Festival news # 4
05/06/2006
The countdown has truly begun for the Fantastic Films Weekend – the UK's fastest growing festival of science fiction, horror and fantasy, hosted by the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television (NMPFT) – which begins on Friday, June 16. Read on for more exciting FFW news.
Harryhausen exhibition adds extra dynamic to FFW
The new NMPFT exhibition Myths and Visions: The Art of Ray Harryhausen opened on May 18 and celebrates the amazing life of this beloved pioneer of stop-motion animation. The exhibition contains a wealth of drawings, production designs, models and other treasures from Ray's personal archives and will be on show in the Museum until September. It will be accompanied by a series of films, including Mighty Joe Young (June 24 & 25) and Clash of the Titans (July 15), and special curators' talks. Myths and Visions will be open throughout the Fantastic Films Weekend. Admission is free.
Guests to join fans throughout 5 th Fantastic Films Weekend
Delegates will be delighted to learn that all our VIP guests – Robin Hardy, Robert Fuest and Julian Richards – have agreed to make themselves available to fans for the duration of their stay in Bradford. Robin Hardy will arrive at NMPFT around Saturday lunchtime – more than a day before his book signing and interview – while both Robert Fuest and Julian Richards will be with us from Friday.
All three are happy to meet and greet fans of their films and will be most susceptible to autograph requests if they are accompanied by an appropriate amount of flattery and a drink of their choice.
Free beer!
Now that we have your attention, delegates should note that Pictureville Bar's opening hours will be extended to 10.30pm on Friday and Sunday, and 11pm on Saturday. Bar snacks will include soup, Paninis and nachos. In addition the Intermission restaurant will remain open to serve hot food until 8pm on both Saturday and Sunday (but not Friday).
More kudos comes our way
Empire Online has praised FFW, calling us “excellent”. The back-slapping follows similar endorsements from the likes of The Guardian , The Independent and the BBC, all of which have been queuing up to be effusive in their praise of the Fantastic Films Weekend. Our favourite tribute comes from The Leeds Guide , which described our event as “perfect if you like your viewing off-centre, macabre or just grossly offensive”. You can't buy publicity like that.
Information for pass holders
Delegates who have purchased Weekend or Day passes should note that the passes themselves do not provide instant access to each and every screening or guest interview. To gain entry to theatres delegates should ensure they receive a ticket from the NMPFT box office for all their preferred options. This prevents the risk of double booking in the event of a sell-out. Please abide by this system to ensure FFW goes as smoothly as possible.
Passes are selling steadily and are available online. Get yours by visiting our website at www.nmpft.org.uk/fantastic
The FFW all-nighter
Plans to host an all-night screening of George Romero's ‘Dead' movies were thwarted due to costs and staffing issues. However we hope to resurrect this idea in 2007 and would like to hear fans' suggestions for what could be programmed. We are already considering the Terminator trilogy and a grouping of John Carpenter classics. All other suggestions are welcome.
Passes for the 5 th Fantastic Films Weekend are available at £35 (Weekend; £30 concessions and Friends of Film) and £15 (Day; £12.50 concessions and Friends of Film) from the Box Office on 0870 70 10 200.
Best wishes,
The Fantastic Films Team