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  • Philcon 2005: December 9th-11th, 2005 * Marriot Center City Hotel * Philadelphia, PA An event hosted by The Philadelphia Science Fiction Society

    Up-to-the-Minute Program Schedules:


    Literary

    Our literary programming track presents panels structured on the literature of the imagination, whether science fiction, fantasy, horror or a combination of those genres. This track is also responsible for presenting the Principal Speaker, the other Guests of Honor and certain special programs such as the SF Quiz Show and other items of interest. A couple of years removed from the program David Gerrold called “the best SF program ever put on at a con&dquo; and that Connie Willis said was “well run and excellent,” the Literary Programming committee seeks to keep the momentum going.

    literaryprog2005@philcon.org
    Literary Programming - Oz Fontecchio


    Anime

    Philcon 2005 will be presenting a broad and expansive glimpse of Japanese animation, or anime, for your intellectual and viewing pleasure. Our panel discussions will be geared to appeal to any and all, from the interested beginner to the casual watcher and even the veteran know-it-all. We will also be hosting an “Anime Mixer” party Saturday evening, complete with screenings of some of the newest titles to reach America, as well raffles and giveaways. And, as always, the ever-present Anime Room will show the best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Japan has to offer. Veteran voice actors Amy Howard-Wilson and Kristen Nelson are planning to return to this year’s con.

    anime2005@philcon.org
    Anime Programming - Brian Price
    Anime Film Room - Tony Finan


    Art

    The purpose of the Art Program is to exhibit and discuss art works of a science fiction, fantasy, and/or fannish nature. Art programming at Philcon consists of the Art Show, ASFA Art Auction, and Art panels. The Philcon Art Show is one of the larger East Coast SF&F Art Shows.

    Art programming will include panels on topics such as horror art, pin-up art, space art, and how to turn everyday objects into magical items. We also will feature a guided tour of the art show and art demonstrations led by some of the East Coast’s leading artists. The demos are hands-on and people are encouraged to bring sketch pads, pens, pencils, or other tools to these events. Demos slated for Philcon include how to draw dragons and basic techniques of dragon anatomy, silverpoint drawing technique, and working with clay to make figurines (clay will be provided).

    artprog2005@philcon.org
    Art Programming - Bob Walters
    Art Show - Joni Dashoff


    Costuming

    Costuming programming covering topics of interest for all levels of costumers, from Novice to Master, cosplayers, LARPers and Historical Re-enactors will be offered.

    costuming2005@philcon.org
    Costuming Programming - Rob Himmelsbach & Jenni Dryden

    masquerade2005@philcon.org
    Masquerade Coordinator - Sandy Swank


    Filk

    “Filk” is the folk music of science fiction fandom. Filkers gather to share songs late into the night at many conventions, and Philcon is no exception. Come to share a song of your own (or anyone else's), or just to listen. Philcon's filk program also features concerts and a sing-along. Further filk program details will appear on the website as they become available.

    filk2005@philcon.org
    Filk Programming - Ben Newman


    Film

    We will be covering how science fiction, fantasy and horror relate to film and video media. We hope to provide a wide range of topics, from informative panels such as a repeat of last year's "The best films you've never heard of" to educational programs like "Film Making 101" - presented by local filmmakers.

    In our video room, we will also be continuing Philcon's tradition of showing the odd, unusual, and the thought provoking. Several of the films will also feature a discussion group immediately following a presentation. Please check back in this space for further information about the films that we will be showing.

    We also invite film makers to submit their films for presentation. If you have a film or short you'd like to share, feel free to contact us. Have any questions? Comments? Ideas? Please contact us:

    film2005@philcon.org
    Film Programming - Eve Okupniak

    We will be showing:
    HP Lovecraft Historical Society's silent movie - Call of Cthulhu

    Suggested links:
    Cthulhu Lives!


    Gaming

    Many people assume that Gaming Programming involves just sitting around the table and having fun. Sometimes we take for granted the creativity, innovation and depth in even the simplest games. We would like to show you there’s more to gaming than just play. Games like chess have a history almost as old as the concept of civilized war. Role Playing Games can sometimes be novels in themselves, immersing a player into as deep a world as any of the classics of literature. Join us in our various panel discussions about the nature of games, why we play them, and what we learn from them.

    gaming2005@philcon.org
    Gaming Programming - Chauncey Smith
    LARPs Coordinator - Paul Tullis


    Children

    Children are burning plasma-beings, blazing a frenzied microsecond existence illegible to the urbane and glacial sensibilities of ice-planet adults. The Philcon Children’s Program exists, in part, to address that disparity. Children’s Programming overlaps several other programming themes, including Art, Anime, and LEGO. It’s designed for attendees ages six through twelve, but parts may appeal to older demographics (teens, adults) and younger ones (with parental assistance).

    In 2004, we featured some 20 activities, including: Bellydancing, Customize A Foam Visor, Drawing Dragons, Origami, Theme Song Sing-along, and Squad Combat With LEGO Bricks—and this year, who knows? Regardless of shape, it’s all selected to encourage interest in SF/F.

    Children’s Programming is neither playground nor Babysitting, but offers programs of appeal to children. Sometimes it’s so much fun, in such compact space, that CRAZINESS! happens. Therefore, the 2005 Kids Room will operate a compromise schedule: three hours open, one closed; repeat. This will provide intermissions for parents and children to enjoy meals and exercise together, elsewhere in the venue. Depressurization is fun! And remember: Don’t limit yourself to the Kids Room, because additional family-friendly programming can be found throughout the convention. Parents are strongly urged to volunteer some of their time in the Kids Room. Activity ideas are also welcome.

    Babysitting is a separate department, for ages six and under.

    kids2005@philcon.org
    Children's Programming - Philip Thorne


    Media

    Media programming will focus on the non-literary aspects of science fiction, fantasy and horror, most notably television, films and computer games. We will be offering a wide range of topics, from informative panels such as a repeat of last year’s “The best films you’ve never heard of” to panels covering the current crop of television fare such as Battlestar Galactica, Lost, and the new Doctor Who. We will also be continuing our tradition of hands-on programming with our “Filmmaking 101” series featuring local and national filmmakers.

    media2005@philcon.org
    Media Programming - Suzanne Rosin


    Science

    There’s no science fiction without science, and Philcon 2005’s science programming will offer an overview of cutting-edge research, from nanobots to galaxy clusters and everything in between. Featuring noted scientists and experts, our panels will examine topics including manned vs. unmanned spaceflight, biotechnology and life extension, artificial intelligence, military and defense technology, evolution (past and future), the latest news from NASA, the beginnings of the Universe, and the possible end of the world.

    science2005@philcon.org
    Science Programming - Mark Wolverton

    Philcon Web Archives

    2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001** | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

    **2001: The Millenium Philcon/Worldcon was not a PSFS-sponsored Event.