In just 24 hours, over 600 people requested over 1200 seats for TROPIC THUNDER! Is it because of the film itself, the first film since the now-classic ZOOLANDER to be helmed by comedy mogul Ben Stiller, or is it because of “The Shit”, a death-defying tunnel of paintball destruction we’re installing in front of the Alamo South Lamar?! We know…it’s Downey Jr.

So here it goes… We selected, by means of highly sophisticated randomizing technology, an equal amount of seats from two catagories: Fantastic Fest badge-holders and the general public. Winners get a seat, invaluable real estate, in the theater to watch the free advance screening of the most hilarious, blazing, raging film in the history of comedy

In alphabetical order, here is the list of the folks who just got really lucky…

Adkins, Michael +1
Bassett, Brandy +1
Betts, Eric +1
Bidari, Gopal +1
Budd, Eric +1
Burns, Kevin
Calderon, Tino +1
Cao, Tamara +1
Carter, Michael +1
Couch, Andy +1
Cox, Edward +1
Cromer, Shannon +1
Davitt, Kendra +1
De La Rosa, Emit +1
De La Torre, Diana +1
De Los Santos, Celeste +1
Delapp, Tron +1
DeLeón-Serratos, Jesús +1
DePasqual, Victor +1
Dierksen, John David +1
Donner, Austin +1
Douglas, Dustin +1
Duttweiler, Darcie +1
Eustace, D’Anne Hiskey +1
Frost, Geoffrey +1
Fuller, Chris +1
Garcia, Esmeralda +1
Garcia, Jason +1
Gaston, Gary +1
Giesberg, David +1
Gouz, Aaron
Green, Dusty +1
Gus, George +1
Hazelwood, Ashley +1
Hinkle, Gretchen +1
Hsu, Eugene +1
Jackson, Dave +1
Jackson, Elliot +1
Jennings, Christina +1
Jennings, Steve +1
Jones, Nikki +1
Kennedy, Heather +1
Kim, Eugenie +1
King, Daniel +1
Lau, Eric +1
McLaughlin, Halarie +1
Miller, Troy +1
Monserrat, Andre +1
Nguyen, Khanh T +1
Nystul, Brian +1
O’Donnell, William +1
Ohlson, Rell +1
Ortega, Tanya +1
Parr, David +1
Perdue, Lauren
Puente, Fabian +1
Reese, Dshanya +1
Rosas, Rita +1
Rousseau, Eric Alan +1
Saucedo, Alyssa +1
Smith, Donald Christopher +1
Straight, Eddie +1
Tange, Darren +1
Thomas, Erin +1
Tomlinson, Tara +1
Volpe, Evan +1
Ward, Franklin Jr. +1
Webb, Erik +1
Wesely, Andrew
Wiley, Elizabeth +1
Williams, Dylan Shane +1
Williams, Steve +1
Wilson, Greg +1
Wilson, Ken +1
Woodcock, Gary +1
Yarbrough, Emily +1
Zafros, Stephen +1

If you’re on the list, show up EARLY. The movie starts at 10PM and we’ve got a date with THE SHIT beforehand and a big line of stand-by folks betting you’re AWOL. If you’re not at the Alamo South Lamar by 9:30p (at the latest), not only did you miss some psychologically traumatizing paintball action, you might have lost your seat to someone with the stones.

I am afraid and excited.

:FEATURED EVENTS AT THE ALAMO RITZ:

- AIR SEX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS -
: Alamo Ritz : Friday, Aug 1 :

Whether you’re coming down to compete for your chance at the ultimate in NC-17 air glory or you just want to watch the insanity from the comfort of your seat, this weekend’s AIR SEX competition is not to be missed. Fair warning, though, for those of you planning on only watching – I’m going to try my damndest to get you to compete. And when you come up on stage, you’ll feel true ecstasy like never before.

- MASTER PANCAKE THEATER presents JURASSIC PARK -
: Alamo Ritz : Sat : Aug 2 :

OK, let’s be honest: we know we’re supposed to be mocking BAD movies and JURASSIC PARK is mostly pretty GOOD, but we’ve discovered that when people are really scared it makes them laugh harder at our jokes. Also, we really wanted to play the drinking game with a group of 150 folks shouting “Hello, Newman” every time Wayne Knight’s character appears on screen.

- THE MOMMIE DEAREST BRUNCH -
: Alamo Ritz : Sun, Aug 3 :

Holy Drag Brunch! In the belief that we all want to spend our Sunday mornings sipping delicious mimosas, munching on creme brulee french toast, and judging a Joan Crawford drag competition, 175 Media brings you the world’s first and greatest MOMMIE DEAREST Brunch!

- OKIE NOODLING 2 -
: Alamo Ritz : Sun, Aug 3 – Weds, Aug 6 :

OKIE NOODLING 2 is Bradley Beesley’s new installment in an oddly charming series about real-life fishermen who practice the marginalized (and dangerous) method of bare-handed fishing. Beesley has been quoted as saying ‘eventually I’d like to make a movie that evokes as much emotion as Terry Zwigoff’s CRUMB…but my immediate goal is to catch a 40-pound catfish with my bare hands.”

- THE PRINCESS BRIDE QUOTE-ALONG -
: Alamo Ritz : Thurs, Aug 7 :

Back again for one more night, it’s one of the most popular Quote-Alongs of all time. The first three nights of this show sold out FAST, so grab your tickets now unless you want to spend the whole night in the Pit of Despair.

- The 90s ALTERNATIVE SING-ALONG -
: Alamo Ritz : Thurs, Aug 7 :

Also back again for an encore showing, this year’s version of the 90s ALTERNATIVE Sing-Along. Filled to the brim with angst and Alanis, this show is guaranteed to make you yell, “Fuck you, I won’t do what you told me!” while you’re staring at a Wonderwall and wondering where I was while you were getting high. – And to let you know where I was, I was staring at the beautiful women with Mr. Jones. I’m sorry I missed it, though; it sounds like you had a lot of fun.

:FEATURED EVENTS AT THE ALAMO SOUTH LAMAR:

- THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR -
: Alamo South Lamar : Opens Friday :

Brendan Fraser returns as explorer Rick O’Connell to combat the resurrected Han Emperor (Jet Li) in an epic that races from the catacombs of ancient China high into the frigid Himalayas. Something tells me that the resurrected Han Emperor will be no match for the resurrected Encino Man, though.

- The MAMMA MIA! Sing-Along -
: Alamo South Lamar : Tues, Aug 5 :

You were humming along to yourself when you watched it last week anyway, so for this special screening we’re going to not only allow, but REQUIRE everyone in the audience to belt out every song at the top of their ABBA-loving lungs.

- The ABBA Sing-Along -
: Alamo South Lamar : Mon, Aug 4 :

One night before the MAMMA MIA! show, Softball Austin is presenting this special encore presentation of our ever-popular ABBA Sing-Along. Warm up for the movie show with the original members of ABBA, and try not to cry during THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL. You will fail.

- The DIONYSIUM -
: Alamo South Lamar : Weds, Aug 6 :

f you’ve never been to a meeting of THE DIONYSIUM, the Salvage Vanguard Theater’s own thinking and drinking debate society, this week’s show is definitely a good one to pop your cherry on. The always lovable Owen Egerton will be debating the resolution, “The US penny should be removed from circulation” against venerable Austin improv icon Les McGehee. Neither of them have spent time in a federal mint, but they’ve both used plenty of pennies in their lifetime, and feel very qualified to present their arguments.

- Free Summer Kids Club: TMNT -
: Alamo South Lamar : Mon – Thurs :

When monsters begin appearing in New York City and are pursued by both the mysterious Foot Clan (another group of crackerjack Ninjas) and some menacing stone statues that have come to life, everyone’s favorite pizza-loving turtles must band together under the tutelage of their sensei, a mutated rat named Master Splinter (Mako), and fight for their city.

:FEATURED EVENTS AT THE ALAMO VILLAGE:

- PINEAPPLE EXPRESS -
: Alamo Village and Lamar : Opens Weds, Aug 6 :

Rogan, who co-wrote and stars here, plays nowhere-heading pothead process server Dale Denten and fellow FREAKS AND GEEKS alum James Franco stars as Dale’s perma-high pot-dealer Saul. When Dale witnesses a murder and the murderers witness Dale witnessing them murder, Dale and Saul gets swept up in an epic cat ‘n mouse action/stoner/buddy/gang-warfare riot that never comes down from its high.

This Friday, August 1st, 2008, Red Hour Films, Dreamworks Pictures and The Alamo Drafthouse will proudly present an advance screening of the most hilarious, blazing, raging film in the history of comedy: TROPIC THUNDER. And even better: it’s free to get in.

BUT there is a catch. To get you into the right mindset for this movie, select attendees may have to make it through “THE SHIT,” which is nothing short of a paintball tunnel of shrieking death. Want to get the first shot in Austin to see what is shaping up to be the funniest movie of the summer?

Show us you have the stones to face “THE SHIT.” To enter to win tickets to the screening, all you have to do is email us at getsome@fantasticfest.com! half of the tickets are reserved for Fantastic Fest Badge Holders, half for the general public. If you are 2008 Badge Fantastic Fest badge holder, write “FANTASTIC THUNDER” in the subject line of the email. If you are not a 2008 Fantastic Fest badge holder, write “REGULAR THUNDER” in the subject line. In the body of your email, enter your name and whether you desire one or two tickets.

Winners will be drawn at random and announced at 10:00 PM on Wednesday, July 30, then posted to Ain’t It Cool News and the Alamo Blog, Fantastic Fest blog and the Alamo Facebook Page.

About Fantastic Fest:
With over 100 films from more than 30 countries, Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the United States. The unique event features the best of new crime, horror, action, science fiction, fantasy and all-around badass cinema from across the globe. Fantastic Fest also offers unique free screenings for badge-holders throughout the year including this TROPIC THUNDER event. For more information or to buy a badge, check out www.fantasticfest.com .

Today’s Variety article is only the latest example of the industry at large coming around to Fantastic Fest. Expect to see a lot more deals being made this year, more first-timers and most importantly more great films and the pervading spirit of fun and film appreciation.

I was sadly out of town for this year’s Austin Air Guitar finals at Stubb’s BBQ on Friday. Apparently the live music capitol of the world extends to virtual music as well, as the cast of Austin Air Guitar finalists took it strong to the stage.

Grand prize winner in this year’s competition was M.O.D., a first-year competitor who started the season tentative, but ended… blistering.

Read the complete blow by blow on the Air Guitar USA blog here. Next up in the air performance scene is the AIR SEX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS held right here in Austin on September 18!

Last week, Salon ran an essay by some woman who doesn’t like summer. She gets all whiny about “feeling this pressure to go out and enjoy myself.” WTF? That’s why summer RULES! You can go out and spend the day in the sun, cool off by breaking into a nearby apartment complex’s pool, then spend the night watching the biggest and most explosive movies of the year!

What more could you possibly want out of a season than Will Ferrell comedies (STEP BROTHERS opens this week at the Village!), superhero movies (THE DARK NIGHT and HANCOCK are still saving the day at the Ritz, Lamar, and Village), and a little bit of light summer fun to wash it all down with (if you haven’t seen MAMMA MIA! at Lamar yet, you owe it to yourself)?

Summer is perfect. Especially *this* summer. Keep drinking it in.

FEATURED EVENTS AT THE ALAMO RITZ

- THE DARK KNIGHT -
: Alamo Ritz, Lamar & Village : Now Playing :

Did you see it yet???? It’s SOOOOOO good! I can already tell that I am going to watch and rewatch this movie in a way that I haven’t done since Beetlejuice first came out and I was in junior high. Also! GET THE BAT WINGS APP SPECIAL. Trust me on that one.

- MASTER PANCAKE THEATER mauls CATWOMAN -
: Alamo Ritz : Fri & Sat : July 25 & 26 :

Getting Harvey Dent and the Joker and Batman and Gordon to play around on screen is nice, but what about everyone’s favorite Batman “love interest” from the TV series and comics? Fortunately, Catwoman had her own movie a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, it’s kind of HORRIBLE. But this is *definitely* one of the So-Horrible-You-Have-To-See-It movies, in other words, the absolute perfect fodder for the boys of Master Pancake Theater and their patented movie-mockery. And because I can’t help myself – this show is sure to be purrrrr-fect! (And seriously, that’s how Halle Berry talks in the movie – awesome!)

- $2 Music Monday: WESLEY WILLIS’ JOYRIDES -
: Alamo Ritz : Mon, July 28 :

A portrait of the self proclaimed rock ‘n’ roll star and “Chicago City Artist” Wesley Willis. Despite impossible odds, Chicago native Wesley Willis became an underground rock icon, revered artist and hero to many before his untimely death in 2003. Through his force of personality and artistic talents, Wesley’s music and art attracted people from all walks of life. This excellent film, constructed from many years of interviews and candid footage, follows the prolific artist on his journey from obscurity to fame. It was one of our favorite films at SXSW this year and we can’t wait to see it again.

FEATURED EVENTS AT THE ALAMO SOUTH LAMAR

- MAMMA MIA! -
: Alamo South Lamar : Now Playing :

If you spent all of last week watching THE DARK KNIGHT, treat yourself to something utterly light this weekend with the film Slate calls, “delightfully dorky,” and for good reason. Because is the idea of a musical movie set to the tunes of ABBA a dorky thing to pursue? Heck yes. But that’s precisely why it’s so much fun.

- Free Kids Club: GOOD BURGER -

Honestly, this movie is WWWAAAYYYY funnier than you’d expect it to be…an endless array of genuinely intelligent sight gags and goofball characters. If you like laughing and/or burgers, this is a show you can’t miss. Really!

- AFS Essential Cinema: THE BAND’S VISIT -

When an Egyptian police orchestra gets lost on its way to a performance in Israel, the band and their stoic leader wind up far from home in an obscure Israeli village. Lightly approaching the political issues that surround the band’s visit, this charming, heartfelt comedy shows how people of all cultures share the trials of friendship and romance.

FEATURED EVENTS AT THE ALAMO VILLAGE

- STEP BROTHERS -
: Alamo Village :Opens Friday, July 25 :

Ferrell and Reilly play Brennen and Dale, two fully-grown, unemployed only-children who become sudden step brothers when Brennen’s mom (Mary Steenbergen) marries Dale’s dad (Richard Jenkins). As their narcissism and downright aggressive laziness threaten to tear the family apart, these two middle-aged boys will orchestrate an insane, elaborate plan to bring their parents back together.
: Alamo South Lamar : Tues, July 29 :
: Alamo South Lamar : Mon – Thurs :

The new montage for upcoming shows at the Alamo went up onscreen this past weekend, but you don’t have to wait for the next time you’re here to check it out because it’s also RIGHT HERE!

Many American filmgoers are fans of Edgar Wright’s luminous zombie send-up SHAUN OF THE DEAD and his action-flick parody HOT FUZZ, but not nearly enough Americans are familiar with the hilarious BBC show that paved the way for his (as well as his leading men Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s) giant leap onto the big screen. Originally pitched as “a cross between The Simpsons, The X-Files and Northern Exposure,” SPACED follows the colorful and surreal misadventures of Tim (Pegg) and Daisy (Hynes) who constantly discover new unproductive ways to kill time while trying to figure out what they want out of life.

If you are reading this blog, then you are probably one of the approximately 900 people who sent in for a chance to win tickets to this incredible show- the SPACED Marathon with director Edgar Wright and stars Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes live in person!

There were actually two chances here to win tickets. Harry Knowles and the Ain’t It Cool News crew had a contest last week, and to recap, here are the winners of the AICN ticket giveaway…

Matthew Lumb-Mielke + 1
John Cason
Garry Littler
Father Shane Tharp
Mark Jackson
Erin Mattingly
John Camara
Cody Cobb
Rebecca Jones
Tina Brooks
Amanda Gillispie + 1
Laura Ryan-Day + 1
Anthony Fondacaro + 1
Alisha Hoffmann
Kyle Bogart
Cliff Bogart
Richard Heim
Kimberly Locke
Calli Bertschy
Stephanie Monica
Joanna Suckling
Aaron McAbee
Kristen Daniels
Brian Satterwhite
Allison Burch
Jeff Mosteller + 1
Michael Armijo + 1
Kate Richey
Fitz Meshbane
Rebecca Elliott
Tina Robinson + 1
Joel Vallie
Michelle Vallie
Brook Kindburg
Dylan Ladmbardie
Mary Tidwell
Lennart Bleisch
Chris Ladusky
Shannon Howard
Chelsea Sendejo
Stephanie Hite + 1
Tom Fuchs + 1
Diana De La Torre
Daisy De La Torre
Caty Schexnaider
Melissa Dalley
Alyssa Delgado
Jessica Gray
Heather Cain
Sean Huntsman
Danielle LeBlanc + 1
Jessica Hughes
Susan Broyles
Karen Broyles
Kim Osmer
Tamar Madrigal + 1
Nancy E Upton
Chris Castleberry
Mark Eggert
Jessica Cargill + 1
Darren Tange + 1
Johnny Wise
Amy Wages + 1
Chris Green + 1
Celeste De Los Santos

Then The Alamo Drafthouse and Fantastic Fest had some tickets to giveaway as well. Here are the winners of our lottery…

Acuna, Cristina +2
Bailey, Robin
Burch, Robert
Culp, Austin +1
Demint, Robert
Do, Hai +1
Donegan, Jill +1
Dykstra, Paul +1
Ellisor, Kristen +1
Guerrero, David +1
Ha, Bobb X
Heller, Anne +1
Janis, Melanie +1
Kromer, Kayla
Mackey, Kristopher +1
Moher, Trinity
Monserrat, Andre
Moore, Leslye +1
Mullen, Luke +1
Ohlson, Rell +1
Owens, Marcus
Pendergast, Holly +2
Popkoff, Chris +1
Saucedo, Alyssa +1
Smith, Matt +1
Stevens, Caitlin
Tomlinson, Mick +1
Ward, Frank +1
Watkins, Ryan

We want to thank everyone who sent in a request for seats- it’s so great to know how many other SPACED fans there are out there! If you have never seen the show, we HIGHLY recommend you check it out when the COMPLETE SERIES (!) comes out on DVD July 22nd!

If you are not on either of these lists, your dreams aren’t dashed just yet. We expect there to be a number- a very small number, probably 10 or so- of seats available to stand-by folks. But don’t even think about camping out! We want to see the show too, but we know that camping out angers the 6th Street Gods.

Beginning at 3pm on Sunday, we will hand out 40 (and only 40!) lottery-style stand-by tickets to people who do not already have a ticket to the show. Ten minutes before show time, we will draw numbers for as many tickets as there are seats available. Single seats only.

Congrats to the winners and enjoy!

Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: First Wave of Fantastic Fest content announced

Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, Austin, TX

Fantastic Fest, September 18-25, 2008

Contact:
Tim League
(512) 912-0529
info@fantasticfest.com
www.fantasticfest.com

We are proud to announce the first wave of our feature film programming for the 2008 edition of Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas. For the past 9 months, we have been scouring the globe for the strangest, the most heart-pounding and the most challenging new genre films. With over 100 films representing over 30 countries, Fantastic Fest is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. We are proud to announce our first slate of 22 confirmed feature films. Also included is information about our signature Fantastic Fest special events and parties.

Feature films:
Art of the Devil 3 (2008, Thailand, director: Ronin Team)
A prequel to one of the most graphic and visually creative horror movies in recent times, ART OF THE DEVIL 3 is a tale of unrequited love set amid the exotic world of rural Thai black magic.

Cargo 200 (2007, Russia, director: Aleksei Balabanov)
Acclaimed Russian director Balabanov’s tale interweaves stories of cowardice, corruption and horror set against the backdrop of the birth of perestroika in the Soviet Union.

Dark Floors (2008, Finland, director: Pete Riski)
Finnish heavy metal legends Lordi (dressed in their actual stage costumes!!!) star as demons from another dimension who torment a band of strangers trapped in a hospital.

Doctor Infierno (2008, Spain, director: Paco Limon)
A demented gynecologist discovers a cure for all the world’s illnesses and uses it as leverage to become sole dictator of the earth. Jam-packed with monsters, kung fu, battling robots and deviant sexual practices, DR. INFIERNO doesn’t let budget get in the way of executing a mountain of crazy ideas. Director Paco Limon live in person!

Donkey Punch (2008, United Kingdom, director: Oliver Blackburn)
Seven sexy young Brits are hanging out on a “borrowed” yacht for a day of drugs, debauchery, and ultimately donkey punching. It’s the last activity that causes everything to unravel. After the screening, follow us to Ladybird Lake for the potentially inappropriate Donkey Punch Boat Party.

Eagle Eye (2008, USA, director: D.J. Caruso)
Two strangers (Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan) become the pawns of a mysterious woman they have never met, but who seems to know their every move. Realizing they are being used to further her evil plans, they must work together to outwit the woman before she has them killed. During the week of the festival, take part in the EAGLE EYE cell phone scavenger hunt. Director D.J. Caruso (DISTURBIA) live in person!

Estomago: A Gastronomic Story (2007, Brazil, director: Marcos Jorge)
Love, sex, jealousy, food and murder in the streets and prisons of Brazil. Fantastic Fest is also offering, for an additional charge, an opportunity to enjoy the ESTOMAGO Feast, a four-course meal with wine pairings prepared by Alamo executive chef John Bullington. The feast is inspired by the actual dishes from the film and will be delivered to your seat as they appear on screen.

Ex Drummer (2007, Belgium, director: Koen Mortier)
Three low-life handicapped losers recruit an arrogant and abusive author to play drums in their punk band. Layered with brutality, surrealism and bloody violence, EX DRUMMER is like no music film you’ve ever seen.

Fighter (2008, Denmark, director: Natasha Arthy)
A Danish (?!!) kung fu coming-of-age drama choreographed by and featuring a supporting role by action master Xian Gao (CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, FONG SAI YUK)

Gachi Boy: Wrestling with a Memory (2008, Japan, director: Norihiro Koizumi)
After a car accident renders Igarashi without a short-term memory, he abandons his dreams to become a lawyer in favor of becoming a masked wrestler. Director Norihiro Koizumi live in person!

How to Get Rid of the Others (2007, Denmark, director: Anders Rønnow Klarlund)
When it is discovered that the least productive 5% of Danish society consumes 60% of government spending, the conservative politicians decide to quietly eradicate the problem.

I Think We’re Alone Now (2007, USA, director: Sean Donnelly)
This fascinating and severely disturbing documentary takes you deep into the worlds and obsessions of Kelly McCormick and Jeffery Deane Turner, who have been separately stalking 80s pop icon Tiffany for nearly 20 years. Director Sean Donnelly live in person!

Jack Brooks Monster Slayer (2007, Canada, director: Jon Knautz)
Horror legend Robert Englund costars in this epic battle of angry plumber vs. the demonic creatures of the night. Packed with fantastic practical effects and spot-on humor, JACK BROOKS should prove to be an audience fave. Director Jon Knautz live in person!

Let the Right One In (2008, Sweden, director: Tomas Alfredson)
An awkward, introverted boy (Oskar) befriends a new neighbor girl (Eli) who helps him to confront the bullies at school. Eli, however, has a dark secret, and there are bodies piling up at the local morgue.

Muay Thai Chaiya (2007, Thailand, director: Kongkiat Khomsiri)
An action-packed Muay Thai fighting drama by Kongkiat Khomsiri (ART OF THE DEVIL 2), Cinematography by Wisit Sasanatieng (TEARS OF THE BLACK TIGER).

The Short Films of Nacho Vigalondo (various, Spain, director: Nacho Vigalondo)
Festival darling and last year’s grand prize winner Nacho Vigalondo didn’t just come out of nowhere with his first feature TIMECRIMES. In 2003 he directed academy award-nominated short 7:35 IN THE MORNING and has a large and impressive body of short films. Fantastic Fest is premiering the collected short works of Nacho Vigalondo, many subtitled in English for the first time for this program.

South of Heaven (2007, USA, director: J.L. Vara)
Two brothers on the wrong side of everyone must face an endless array of torture, terrors and indignities in this darkly comic and visually striking noir. Director J.L. Vara live in person!

Spine Tingler – the William Castle Story (2007, USA, director: Jeffrey Schwarz)
William Castle, one of the mighty giants of fantastic film and media manipulation is lauded and explained by the ones who knew him and loved him best.

The Substitute (2007, Denmark, director: Ole Bornedal)
The middle-high school students in a small Danish village have figured out that their abusive new substitute teacher is actually a space alien on a vanguard mission to investigate taking over the earth. They just can’t seem to convince their parents or the administrators.

Terra (2008, Canada, director: Aristomenis Tsirbas)
An Armada of humans arrives on a habitable planet with intentions of colonization, but the seemingly peaceful indigenous creatures turn out to have some unexpected moxie. Beautifully animated with voice talent by David Cross, Brian Cox, Dennis Quaid, Rachael Wood and Luke Wilson.

The Tingler (1959, USA, director: William Castle)
William Castle’s masterpiece, an electrifying celebration of tactile horror that culminates in a shocking climax which audience members may never recover from. For this special presentation, the theater at the Alamo will be wired to recreate Castle’s greatest gimmick: “Percepto!”

Tokyo Gore Police (2008, Japan, director: Yoshihiro Nishimura)
The privatized Tokyo police force led by Audition‘s Eihi Shiina is authorized to execute judgment on the spot. They are threatened, however, by a breed of “engineers,” genetically modified super-villains who grow mutant weapons from their injuries and amputations.

In addition to the features above, we are proud to announce more details about our Fantastic Fest parties and special events:

Parties and Special Events

Opening Night Party: Air Sex World Finals
Following the opening night film (title TBD) join us for the official Fantastic Fest opening night party – the Air Sex World Finals. Badge holders and the general population are invited to the culminating event of a year’s worth of preliminary competitions. It’s a lot like Air Guitar, but a bit spicier.

Closing Night Party: “Get Lit,”
Following the closing night film, we’ll be heading outside of town for what we feel will be the Austin party of the year: “Get Lit,” a subterranean dance party a mile beneath the earth at nearby Longhorn Caverns.

Fantastic Feud and All-Night Karaoke Party
Scott Weinberg, managing editor of Cinematical, brings his 2nd annual trivia challenge that pits festival guests and select badge holders against one another to do battle in the arena of genre film trivia. Following this clash of intellectual titans, we’ll settle in for another tradition – the post trivia all-night Karaoke Party.

Fantastic Debates
We are proud to honor the age-old tradition of over-opinionated verbal nerd combat by introducing FANTASTIC FEST DEBATES at FF 2008! For the first time in genre festival history, the audience will be truly heard…through blazing displays of surefooted, acid-tongued mindpower!

100 Best Kills
Fantastic Fest celebrates the great legacy of stomach-churning, blood-spurting movie magic with this interactive showdown party where YOU THE AUDIENCE are invited to join the FF programmers in providing the all-time greatest on-screen headbursts, rib-rips and gutblasts!

Signature Alamo Special Events
In addition to the traditional fare of Fantastic Fest, this year we’re also offering badge holders a sampling of the Alamo signature shows: sing-alongs, quote-alongs, Master Pancake Theater, Weird Wednesday and Terror Thursday. Badge holders get free admission to these special shows at the new flagship Alamo location, the Ritz. See the live comic stylings of the Master Pancake troupe as they skewer the original FRIDAY THE 13TH, enjoy the communal experience of the EVIL DEAD 2 Quote-Along and check out the movies behind NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD with screenings of Aussie Exploitation classics at Weird Wednesday and Terror Thursday.

Details for all of these shows, parties and more can be found on our website: www.fantasticfest.com

Important dates have been announced for the 4thAnnual Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.

Thursday, August 7, 2008: Second wave of festival content announced
Thursday, September 4, 2008: Final content and schedule announced
Thursday, September 18, 2008: Festival begins
Saturday, September 20, 2008: 2009 Festival Badges go on sale

For more information about Fantastic Fest, please visit our official website: www.fantasticfest.com

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
Fantastic Fest is an eight-day festival of the best new sci-fi, horror, fantasy and genre films, as well as choice classic and obscure cult titles from all over the world. The festival director is Tim League (Alamo Drafthouse Cinema). Programmers include Harry Knowles (Ain’t It Cool News), Blake Ethridge (Cinema is Dope), Todd Brown (Twitchfilm.net), Zack Carlson (Alamo Drafthouse Cinema) and Lars Nilsen (Alamo Drafthouse Cinema). Fantastic Fest is a supporting member of the prestigious Melies European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation and a founding member of the North American Fantastic Festival Alliance. Fantastic Fest is sponsored in part by Ain’t It Cool News, Twitchfilm, Gamecock, DVD Empire, Best Buy, VIZ, Embassy Suites and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar.