Every year it seems like the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin grows by leaps and bounds, but don’t over look its annual genre film festival Fantastic Fest. I’ve heard so many good things that I’ve made the decision to see what all the hubbub is about. And with announcements like these, it looks like I’m in for a treat.
This morning Fantastic Fest announced that Tim Burton’s stop motion-animated Frankenweenie will kick off the festival as the opening night selection on September 20th. The 2012 festival will run from September 20 to 27 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin.
Fifteen days after Frankenweenie has its Texas premiere, it will open in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters nationwide.
Here’s the press release for complete details.
Fantastic Fest is excited to announce Walt Disney Pictures’ Frankenweenie will have its world premiere on September 20 as the opening night film for the 2012 festival, happening September 20-27 in Austin, Texas at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.
“Tim Burton stands as a titan of modern genre cinema. To world premiere the feature adaptation of his early beloved short is a huge honor for me personally and for the festival in general,” said Fantastic Fest Co-founder & Creative Director Tim League.
From creative genius Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas) comes Frankenweenie, a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life–with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new “leash on life” can be monstrous.
A stop-motion animated film, Frankenweenie was filmed in black and white and rendered in 3D. The talented voice cast includes: Catherine O’Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, Atticus Shaffer, Robert Capron, Conchata Ferrell and Winona Ryder.
Presented by Disney, Frankenweenie is directed by Tim Burton, produced by Tim Burton and Allison Abbate, from a screenplay by John August, based on an original idea by Tim Burton. Frankenweenie releases in U.S. theaters on October 5, 2012.
