This summer, the Fantasia International Film Festival is back for its 28th edition, promising an electrifying lineup of screenings, workshops, and events. From July 18 through August 4, 2024, the festival will take place at the Concordia Hall and J.A. de Sève cinemas, with additional screenings at Montreal’s Cinémathèque québécoise and Cinéma du Musée.
Although the full lineup will be announced on July 3, Fantasia has already teased some highly anticipated premieres and revealed its 2024 poster art, created by Montreal visual artist Donald Caron. The artwork features the return of the cinema-loving cat and pug from previous festivals, riding into the future on a sidecar motorcycle, capturing the festival’s spirit of excitement and playful absurdity.
Fantasia International Film Festival Highlighted Premieres Include:
- Witchboard: Directed by Chuck Russell, known for his work on “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3” and “The Mask,” this film is a reimagining of the 1980s classic and features a couple in New Orleans who stumble upon an ancient Wiccan artifact.
- Shelby Oaks: Presented by Mike Flanagan, this horror film directed by YouTube creator Chris Stuckmann follows a woman’s search for her missing sister, a YouTuber who vanished while investigating paranormal activities.
- Infinite Summer: Directed by Miguel Llansó, this film is a transhumanist sci-fi adventure that blends humor with visionary filmmaking, following a group of friends who encounter a mysterious meditation app.
- Confession: This thriller, set in a single location, involves a yearly tribute to a missing friend that takes a dark turn, featuring masterful storytelling and a minimalistic approach to maximize tension.
- Rita: From director Jayro Bustamante, this film combines mythical elements with real-life tragedies, focusing on the powerful theme of female solidarity and resilience.
- This Man: A blend of Western and J-Horror, this film tackles a mysterious wave of deaths linked to an urban legend, promising a compelling mix of suspense and supernatural elements.
- Dark Match: Featuring wrestling legend Chris Jericho, this horror takes viewers into the world of wrestling where a mysterious cult demands a blood sacrifice.
- A Samurai in Time: A humorous take on the time-travel genre, this film follows a samurai transported to modern Kyoto, offering a unique perspective on cultural dissonance and cinema history.
- The Dead Thing: A dating app nightmare turns into a chilling tale of obsession and supernatural terror in this film directed by Elric Kane.
- Mash Ville: A genre-mashing action-comedy that explores a small town terrorized by homicidal cultists, promising to be a new cult classic from Korea.
- Electrophilia: A dramatic thriller about a woman changed by a lightning strike, exploring new identities and uncharted territories.
The Fantasia International Film Festival, presented by Videotron and supported by various cultural organizations, continues to be a premier venue for groundbreaking cinema. This year’s festival not only celebrates innovative filmmaking but also the communal spirit of movie-going, with a promise to bring together cinema lovers and creators in a celebration of fantastical storytelling.
Stay tuned for more updates as Fantasia prepares to unveil its complete film lineup in July, with ticket sales following soon after. This festival is a cornerstone of the summer cultural calendar in Montreal, promising unforgettable cinematic experiences.