Fans of horror, fantasy and other genres of films that exist on the fringe will be making their way to Concordia University’s Hall building over the next few weeks to take in some of the cinematic treats at the Fantasia Film Festival.
Founded 20 years ago as a showcase for Asian action movies, it has since expanded its scope and features both small independent films and the occasional big Hollywood blockbuster.
“It can be any scale of budget, coming from any culture or any background,” said festival co-director Mitch Davis. “It could be a mainstream film or it could be a super micro-independent, underground film. But the key is that there’s a purity of vision behind each of these movies.”
Attending his first ever Fantasia is Guillermo Del Toro, acclaimed director of films like Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth. Del Toro will be honoured by the festival and will also present a documentary on famous practical effects and monsters from cinema’s past.
He said he feels at home among the festival’s monster-loving attendees.
“It’s a great crowd, here for the love of the genre,” he said. “Really quite a familiar event, even thought it’s my first time.”
The festival runs from July 14 to Aug. 3.
