Page 249 - Alternative Europe Eurotrash and Exploitation Cinema Since 1945

some pornographic films that go straight to video. They also cut a certain number of films per year
because the film companies want to receive a lower age limit — the desirable 11 certificate (to reach
a wider audience and earn more money). So, in order to get atound these restrictions we can screen
whatever we want at the Festival as long as we have an age limit of 15 years.
Alongside screenings, the Festival also staged exhibitions as well as lectures and discussions. How
important are these cultural activities to what you are trying to achieve?
I find it very important to mix different types of projects in relation to genre cinema. I strongly
believe that the entertainment value goes hand in hand with the educational when it comes to the
fantastic film. I want the audience not to just go and see a movie. At the Festival they get a proper
critical and contextual introduction to each screening, they also have the chance to meet the visiting
guests - directors, producers, stars to discuss the meanings behind their movies. Festival-goers can
also go and listen to related seminars and lectures given by visiting film theorists. These lectures occur
at Lund University, with whom we work in tandem in relation to programming additional events
for the Festival. We find this link very stimulating, not least because several of the Festival organisers
studied film and related subjects at Lund University before taking up professional posts within our
organisation, so the link between education and exhibition is very important to our philosophy.
Beyond these lectures, our audience can also watch genre-related art at the Festival centre and listen
to genre-related music at the Festival café. It is a festival that stimulates all senses! It remains a great
meeting place for open-minded people and open, reasoned debate.
Could you tell us something about your intentions for future Festivals?
We want to continue to programme strong European and Far Eastern content to continue to
create the total (sub)cultural cinematic experience. We also want to continue to develop the links
between the exhibition and the critical and intellectual discussion of the materials that we screen.
From a British perspective, the Fantastisk Film Festival would appeal, to the film fan and theorist alike.
What advice would you give for those patrons interested in attending the Festival from overseas?
You're all very welcome! Lund is a great little city, with the largest University in Scandinavia. It's
very easy to walk around the whole city centre (where all Festival activities takes place). There are
numerous hotels, guest-houses and restaurants for all tastes and wallets. If you need more info about
FFF and all our activities, just consult our website, www.fff.se.

I would like to offer my thanks to Glenn Ekeroth, Magnus Paulsson, Christian Hallman and all the
staff at the Fantastisk Film Festival for their assistance and hospitality during the Cult Film Archive's
2001 and 2003 visits.

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