Related Stories

Take a 'thrifty' half-term holiday (21 Oct 2008)

Travel 'will continue' despite economic crisis (21 Oct 2008)

Backpacking tips: How to make friends (22 Oct 2008)

France prepares for 'busy' ski season (22 Oct 2008)

Noel gets a 'good holiday deal' (22 Oct 2008)

Fantastic mix of films in Amsterdam

(24 Mar 2006)

Going on holiday? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

The 22nd Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival will kick off on April 19th with MirrorMask!, a surreal tale containing elements of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz.

The festival has come a long way since its inception in 1984, when it was seen as the preserve of nerds with a particular penchant for stomach-churning horror.

It became known for its carnival-like atmosphere and for showcasing the work of groundbreaking directors in the fantasy genre.

Nowadays the offering of 'fantastic' films has become more diverse, with horror, thriller, sci-fi and anime productions all featuring prominently.

Notable past winners of the Silver Scream Award – the Amsterdam Film Festival's audience award – include Richard Kelly's Donnie Darko, Robert Rodriguez's From Dusk Till Dawn and Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away.

As well as great movies, visitors to the festival can also enjoy discounts at various restaurants on presentation of tickets from a festival film – these include Wagamama and the Hard Rock Café.

The festival will close with Sliver - "a film in which fantasy enters the real world" – from screenwriter James Gunn.



© Adfero Ltd