head to the larger fests as well as the rest. Of course there will be interweaving festivals but this list primarily focuses on larger ones but does not include many of the fests who r in the mid part of the US among other things.
Don't get me wrong, I'm Not putting down what this article is and contains. For me, it's not a piece that shows festivals that are on the rise or in the tier below many of these. Have nothing but respect for panel and the writer. No doubt more incarnations to come ... ;)
Missing Nightmares FILM FEST!!!
Solid list, but missing the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival is a huuuuge oversight. One of the best genre film festivals in Europe since 1983! One of the few festivals I've been to worldwide that truly has unique, internal festival culture. Really fosters a sense of community.
Other stuff worth mentioning includes:
Shockproof (Prague)
Next Fest (Los Angeles)
PUFF (Philadelphia)
Telluride Horror Show (Telluride, Colorado)
I feel like this is not a complete list of the best genre fests! some of these are all genre fest with a horror event thrown in. What about my favorite one Shriekfest? I've been submitting and involved with that fest for years now and they treat everyone great! The fest director is the best I've ever met!