Today marks the start of the largest genre film festival in the United States 鈥� .
The festival is known for being a little out there, but Fantastic Fest and Alamo Drafthouse founder Tim League says that鈥檚 what makes it special.
鈥淚n the last five years or so it seems like it鈥檚 been the rise of the nerd,鈥� League tells KUT News. In light of the comic book-based blockbusters filling theaters, League says the nerd demographic represents 鈥渁 pretty significant arm of the spending economy and a lot of the movies coming out from Hollywood are geared towards us."
Many films set to premiere at this year鈥檚 festival many are highly anticipated by nerds and non-nerds alike. For example, writer/director 鈥檚 time-traveling is sure to get genre crowds excited. Also making a debut at the festival is a remake of the 1984 鈥榯he Soviets are invading鈥� flick .
The film festival spotlights horror, fantasy, sci-fi and action movies, but film watching isn't the only attraction. The festival also includes debates, concerts, and a couple .
Also back this year is the , a free arcade open to the public at the Alamo鈥檚 sister establishment, , featuring games from designers here in Austin and around the world.
Fantastic Fest badges are sold out. Individual tickets will be sold during the festival.
