Since its beginning in 2005, the annual Fantastic Film Fest hosted by Alamo Drafthouse has become a haven for lovers of horror, indie, and genre films: providing a space where audiences can enjoy films that often escape mainstream attention. With a focus on experimental, niche, and international filmmaking, Fantastic Fest has continuously created a passionate community of film lovers and creators, promoting a space where creativity thrives and diverse cinematic experiences are celebrated.
For Heidi, a dedicated fan from Toronto, this year marks her fourth visit to the festival. Attracted by the festival’s diverse lineup and vibrant community, she has found herself returning each year for a unique experience.
“It’s the kind of film festival where you can see films that you wouldn’t really normally see in, like, a normal like Cineplex or AMC,” Heidi said.
Heidi emphasized that Fantastic Fest offers more than just horror as it spotlights unique and experimental films from various genres and filmmakers around the world. This variety and the opportunity to meet and connect with other fans she loves most is a major draw to the festival for Heidi.
“You can change your schedule as you go, based on what other people are talking about,” Heidi said. “Talking to people in line about what they’ve seen helps me figure out what to watch next.”
Mike Mayer, a film enthusiast from Brooklyn, New York, came to the festival for the first time this year on a friend’s recommendation. During his first year in attendance, Mayer discovered new films that he was surprised that he thoroughly enjoyed.
“My friend Billy texted me in January and was like, ‘Do you want to go to Fantastic Fest?’”Mayer said. “It’s a bit of an expenditure. Hotels are kind of expensive, flights are kind of expensive, but I love the movies.”
He particularly enjoyed the fact that the festival provides a space for films of all kinds, whether they’re critically acclaimed masterpieces or films that cater to niche audiences. Each year, the diversity of films creates an exciting and interesting atmosphere around the festival.
“At heart, I love a bad movie. I love a good movie,” Mayer said. “This is a great space for all sorts of things to exist.”
Filmmaker Ben Hanson from Fargo, North Dakota, attended the festival this year to showcase a micro-budget comedy “AJ Goes to the Dog Park”. Toby Jones, a writer of OK K.O! asked him to be the producer of the film, and Hanson found himself involved in the production despite never having produced a movie before.
“He asked me to be the producer on it, which is funny because we’re very good friends,” Hanson said. “He knows I’m a movie nerd, but I’ve never produced anything. It’s surreal, not knowing how to do something did not stop me from jumping in with enthusiasm.”
Hanson believed that the festival’s intimate atmosphere and high energy added to the appeal. He also mentioned that being surrounded by both fans and fellow filmmakers enhances the experience, making the festival that much more exciting.
“It is all right in one place,” Hanson said. “And you can talk to and feed off the energy of everybody that’s there.”
For Austin native, Seth Haley, attending Fantastic Fest is more than just an annual event. It has become a tradition, loved by the whole family.
“This is my second year here,” Haley said. “My dad and my brother have been for years and years and years.”
Haley attended nearly every screening he could fit into his schedule, with “Escape from the 21st Century” being a stand-out film he viewed at the festival. He praised the festival’s diverse and extensive film lineup.
“I just like the diversity of movie programming,” Haley said. “There’s so many options.”
The team behind the scenes works tirelessly to make sure the festival runs smoothly, especially for filmmakers attending to showcase their work. Bex Feldbin, the Film Directors Services Director, has been working at the festival for six years now and finds her role incredibly rewarding.
“I help the filmmakers, schedule their hotels, and advise them on their flights and other things,” Feldbin said. “That’s just my favorite part, is just getting to support these filmmakers who have put a lot of time into a film and are finally getting to see it play somewhere and to an audience.”
Fantastic Fest continues to grow in popularity, attracting both seasoned and emerging filmmakers who see it as a vital opportunity to showcase their work. Fantastic Fest’s mix of varied genres and its inclusive, energetic vibe create an enjoyable cinematic experience for attendees, according to Heidi and Haley. Whether it’s a micro-budget comedy, an avant-garde indie flick, or a thrilling horror film, Fantastic Fest continues to offer something for everyone, ensuring that it remains a staple of Austin’s vibrant film scene.
