SF34 FAQs

Q: What is SF34?
A: SF34 is the 34th installment of the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival aka the Marathon. Every year hundreds of people gather to spend 24 hours watching, talking and enjoying science fiction films.

Q: When is it?
A: February on President's Day Weekend. This year it will start on Sunday Feb 15 at noon.

Q: Where will it be held?
A: At the Somerville Theatre 55 Davis Sq in Somerville, MA. Somerville is right next to Boston. Davis Sq. has become very cool with great restaurants and bars. Plus the theater is literally right next to a subway stop (Davis Sq, Red Line) so it is very easy to get to it.

Q: How long does it last?
A: 24 continuous hours, or 1440 non-stop minutes. So it will end at noon on Feb 16.

Q: Are telling me I'm going to be in a movie theater for one full day and night?
A: Yes, and we suggest you bring extra deodorant, mouthwash and a change of socks. We also suggest you bring some eye drops and your sense of awe.

Q: How many films will be shown?
A: It varies between 12 and fourteen feature films. There will also be cartoons, some vintage movie trailers and a few surprises tossed in.

Q: What does SF34 stand for?
A: The festival is in its 34th incarnation this year. And yes, Virginia, there are a few folks who have been to all 33 prior to this one. They wear their sleeplessness well.

Q: Will I have a good time?
A: If you like science fiction films and staying up all night, yes, you’ll have a great time. But more importantly, it is the people who come. Folks travel form all over the country just to be at this event. They are special and the evnt is special. As we like to say: “We’re old enough to know better, but young enough to stay up.”

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Tickets are $45.00 prior to December 31 and $52.00 after January 1. We've held the line on costs.

Q: Where can I get them?
A: You can buy them at our web site (www.bostonsci-fi.com); through the mail/check at Zeotrope Media 263 Elm Hill Rd. Peterborough NH 03458; or atthe Somerville Thetatre beginning November 1.

Q: What about parking?
A: We suggest you park at the Alewife T station and take the train to Davis Sq. Somerville is notoriously bad for parking and the ticket cops are ravenous. Alewife is only one stop away and parking is $5.00.

Q: How does the seating work?
A: Tickets are general admission and are good for the entire festival.

Q: What films will be playing?
A: A line up will be announced shortly on the web site.

Q Are there children’s prices?
A: Yes, but only through the Zeotrope Media home office. People can call 617-901-7280 and leave a message if no one answers.

Q: Will there be guests?
A: Probably, we’re working on it

Q: What about contests?
A: Yes, there will be a trivia contest and The 4th Annual Aluminum Hat Contest (to fend off mind melds from aliens), the Alien Mating Cry Contest Plus, there will also be a ton of prizes.

Q: What about audience participation?
A: Audience participation is encouraged within reason. For newbies, you’ll learn about the wonders of wheat chex and rice chex as well as some other time honored tradition.

Q: Can I find out more?
A: Yes. You can check out the message board and/or you can sign up for our monthly newsletter.