Montreal , June 28, 2006 – Tread with caution towards the narcotic beams of projected light. This year's lineup is a kaleidoscope of criss-crossing genres, cultures and sensibilities that will electrify and inspire all who venture forward. Discoveries pepper the calendar like explosive landmines of eccentricity and the unconventional, the provocative and the deranged are everywhere, tearing out at 24 frames per second.

Over the coming 18 days, audiences will discover radical visionaries from over 15 countries, and will experience new works from the likes of Nicolas Winding Refn, Sion Sono, Kim Jee-Woon , Stuart Gordon, Takeshi Shimizu, Jan Svankmajer, Werner Herzog, Erik Canuel, the Pang Brothers, Takashi Miike, Lucky McKee, Gary Sherman, Wisit Sasanatieng, Mike Mendez, Katsuhito Ishii and many, many others.

We have two mini spotlights, on contemporary stop-motion auteur cinema and on emerging genre trends in Russian film , and a mammoth one, showcasing the mindblowing British new wave . A multitude of filmmakers from across the world will be on hand for post-screening discussions, and that's just the tip of the flickering iceberg.

Over 90 features, more than 125 short films, and numerous special events will shape Fantasia 2006 into a ferocious festival event to be reckoned with - one that will reward the bravery and open-mindedness of our audience in spades.

Mitch Davis
Co-Director Of International Programming, Fantasia Film Festival