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Lights, camera, action!  It’s finally time for movies to make their grand debut and there’s no better place to see the creative work of filmmakers unfold than at a film festival. Each of these celebrations brings the passion for moviemaking to their audiences like never before. From obscene animations to classic horrors, you’ll want to witness the magic that occurs behind the lens.  

Austin: TX Fantastic Fest

Do you ever find yourself sitting alone at the movie theater because of the strange films you find enjoyable?  At Fantastic Fest, which is held September 18-25, you’ll hardly feel like the oddball because other horror, sci-fi and action film geeks will be sitting right along with you. 

Located in one of the world’s most unique movie theaters, Alamo Drafthouse, the festival promises to provide a haunting experience by featuring films that will shock, amaze and scare their spectators to death. As the biggest genre-infused film festival to grace the U.S., you can bet that topnotch flicks will make their grand debut here. And with film heavyweights like Bill Pullman, Mel Gibson and George Romero making guests appearances, you’ll never know who will come strolling through the theater’s doors.

Calgary, Canada: International Festival of Animated Objects

If whimsical is what you want, that is definitely what you’ll get at the International Festival of Animated Objects. At this quirky celebration, puppeteers bring humor and excitement to the shows with over-the-top performances that proudly showcase the Canadian culture. Alongside the live action, a screening of films utilizing this technique string audiences along for a cinematic journey. 

Suitable for all ages, the International Festival of Animated Objects also hosts lectures, exhibitions, screenings and much more to surround its visitors in the extraordinary world of puppetry. When you have world-class performances like the acclaimed Dolly Wiggler Cabaret, just going to the movies can seem pretty dull.

Lisbon, Portugal: MOTELx- Lisbon International Horror Film

There’s no greater way to explore the underlying meaning of psychological horror than from the masterminds themselves.  And with a visit to the MOTELx Lisbon International Horror Film, you’ll be free to venture behind the scenes of some of the world’s heavy-hitters.

With every classict horror film there’s that desperate scream, lots of blood and of course a great monster that wrecks everything in its path and who better to explain the emotions of the characters than the directors themselves.  Whether you’re into gory scenes or love an intriguing bad guy, there’s a flick presented here that promises to haunt you in your sleep.  And with the Best Portuguese Horror Short Film competition hanging in the balance, be prepared to scream.

Reunion Island: Zot Movie Festival

Crazy stunts and jaw-dropping tricks are what thrill seekers come here to see, and the Zot Movie Festival does not disappoint.  The festival is a big hit amongst adventurists because of the exciting athletic performances presented on the sandy shores of South Beach Lobster Saint Paul. Not many film festivals offer a place for sport junkies to watch death-defying acts, so you can bet this celebration is worth the wait as spectators gear up to be dazzled by cool surfing tricks and planes looping in the air across the big screen.

And with a promise to make each show better than the last, true sports fanatics are certainly in for an eyeful on Oct. 18, as athletes up the ante by taking their acrobatic skills to the next level.

Zagreb, Croatia: Animafest

Animation is alive and well at Animafest. Creating a special bond between filmmakers and avid moviegoers, the festival lives and breathes the works of these creative geniuses while flowing ideas are as artful as the illustrations gracing the screen.

From newcomers and acclaimed film producers, the Animafest is the place to be to intermingle with the artists in the midst of exploring their next big projects. Here’s your chance to express your appreciation for their work and maybe your loyalty will be rewarded with a seat right next to your favorite animator.

Athens, Greece: Athens Video Art Festival

There’s one place where viewers can get their dose of video art, animation, live performances and digital image-and that location is the Athens Video Art Festival.  With a mission to bring the world together through each individual’s appreciation of art, this is one festival that ensures not only a great time amid inspired masterminds, but a celebration that encourages mind stimulation through screenings and elaborate workshops as well.  Plus, with spectacular performers hitting the stage, the Athens Video Art Festival is a dynamic show filled with all types of artistry found on every corner.

Toronto, Canada:  Breast Fest

Get your minds out of the gutter because contrary to what you may think, this film festival is all about building the awareness of breast cancer. Utilizing the power of moviemaking to the fullest, Breast Fest encourages freedom of expression by patients, survivors as well as individuals who may just be curious about the disease. Regardless of sex or age, the festival is E for everyone in order to get the public actively conscious of its effects on the body and measures that can be taken to prevent cancer from spreading. 

And by premiering the SCAR Project this year, which is an exhibition of young female cancer patients, the festival is one interesting experience that is determine to educate.  A visit to the Breast Fest will not only change your life, but it is determined to change your attitude towards the disease.

U.S.: Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Animation Festival

Once again animation comes to life like never before, and at Spike and Mike’s Sick & Twisted Animation Festival, you’ll be doubling over with laughter and left with an everlasting impression by the sick uncensored moving pictures shown here.  C

oming to a screen near you, beloved fans especially gather to see presentations like "Home Honey I’m High," "My First Boner," "Daisy" and "No neck Joe." True to its name, twisted is the theme that appears on the big screen so the Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Animation Festival does everything in its power to ensure that its guests are left feeling they’ve somehow managed to escape a world ruled by bizarre characters. Plus with names like Seth Green and Robin Williams appearing to be huge fans, you can imagine this festival is a wild adventure into the twisted minds of great animators.

Gdynia, Poland: The International Random Film Festival

As unconventional as The International Random Film Festival may seem, it certainly scores big for becoming one of the industry’s most interesting film festivals. Absent from the limitations put on typical movie screening, the festival strives to create great possibilities for filmmakers to have their work debuted for the world to see. 

Set in random places during unpredictable times, the movies featured here are also rewarded with eccentric awards including Random Audience Award, The Runaway Turtle Award as well as the Random Grand Prix.  If you can think outside the box, then you can appreciate the idiosyncrasies of these captivating films.  No flick is too insignificant, which gives filmmakers the ability to freely tap into their creativity no matter how farfetched their ideas may seem.

Orissa, India: Bring Your Own Film Festival

Filmmakers of all genres head to the Bring Your Own Film Festival to show off their hard work.  Not only does the beautiful setting of the beach creates an uplifting experience, but allows these filmmakers to strut their stuff without feeling the pressures that are brought on by big name movie critiques and competing against renowned producers. Life is one great movie, and when its authenticity is captured on video it makes for one great show.  So who needs expensive video effects and 3D screens when you can capture the lifestyles of interesting cultures and share them over a bonfire or in a tent on the beach.