This week most of the Fango Fam is at Fantastic Fest this week. I’ve been going since 2012; some of these young pups are on their third or fourth FF; for a few it’ll be their first!
If you’ve been, you know it’s about movies, of course, but this year our coverage is leaning into the experience, as we aim to give a “You Are There” energy to Fango’s FF output. The fest is so much more than movies, and I don’t really see the magical experience I return for every year accurately reflected by outlets.
But if you actually are there? Here’s some stuff that might help you enjoy Fantastic Fest a little more fully.
One: Have a plan and prepare to abandon it. We all have our anticipated titles, but don’t be rigid about your movie choices. Be open to the idea that you’re gonna wander into something you had no intention of seeing, and maybe didn’t even know existed. The FF team curates the hell out of their fest, and it’s in the obscure and lesser-publicized titles that you’ll find something that sticks with you forever.
Two: Hydrate. If you’re just drinking things that are brown and/or fizzy, you’re doing it wrong. If you’re from out of town, you need to know that the heat in Texas is no joke, and Fantastic Fest is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourself, drink water, and try to get something with actual nutrition in you between all the queso and carbs.
Three: Put yourself out there. Like, don’t make shit weird, but we are coming together to watch these movies TOGETHER. Say hello, introduce yourself to a filmmaker, meet that online mutual for the first time. Some of the very best friends I have today are people I met at Fantastic Fest. Maybe your people are waiting for you to meet them.
Four: Go offsite! The fest won’t mind. Try to see a little bit of Austin while you’re here. I’m not gonna list my favorite spots, because I don’t want them to fill up, but ask a local and act accordingly. Rent a car and drive to Lockhart for some bbq. Drive that rental car in another direction and visit Hooper’s, the restaurant inside the Texas Chain Saw Massacre house. Go to P. Terry’s (you can walk there!) for some banana bread or a burger. Head to Barton Springs and get some swimming in. When a film fest is in a city as great as Austin, you must avail yourself of the local pleasures.
Five: Do more than movies! I would love to see you come to the Highball for Paramount Scares trivia on Wednesday. The Highball would love for you to rent a karaoke room upstairs after the opening weekend. On Monday night the Fantastic Feud is going to be a great time. You can watch so many movies at a fest that they become a blur; this serves neither you nor those movies. But these other events will give your moviegoing brain a break, and provide memories you’ll be carrying with you for weeks and months afterward.
Six: Be kind to the festival staff, the Drafthouse employees, and especially the fest volunteers. They’re all working like crazy to make sure this week is one you’ll treasure forever. It costs nothing (though you should be tipping staff and buying a round when and where appropriate) to reciprocate the good energy those folks are focusing in your direction.
There’s so much more I could suggest (come ask me!) but I’ll stop here. If this is your first Fantastic Fest, I’m a little jealous because you’re about to be changed forever, but I’m also excited to hear about it. Strap in and let’s make this fest’s name ring true for another year.
