Gamera 4, Raiga and Beyond: The Kaiju Films of Shinpei Hayashiya
[Sessions 2, Friday 11:00AM] Indie filmmaker and revered comedian Shinpei Hayashiya has made a career out of translation his love for kaiju into feature films. From Godzilla fan productions and the legendary ‘Gamera 4: Truth’ to his original creations of Reigo, Raiga, Ohga, and the beasts of “War of the Ninja Monsters,’ his passion for the genre has helped keep the flame of practical tokusatsu techniques alive. Join kaiju historians Daniel DiManna and Elijah Thomas as they celebrate the fascinating career and filmography of this unique kaiju creator, and discuss why his films are so special. (Daniel DiManna, Elijah Thomas)
Gamera 60th Anniversary Celebration
[Sessions 1, Friday 4:00PM] Gamera was unleashed upon the world in 1965, becoming the only real challenger to Toho’s dominance in kaiju films. Come learn about how the terrible terrapin got his start! (Daniel DiManna, Nick Huber, Nathan Marchand, Elijah Thomas)
Guest Interview Bin Furuya
[Sessions 1, Saturday 11:00AM] (Jeff Gomez, Elijah Thomas)
Giant Sized Comedies: The Kaijū Films of Minoru Kawasaki
[Sessions 2. Sunday 11:00AM] Minoru Kawasaki is one of Japan’s leading independent filmmakers for kaiju and tokusatsu movies. His works include bringing Guilala back after a 40 year hiatus, drawing various influences from his childhood hero, Ultraman in both Kaiju Mono and Outerman, and drawing from Toho classics like one of his more recent films, Monster Seafood Wars. Enjoy as the panelists explore this wild, wacky, but enduring filmography by the master of silly movies! (Elijah Thomas, Daniel DiManna)
Terror of Mechagodzilla 50th Anniversary Celebration
[Sessions 1, Sunday 3:00PM] 1975 saw the release of the last Godzilla film (at least for awhile). The end of the Showa series saw the return of Mechagodzilla and the only appearance of the popular Titanosaurus. It also was a reunion of the team that brought the original Godzilla to life: Ishiro Honda, Eiji Tsuburaya, and Akira Ifukube. This panel will celebrate 50 years of this popular entry in the Godzilla series. (Daniel DiManna, Nathan Marchand, Elijah Thomas)