Offscreen Notes
Fantasia International Film Festival, July 8-28, 2010
Fantasia is back in its usual latish summer slot for another bonanza of films, events, and added attractions. There is no doubt that with its increasing profile with the governmental granting agencies, Fantasia is stepping up as one of the big players in Canada’s festival scene. This year’s catalog is much thicker than it has ever been, a testament to its increased advertising dollar (not that fans care about these matters, but money does make the overall spectacle better). And it doesn’t get much bigger than having the restored Metropolis with a full orchestra at the posh Place Des Arts theatre as the closing film. The films are always what really matters at a festival, but having guests on hand to introduce their films, host Q & A, and do interviews adds the all important ‘buzz’ that festivals love, and this year has a fascinating round-up of guests, including Ken Russell (and a rare 35mm screening of his notorious The Devils), Jeffrey Combs, H.G. Lewis (the man who innovated blood and cuts to the arsenal of cinema), Neil Marshall, and Stuart Gordon.
