Flying airships, whimsical worlds of tomorrow, complicated, brass-laden machinery that toots and smokes. Steampunkers, lit fans and cinema buffs alike turn out this weekend for the Jules Verne Festival, a fond tribute to one the past's finest futurists.
The three-day party, taking place at The Edison and The ImaginAsian Center (both located downtown), includes a cavalcade of screenings and special appearances. We're keen to see "Fantasia 2000," showing tonight at The Edison as part of a tribute to Roy Disney, and "Forbidden Planet" on Saturday afternoon at the same location. (Robots, especially robots in crisis, pull at our heartstrings.)
No one is saying you need to dig out some mothball-y tweed vest and beeswax your hair into a severe part. That said, if you have something with a bit of Verne-style panache, wear it. We'd personally love to don a monocle for the weekend -- we'd wear a monocle in the middle of The Grove if we felt we'd get away with it -- or something else with a hint of steampunk. But, with our eyes, we'd have to wear two monocles. Silliness.
Take note: If you're seeing anything at The Edison, you will be able to purchase food and drink. Robot movies paired with a tasty Ramos Fizz and some dippable noshes? Sounds like a slice of sci-fi, blasters-at-the-ready heaven to us.
Jules Verne Festival
October 24-26 (check site for screenings/times/locations)
$10 film daypass/$15 evenings
The Edison, 108 W. Second Street, Los Angeles
213-631-0000
The ImaginAsian Center
251 S. Main Street, Los Angeles
213-617-1033
