Spoilers, it’s July and Fantasy is almost here 🙂

The 2024 Fantasia International Film Festival has announced its third wave of programming and now the entire program is online. The third wave showcases Eugene Kotlyarenko’s THE CODE, Jay Song’s 4PM, Steven Kostanski’s FRANKIE FREAKO, Pedro Kos’ IN OUR BLOOD, Koji Shiraishi’s HOUSE OF SAYURI, Jefferey St. Jules’ THE SILENT PLANET, Shen Jie’s THE UMBRELLA FAIRY, Jérémy Clapin’s MEANWHILE ON EARTH, and Stanley Tong’s A LEGEND.

The press release also announces the closing film, the world premiere André Forcier’s ABABOUINÉ which takes to a dark period in Quebec’s past when religion was law. Except this time, we get to experience this as a comedy in which a rebellious group of youngsters rise against the Catholic Church. I can’t say I really know what to expect here, and to be honest I have my reservations.

Singapur is about to prove its mettle in the blockbuster sci-fi genre with HEAVENS: THE BOY AND HIS ROBOT, filmmaker Rich Ho’s latest offering. We’ll meet Kai and his giant robot Little Dragon as they face the odds to survive the Mecha Corps Academy. State of the art visual effects and top class world building are the weapons of this mecha fest. We are so there.

Spanish horror has left its mark, so now it’s Carlota Pereda’s turn with THE CHAPEL. Carol, a fake medium must help Emma, a woman who might just actually be one, communicate with a child spirit trapped for centuries inside a chapel. Winner: Best Actress, Belen Rueda, Cinefantasy 2023. Official Selection: Sitges 2023. North American premiere. I have a feeling about this one.

Tilman Singer returns to Fantasia with CUCKOO. When a young girl and her parents move into a resort, it’s obvious to her that something is going on. Official selection: Berlin International Film Festival 2024, SXSW 2024. Winner of the Silver Raven Award at the 2024 Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film. Montreal premiere. I hope I can make this one.

Now you better start getting ready to stand in line. I will dust up my portable bench.

That will do for now.