Would board members in L.A. support a bot-themed film event?

[Corey Fantoccini]

A discussion on another thread got me to thinking about what could be a fun and unique idea.

Without outing myself completely, many of my activities IRL are with repertory film screenings in Los Angeles. I have decent relationships with practically all the cinemas that do revivals and are still capable of running 35mm film. I have mounted some shows of my own in the last year, all somewhat conventional - I did have one double feature last October of two mind-control-themed movies, and I invited Diana Knight to introduce them and talk about what fascinates us about that aspect of sci-fi movies from her perspective of making videos involving it as a fetish. Diana had previous obligations but seemed to like the idea.

In another thread, discussion rose about a rare sci-fi sex comedy, THINGS TO COME from 1976, which is not available on DVD, but of which American Genre Film Archive has a 35mm print in their possession. I posited that if there were enough curious souls in my city that wanted to see it, and were willing to pool money together, I could set up a screening for it. But I started thinking bigger. Since it is a rare film, there is a demographic of moviegoers that would be interested in seeing it simply because of its unavailability and its fun potential - lots of forgotten '70's era films like THE ASTROLOGER and THE VISITOR have been enjoying a healthy midnight movie following in select cities. And the people that I deal with could be persuaded to play it on that level of thinking. Moreover, I have indirect relationships to at least one or two dungeons in town through friends who are active on the fetish scene, and with the right pitch, I think they would be game to help underwrite/sponsor such an event. Moreover, consider that very soon, EX MACHINA will be in theatres, and with the anticipation it's built because of the talent involved (as well as, for us, the subject matter), sexy robots are going to be a topic of conversation, so there's opportunity to ride that wave.

So my idea is this. A night we could call "FEMBOT FRIDAY" - run THINGS TO COME with a better known title like CHERRY 2000 or GALAXINA, write some lighthearted program notes that play up the fun aspects of the topic (its ubiquity in popular culture, the rise of nerd and science pursuits), and have an introduction by one of the SoCal based performers we love, like Ms. Knight or others. It could draw a good mix of kinksters and open-minded vanillas, allow a little networking, and who knows what.

But before I do any heavy lifting on this, I would like to know if anyone else likes this idea, and more importantly, would be willing to put some skin into it with me. What say you?

[dale coba]

[I'm not in L.A., but here's an idea.]

Inspired by WESTWORLD, THINGS TO COME is about a sex park.

WESTWORLD will soon be the biggest thing on pay cable. For a WESTWORLD, FUTUREWORLD, or even bits from BEYOND WESTWORLD would make sense. SEXWORLD is X-rated, but it's a very good movie compared to contemporary mid-1970s porn.

Performers from fetish videos should be invited; also, like at a sci-fi convention, any actress from HBO's WESTWORLD would be welcome, no matter how small her role.

- Dale Coba

[Stephaniebot]

I'll be in L.A for 10 days in April, if that's any help?

Has to be said, another obvious film to show would be Metropolis. Logans Run would be another

[33cl33]

If I still lived in LA - I'd be all over this. Once we get around to moving back, I'd totally be on board (I know - that's basically no help at all).

Even if you don't get much response from this crowd - I'd say go with it, let the comic and film buff crowds know (drop into some sci-fi forums, etc). I'm sure it would be a hit.

[squonkpuss]

Would I attend it? You bet your ass. Would I finance it? Nope. Film festivals are hard to produce and don't tend to make money. And let's face it, there aren't THAT many of us with this kink.

EDIT: This post came off harsher than I intended. I hope you find a way to make your film event fly. I just don't see putting money into it personally. Best of luck.

[Corey Fantoccini]

It wouldn't be a festival, it would be a one-night show.

To put some of the costs in perspective, average 35mm print rental/licensing is $250-$400, depending on the studio and if there is shipping involved. If I can interest a venue, which I could because of my longstanding relationships with many and the hook of piggybacking on EX MACHINA, there may not even be a need to spend money on four-walling. So really, I would be looking for some help on offsetting the cost of getting the film (or films, in case they want to go for a double feature), which, if three or four pitched in, would be on a par with ordering a custom video or a good night of camgirl patronage.

[greneker03]

corey, I would help you but I could not attend. I live in the Midwest. I think its a cool idea.

greneker03