No, seriously, that's their name.

Back in May, they were here in Omaha. I'd read about them in the Weird Herald and went to check them out. All I knew is that a film that had been shot here - Bert - would be premiering there. Beyond that, I had not a clue.

Well, it was SO much fun! They have two rooms running films simultaneously, one running short movies (30 minutes or less), the other running long form (up to about two hours). It's a film festival that will take anything as long as it's not pornographic, and will accept films as long as there's time available in the schedule, unlike other festivals.

This is where I discovered the movie "The Monster of Phantom Lake" which is a parody of 50s and 60s science fiction and horror movies, and is screamingly funny. (Yes, I just used the word screamingly) ... I bought a copy of the movie from the director, who was there, Christopher Mihm I think his name is. He has a sequel out now called It Came From Outer Space, and a third movie will be out soon, Cave Women on Mars.

Anyway, they'll be in Des Moines in October ... http://bigdamnfilmfest.com/des%20moines.html is the website for October, or you can go to www.bigdamnfilmfest.com to see everything.

I'll be going. If anyone wants to ride along, let me know.

Do you think we could get them to run their SF/F oriented films at OSFest?

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It is by Caffeine alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the beans of Java, that my thoughts acquire speed; the hands acquire shakes; the shakes become a warning. It is by Caffeine alone I set my mind in motion.

I don't see why not. In fact, tying them in together might just be a great cross promotion. I can talk with them at the fest in October, if you'd like. Or you can email them (info@bigdamnfilmfest.com).

Another option would be to contact the individual filmmakers and ask them to send discs over and run our own, if the BDFF isn't up for it. I'm certain Chris Mihm would be up for it, and he'll have a third movie in the series ready by then.

Please talk to them for us. Also find out what independent filmmakers would be interested in having their films shown and how to contact them. Having an OSFest Film Festival as part of our convention couldn't hurt. JLS

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It is by Caffeine alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the beans of Java, that my thoughts acquire speed; the hands acquire shakes; the shakes become a warning. It is by Caffeine alone I set my mind in motion.

They've finally posted the date. It's going to be Saturday October 13th (the Saturday after next) at the Sheraton West Des Moines, 1800 50th St, West Des Moines IA 50266.

I've checked around and the closest cheap lodging is the Motel 6, it's 36 a night (and about a hundred at the Sheraton. For that, I can drive 3 miles).

Anyone else planning a trip?