About the Icon Festival
The Icon Festival for Science Fiction and Fantasy is an annual festival which takes place this year for the 14th time. Icon is a red-letter day for science fiction and fantasy fans (both literature and cinema), and its 3-day diverse program attracts people of all ages
This year's festival will consist of more than 100 events, including lectures, panel discussions, contests, professional workshops, comical and musical shows, as well as gaming, comics and anime events, providing a huge celebration for the science fiction and fantasy lovers and even much broader audiences
Icon is produced by non-for-profit organizations that work all year long to promote fandom and creators of science fiction and fantasy, and strive to make them more accessible to our audience. We also take pride in providing the stage to independent filmmakers and young authors.
The Icon Festival is a seminal cultural event, made possible due to the passion and hard work of dozens of volunteers, from the festival director to the last but not least staff member. Their only reward is the festival itself as all income is used to pay for the facilities and cover expenses
This year's festival will focus on the mysteries surrounding the concept of an alternative universe that lies beyond the mirror, beyond our grasp, beyond the known dimensions. Dozens of participants from both the academic and fandom community will take part in this year's celebration, which will include 5 theaters running shows all day long
Festival goers will enjoy a huge fair of science fiction and fantasy merchandise (books, props, action figures, DVD's etc.) The festival will also hold a short stories contest (The Einat Award), the Gefen Awards ceremony, trivia games and other interactive activities
Come see us in action on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/iconfestival
A photo gallery from previous productions is located here
The Icon Festival Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/Festival.Icon
Target audiences and main goals
Science fiction and fantasy are among the genres that are not yet considered as mainstream in Israel. With no especially dedicated TV channels or magazines and few translated books that come out each year, Icon Festival is a unique opportunity to bring science fiction and fantasy to the big screen, to the stage and also to the attention of the general public. That is done through massive campaigns and by receiving substantial coverage by many of the Israeli broadcasters, newspapers and web magazines.
Our audiences range mostly between the ages of 14-35 and although mostly tagged as 'geeks', we have something for everyone thanks to a well diverse and creative program.
About the organizers
The Israeli Society for Science Fiction and Fantasy
Founded in 1996, its main goal is to promote Science Fiction and Fantasy in Israel, and it has been continuously active ever since. So far its activities have included conventions, lectures on fantasy, science fiction and general science topics, premiere screenings of SF&F films, SF&F story-writing contests and much more. The society publishes an annual printed literary yearbook and an online magazine. The society is a non-for-profit organization, and all its activities are undertaken by volunteers.
Website: http://english.sf-f.org.il
The Festival is produced in association with:
The Israeli Tolkien Society
The Israeli Tolkien Society represents a large community of Hebrew-speaking fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and his work, who engage in common activities. Among their diverse activities are the development of websites, conferences, social gatherings and events, hikes, advanced research about Tolkien's works and the development of online forums.
The goal of this community is to study Tolkien's works as well as spread the love and appreciation of these works among the Israeli public. Another important goal is to provide information and research in Hebrew that will enrich those readers who wish to learn more, and to promote the study of Tolkien and his works in Israeli universities.
Website: http://www.tolkien.co.il
This year on Icon
Writing workshops for young authors.
Israeli Sci-Fi program, presenting the works of local science fiction, fantasy and comics artists, along with Q&A's and a special section at the dealers room.
Full length films. The list of participants will be determined at a later date and will be posted online.
Live musical show – "Zombie.Con 2010" – An all original stage show about zombies having their own freaky convention.
The Mad Hatter's Tea Party – Join us for a unique experience into the vivid world of Lewis Carroll in this one of a kind attraction, featuring live music, fun and games.
Over 100 hours worth of lectures from the best experts in the fields of science fiction, fantasy, astronomy and physics. Our lecturers come both from the academic world and from the fandom communities.
This year's guest list will include local authors and filmmakers.
The festival wil host the Gefen Awards ceremony, which awards best original short story, best original book and best translated Sci-Fi and Fantasy book.
Please note that all original contents are in Hebrew and meant for local audiences only. However, English speaking audiences will be able to enjoy our screenings, as well as the Dealers room in which both Hebrew and English books are being sold.
