B-fest 2007

MADNESS INCARNATE!!

The B-Fest has its own website! For the latest info, go to www.b-fest.com.
On Friday, January 26 – Saturday, January 27, starting at 6:00 PM, A&O Film Board will once again host their annual 24-hour B-movie marathon at the McCormick Auditorium in the Norris University Center Northwestern University 1999 South Campus Drive in Evanston, Illinois.

This year, PFS Propaganda Minister of the Sinister Brian Thomas is sponsoring a late night screening of the psychotronic classic STREET TRASH!

Started in the early ’80s, this marathon is something I look forward to every year. The features are a satisfying mix of regular favorites that are shown every year, many flix I’ve never seen on a big screen, at least a few that I’ve never seen at all, and some not-on-video rarities that hardly anybody’s seen since they were released. Plus many shorts and the traditional WIZARD freakout rituals (ya gotta be there). The McCormick is a fairly modern, comfortable theater, not a crackerbox but not a barn. Most films are in 16mm prints, but this year the program has been expanded due to the acquisition of a new 35mm projector.

Hands are stamped at the entrance, so you can come and go at will, except for a few later hours when the Norris Center is locked and you’ll have to be let back in – although you’ll still have access to vending machines and such. A commemorative t-shirt will be available again this year designed by artist Mitch O’Connell, as has been the case the last couple years (they look great, they help support the cost of film rentals, and they’re cheap – get ’em while they last).

There are 3 or 4 regular intermissions, including a longer breakfast break when the adjoining cafeteria reopens in the morning. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and (non-alc) bevs. Some folks even have pizzas delivered! Also, if you plan to stick thru ’til the end, it’s a good idea to bring a blanket, a spare shirt, and toiletries. Some folks do a costume change with every feature! A schedule is available at the entrance, so non-die-hards can pick their slot to grab a nap, either out in the lounge or just anywhere you want to stretch out.

The atmosphere – well, it’s kind of like a big slumber party on the Satellite o’ Love. Some say the B-Fest was one of the main inspirations for MST3K (some of the writers are from Chicagoland), as wiseguys try to out-smartass each other and many hilarious interactive skits are performed for the amusement of all. I doubt if Siskel or Ebert will be there, but you should be!

This year’s line-up:

See y’all there!