Fantastic Fest turns 20 this year and to celebrate, we’re spotlighting women who have made the festival special throughout the years. And back in 2012, Winona Ryder helped make history by premiering her film Frankenweenie in Austin!
Ryder came to Austin with Tim Burton, Martin Landau, Charlie Tahan, and producer Allison Abbate for the film and what makes this one special was that it was the first Disney film to premiere at Fantastic Fest! The movie itself was exciting because it was the feature length version of one of Burton’s first projects he ever worked on.
When it comes to genre films, Ryder is the queen of them. Especially through her work with Burton. Starting with her beloved role of Lydia Deetz in the 1988 film Beetlejuice and followed by her role as Kim in the 1990 movie Edward Scissorhands. Her darker roles, including Veronica Swayer in the 1988 film Heathers, led to her being our emo darling. And is why she was picked for Stranger Things as Joyce Byers. Ryder has been a notable guest of the festival.
But what makes Ryder a perfect person to celebrate for Fantastic Fest’s 20th birthday is her history of being a beacon for the “weird” girls. As someone who loves Edward Scissorhands and tends to relate to Ryder’s characters more than the perfect “acceptable” female characters. Ryder gives the edgy girls something to relate to and that’s why her work is kind of a perfect fit for Fantastic Fest.
Disney debuting Frankenweenie there is a big deal too and it was just a fun thing all around. And hey, if you have the chance to invite Winona Ryder to your festival, that makes you instantly cooler. You can see our spotlights on the other women of Fantastic Fest here and get ready to celebrate the best genre film festival around!
(featured image: Fantastic Fest/Fons PR)
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