G-Fest

G-Fest, often typeset as G-FEST, is an annual convention devoted to Godzilla film franchise and other kaijū (literally strange beast, also the name of the genre of Japanese giant monter movies) franchises such as Ultraman and Gamera (. G-Fest is staged by Daikaiju Enterprises, Ltd., and G-Fan magazine. It regularly features panels, contests, and theatrically screened films of interest to fans of Japanese monsters. G-Fest is held in Rosemont, Illinois, at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare. The most recent convention, G-FEST XXI, took place July 11–13, 2014. [1]

Actors, directors, special effects technicians, and other famous people who worked on Godzilla, Ultraman, Gamera, and other kaiju movies in Japan are frequent guests at G-Fest. Often, the major guest is honored with the coveted "Mangled Skyscraper Award" for their lasting contributions to the kaiju genre.

A popular aspect of G-Fest is the Dealers Room, where dealers sell action figures (kaiju action figures are huge collectors items among fans of the genre). There is also a costume parade where participants of all ages make and model their monster character costumes. Also, there is a Model Show and Competition, and a fan film competition, where kaiju fans can submit their fan films. Another new addition is the G-Fest "Filmstival", a film festival where fans can showcase their feature-length independent films. Other popular activities are film screenings (held at the Pickwick Theater in Rosemont, Illinois) video game tournaments, children's activities, and autograph sessions. A tokusatsu (spfx) thread has been added, where participants make kaiju videos that often end up on YouTube. G-Fest also raises money for charitable causes.

G-Fest was founded by J. D. Lees publisher of G-Fan magazine and the G-Fan website, a Canadian high school teacher, and the late John Rocco Roberto. Persons assisting Lees in organizing G-Fest over the years have included Jeff Horne, Brett Homenick, Stan Hyde, Dawn McKechnie, Yutaka Ichimura, Paul Gavins, Randy Geisey, Lenell Bridges, David Nunes, and others. Actor Robert Scott Field regularly attends G-Fest as a celebrity guest and translator.

G-Fest (Friends of G-Fan) '94

G-Fest (G-Con) '95

G-Fest (G-Con) '96

G-Fest (G-Con) '97

G-Fest '98

G-Fest '99

G-Fest 2000

G-Fest '01

G-Fest '02

G-Fest X

G-Fest XI

G-Fest XII

G-Fest XIII

G-Fest XIV

G-Fest XV

G-Fest XVI

G-Fest XVII

G-Fest XVIII

G-Fest XIX

G-Fest XX

G-Fest XXI

G-Fest XXII

Notes

  1. ↑ G-FEST XXI Convention Retrieved 14 September 2014
  2. ↑ "G-Con '95 Report". G-Fan. Volume 1, Number 18, (November–December 1995). pp. 54-61.
  3. ↑ Ryfle, Steve. (1995-08-17). "Godzilla Lives! At 41, the Giant Radioactive Dinosaur is Still Big Business". Chicago Tribune.

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