Fantastic Film Festival
Image: A Glitch In The Matrix
The Fantastic Film Festival encompasses genre and alternative cinema which simply doesn’t fit into traditional categories. The program showcases some of the strangest and most wonderful films produced by some of the most daring (and perhaps eccentric) directors and has been especially curated for moviegoers who enjoy bizarre, non-mainstream cinema.
“Genre cinema has an unmatched ability to conjure up a truth that is raw and gets under your skin,” explained Fantastic Film Festival Artistic Director Hudson Sowada. “Having leaped into 2021 with a sense of hope, we should look to those on the fringes to take risks, kill our darlings, and help us question reality. From trippy adventures, surreal deep-dives into the human psyche, and a mirror held up to society – expect a program of films like no other.”
The opening night Sundance premiered Prisoners Of The Ghostland stars Nicholas Cage and is described as an ‘absurd acid western’. It’s quintessentially a film that should give audiences a taste of what this film festival is all about.
A documentary that should be of interest is Miracle Fishing: Kidnapped Abroad. Imagine being told, “six million dollars or your father dies!” A raw and terrifying cinematic recollection by the family presented in found-footage format.
Apr 16-30. Ritz Cinema, 43 St Pauls St, Randwick. $21.50+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.fantasticfilmfestival.com.au
Hot Picks
Mother Schmuckers – (Belgium) When two brothers lose their mother’s dog, they have 24 hours to find it, else face eviction. Laughter is infectious in this ‘Dumb And Dumber‘ style comedy.
Jumbo – (France) An extremely unconventional love story between a young lady who works at a carnival and a merry-go-round. A unique fable that should captivate lovers of bizarre cinema.
Siberia – (Germany) A man who simply can’t live in a civilised world withdraws from society to live in the wilds of Northern Canada. Stars Willem Dafoe.
