Fantasia International Film Festival Opens 29th Edition with 325 Films in Montreal

The 29th Fantasia International Film Festival, running from mid-July to early August in Montreal, is North America's largest genre film fest and features a diverse slate of around 125 features and 200 shorts from around the globe. Known for its indie, esoteric, and auteur-driven selections, the festival showcases a mix of live action and animated films, including high-profile premieres like Ari Aster's "Eddington" and unique offerings such as the Kazakh sci-fi comedy "Stinker." The festival celebrates eccentric and unclassifiable cinema with highlights including a crypto-comedy compared to Safdie Brothers films, a French thriller, and two films from prolific director Takashi Miike. Fantasia also honors local Canadian filmmakers and pioneers, with special attention on works like Félix Dufour-Laperrière’s animated "Death Does Not Exist" and JP Bergeron’s poignant "Old Guys in Bed," which is part of a planned gay trilogy. Alongside Fantasia, Australia's CinefestOZ film festival celebrates its 18th year with over 90 Australian films and TV series, emphasizing connection through diverse genres and new event formats, including indigenous cultural celebrations and interactive experiences. Both festivals highlight the vitality and breadth of contemporary independent and genre filmmaking, offering audiences a rich array of cinematic experiences.