Note: While the author intentionally waited until after Dragon Con had concluded to write a comprehensive retrospective of the event, unforeseen circumstances delayed this piece from running before now. I've been fortunate enough in my time with 52 Weeks of Horror to cover some cool events. From movie screenings and film festivals to conventions and more, I've had a chance to experience and share with you some amazing stories. While all of it is fun, nothing can quite compare

Film festivals are phenomenal events with terrible reputations. The average moviegoer hears the words “film festival" and thinks of the stodgy, industry mainstays with their high concept, low appeal films and A list celebrity vanity projects. Events like Sundance which, in recent years has become increasingly hostile to independent filmmakers (i.e., the ongoing Sundance/Troma feud) have left a bad taste in fans’ mouths. So what the cure for the film festival problem? How do y