Fandom Fest isn’t just about the celebrities. By simply paying admission to the convention, patrons can choose from a wide selection of panels to attend. From August 1st-3rd, Fandom Fest will offer a plethora of panels covering just about any topic a geek could imagine. It was hard to narrow down my selection, but here are my top five panels. I certainly won’t be missing these, unless, of course, my photo op with Karl Urban interferes!
5. Con-Going for the Brave at Heart
According to the description on the schedule, this panel promises to teach you how to go to conventions with no inhibitions and turn convention “horror stories” into “life experiences.” Taking place on Friday night, this hour-long session will also allow for discussion and recounting of convention tales. Do you want to know my main reason for going? I just love telling my John Barrowman story.
4. Writing And Getting Published in a Non-Reading Society
Robert Midgett, author of Vagabonds, will be the guest of honor at this Saturday panel. He had his first novel published and available worldwide by the age of 15. If you’re like me, you have a million stories in your head but no idea how to get started. This panel promises to answer your questions about novel writing, how to get started, and how to get published.
3. The Princess Bride
My most favorite movie and book of all time is The Princess Bride, so, of course, this panel piqued my interest. Promising to discuss the on-going popularity of the movie for every age and gender, this panel will also host cast members from the Alley Theater’s “Cliffnotes of Insanity.” Popular quotes and behind-the-scenes trivia will play a role in this Saturday panel as well. It should be “inconceivable!”
2. The Hobbit: An Exploration of the Book and Movies
The Hobbit (and The Lord of the Rings) happens to be another one of my favorite books and movies. This Sunday panel hopes to cover everything a Ringer loves to discuss. The topics include: the book and how it translated into a movie, how the Lord of the Rings movie franchise affected the Hobbit movies, how do you think the movies turned out, and why this story resonates across generations.
1. Grimm Fairy Tales to Disney: Character Evolutions
Another Sunday panel, this discussion will revolve around the similarities and differences between the Grimm Fairy Tales and their Disney counterparts. As many know, The Grimm Fairy Tales were much darker and more sinister than their Disney predecessors. Happily ever after? Maybe…
Honorable Mentions:
Divergent! (Saturday) – Discuss the widely popular YA dystopian novel.
Series Showdown! The Hunger Games vs. Twilight (Saturday) – This could get ugly.
Awesomely Bad FanFiction (18+) (Saturday) – Don’t deny that you read it; embrace it.
Which panels are on your “Don’t Miss List?” Check back with Louisville.com for more “Don’t Miss Lists” before Fandom Fest, and don’t forget to check out Fandom Fest’s website for a full schedule of panels and events.
