Fantastic Fest is officially under way at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar! Opening day was an exciting one packed with great films and some familiar faces like Oscar Award winning actors Halle Barry and Geoffery Rush. But that’s not all! Read on for details on the opening night films and what they stars of those films had to say about being in Austin.
Fantastic Fest brings big name celebrities to the ATX!
Geoffrey Rush
Rush attended the festival in support of the film The Rule of Jenny Pen. In the film, Rush’s character is admitted into a state care facility where he engages in a battle of wits with his deranged tormentor (played by John Lithgow). We asked the acting legend how it felt to be premiering in Austin. “It’s called the Fantastic Film Festival and we were pretty thrilled to get the opening night invitation,” Rush said. Earlier in the day, he told us he spent some time hanging by the pool at his hotel which he said was, “sultry and hot.”
Halle Berry
Berry stars in the the psychological thriller/horror Never Let Go. As an evil takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection for a mother (Berry), and her twin sons is their house and their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.
On the carpet, Berry told us this is her very first trip to Austin! Luckily, she had some time to grab lunch and made the brilliant move to dine at La Barbecue. How does she feel about her flick premiering at Fantastic Fest? “It’s hot. It’s amazing to be here though. I’ve been a fan of this festival,” she said. “A lot of good things have come out of this festival.”
Chris Jericho
Terrifier 3 was also part of the opening night lineup and the carpet was filled with cast and crew, including wrestler turned actor Chris Jericho. No stranger to Austin, he’s been to the ATX many times over this year, including two years ago while screening Terrifier 2 at the fest. “It’s a great town, it’s a great party town,” he professed. “It’s a great art town for movies and film and music.”
Fantastic Fest continues through September 26. Other celebrities attending the fest include Will Ferrell, Sebastian Stan, Elijah Wood, and more. See the full list here.
And don’t miss the pop-up for the film House of Spoils, happening September 21 and 22 at Joann’s Fine Foods.
