Editor

The inaugural Fantastic Fest (Oct. 6-9, 2005) will present sneak previews of Robert Rodriguez & Frank Miller’s SIN CITY: RECUT & EXTENDED; John Gulager’s Project Greenlight horror film FEAST as a work-in-progress; and Werner Herzog’s science-fiction fantasy THE WILD BLUE YONDER (Winner, FIPRESCI Prize, 2005 Venice Film Festival).

SIN CITY: RECUT & EXTENDED expands the hit film into a trilogy of stand-alone stories, featuring new footage and extended scenes. (Fantastic Fest will be the first and perhaps only opportunity to see this new version on the big screen.) Meanwhile, the fest will offer audiences their first chance to see FEAST, the new horror film directed by John Gulager and executive produced by Wes Craven as part of Bravo’s Project Greenlight Season 3, presented as a work-in-progress. And science-fiction fans will be treated to THE WILD BLUE YONDER, legendary director Werner Herzog’s haunting blend of fiction and docudrama chronicling a space shuttle mission that cannot return to Earth.

The festival will also host a special behind-the-scenes presentation for A SCANNER DARKLY by producer Tommy Pallotta, who will offer a sneak peek at select completed footage from Richard Linklater’s forthcoming adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s novel, and conduct a Q&A.

Other newly announced programming includes:

ALL ABOUT MY DOG [Dir. Various; Japan 2005] – An anthology of eight short films about dogs and their humans, produced by Taka Ichise (Juon: The Grudge, Ringu).

THE BIRTHDAY [Dir. Eugenio Mira; USA 2005] – A real-time black comedy starring Corey Feldman, Jack Taylor and Erica Prior.

MALEFIQUE [Dir. Eric Valette; France 2002] – Four prisoners find a mysterious book of black magic that offers them freedom. (Winner, Prix Vision – 2003 Avignon Film Festival)


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MAREBITO [Dir. Takashi Shimizu; Japan 2004] – The director of The Grudge crafts a gripping horror mystery set beneath Tokyo. (Winner, Golden Raven Award – 2005 Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film)

P [Dir. Paul Spurrier; Thailand, 2005] – A young orphan girl in Thailand is taught the ways of magic by her grandmother, but gradually loses control as something evil takes over, with horrific consequences.

PULSE [Dir. Kiyoshi Kurosawa; Japan, 2001] – A group of teens investigate a series of suicides linked to a webcam that promises a chance to interact with the dead. (Critics Award Winner, 2001 Sitges Film Festival)

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DORKS [Dir. Matthias Dinter; Germany 2005] – Three terminally unpopular high school friends wake up in a morgue as the living dead, and find death has its advantages. (Audience Award Winner, 2005 Fantasia Film Festival)

STRINGS [Dir. Anders Rønnow Klarlund; Sweden 2004] – A stunning, stirring and startling marionette fantasy of love, honor and vengeance. (Winner Best Directorial Revelation and Grand Prize of European Fantasy Film, 2004 Sitges Film Festival)

The Opening Night selection is ZATHURA, director Jon Favreau’s adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s best-selling sci-fi adventure. (Favreau, actor Dax Shepard and producer Peter Billingsly will attend the screening and after-party at the Austin Elks Lodge, which will feature live music, beers from Independence Brewery, appetizers catered by the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar’s executive chef John Bullington, and a Zathura-inspired room of vintage board games.)

Previously announced films include Mark Mylod’s THE BIG WHITE starring Robin Williams, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Giovanni Ribisi, Alison Lohman, Tim Blake Nelson, and James Woods; Christopher Smith’s CREEP starring Franka Potente; Paul Fox’s THE DARK HOURS; and Greg McLean’s WOLF CREEK.

Short films include the premiere of MOONGIRL from master animator Henry Selick; select episodes of the surreal Japanese “mannequin drama” series THE FUCCON FAMILY (aka OH! MIKEY); selections from the acclaimed UNSEEN CINEMA collection of early American avant-garde film, including Orson Welles’ first film THE HEARTS OF AGE (1934) and David Bradley’s SREDNI VASHTAR (1941-1943).