Kevin Smith Opens Fantastic Fest at the Paramount

It's going to be a raunchy night at The Paramount.

According to a press release Monday, Austin's annual Fantastic Fest has found its opening film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. The upcoming comedy from director Kevin Smith will kick off the festival on Sept. 18 with its US Premiere. The premiere is slated to be screened at the Paramount, so rest assured this may be one of the sleaziest laugh fests to ever grace the screen of this historic theater.

And as if the film's premier was not exciting enough, Smith himself will be on hand to introduce Zack and Miri, and hold a Q&A after the film. It won't be in theaters until Oct. 31, so take advantage of this opportunity to see it early.

After the film, the audience will be treated to an event that has become an Alamo Drafthouse institution as of late, The Air Sex World Championships. (like air guitar, except with fake sex) Months of amateur rounds and semi finals will finally culminate with this tournament of champions, and it seems like the perfect compliment to the film's theme.

The synopsis: "Lifelong platonic friends Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) look to solve their respective cashflow problems by making an adult film together. As the cameras roll, however, the duo begin to sense that they may have more feelings for each other than they previously thought."

If you haven't attended Fantastic Fest in the past, let me fill you in:
The week-long festival is said to be the largest "genre festival" in the country. This year over 100 specialty genre, fantasy, cult, new scifi, horror, Asian, animation, and crime films are slated to be shown. And, the folks behind the festival definitely try to emphasize the FAN in Fantastic Fest. In years past there have been special screenings, meet&greets, and parties for attendees.

Fantastic Fest is definitely worth the investment (tickets). However, if you can't attend the whole fest, there will be individual tickets on sale for Zack and Miri Make a Porno. And considering the size of the Paramount, plenty on non-badge holders should be getting in.


If you are like me, and believe this is an evening not to be missed:

Tickets go on sale this Saturday (Aug. 30) at noon and can be purchased in person, by phone, or online.

In person: Paramount box office, outside the theater at 713 Congress Ave.
By phone: Call 1-866-4GET-TIX
Online: www.FantasticFest.com