The 48th annual Bubonicon science-fiction and fantasy convention teleports down to Albuquerque this Friday through Sunday, Aug. 26 through 28. This year’s theme is “Rockets, Robots & Rayguns.” More than 50 artists, authors and filmmakers will be among this year’s special guests, headlining panel discussions, book signings and more. As always there’s a decent selection of film- and TV-based events scattered throughout the weekend. Friday at 9:30pm will see the return of the popular, annual cult film panel, this time titled “For the Love of Cheese: Attack of the Cheese Magnet’s Revenge.” Ben Bova, Adam J. Brown, Craig Butler, Vic Milan, Scott Phillips and Robert Vardeman will take part in the discussion moderated by John Jos. Miller concerning the worst, most beloved cult movie double-feature the participants can imagine. On Saturday at noon, Lori Jansen will host a fan program titled “Smells Like Nirvana: Science Fiction & Fantasy TV of the ’90s.” Noted Texas author Joe R. Lansdale is coming to the festivities this year to serve as Bubonicon’s prestigious Toastmaster. Over the years, Lansdale’s written works have been translated into both films (Bubba Ho-Tep, Cold in July) and television series (Sundance Channel’s recent “Hap and Leonard”). You can catch Lansdale giving a one-hour talk on Saturday at 4pm. At 10:30pm on Saturday evening, Adam J. Brown presents his annual late-night movie shindig. This year’s feature is Glenn Berggoetz’ no-budget action comedy To Die is Hard, in which a well-read English professor fends off a gang of terrorists who have invaded a college campus. Berggoetz is famous for being the director of the lowest-grossing movie of all time, 2011’s The Worst Movie Ever (it made $11 its first weekend of theatrical release). Additional short film and internet shenanigans will accompany the feature. For a complete schedule of Bubonicon 48 events, go to bubonicon.com. All festivities will take place at the Albuquerque Marriott Uptown (2101 Louisiana NE). Passes are $45 for the entire weekend or $15 for Friday, $25 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday.
Reel World: Where There’s Smoke Where There’s Smoke
This week’s Movies on the Plaza presents the 1998 Native American comedy/drama Smoke Signals, directed by Chris Eyre and written by Sherman Alexie. The film—about two very different Native American boys growing up on a small reservation in Idaho—stars Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Gary Farmer and Irene Bedard. Keeping with the theme, this week’s ABQ Food Friday will be hosted by Pueblo Harvest Cafe. Show up between 5 and 8pm at Downtown’s Harry E. Kinney Plaza to get your hands on some great food from this local eatery. Native Roots will also be on hand, filling the plaza’s main stage with music. The film will begin at dusk (around 8:20pm). This is a dog- and bike-friendly event. Feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets. Admission is, as always, free to the public.
