Awesome Con Lives Up to Its Name!
By Cheryl L. Dixon, DC Film Society Member
Awesome Con, DC’s version of Comic Con, was held from April 4-6, 2025 at the Washington Convention Center. Celebrating its 12th year, an acknowledged “Geekfest,” Awesome Con featured over 60,000 fans and fan favorites gathered to pay homage to the comics, movies, TV, toys, and even games represented. It’s the ultimate mix of celebrity guests, panel discussions, special events, and unique exhibits, all from the diverse worlds of anime, Manga, toys, games, and popular culture together with passionate fans.
The fan base is special. Enthusiasm is displayed through participants’ cosplay, elaborate costume play, complete with props of esteemed characters from this universe.
You might ask, what does Awesome Con specifically offer to its fans? And to movie fans, in particular? I did. Here’s what I found out from a beginner’s perspective. First, there’s the price for admission, your ticket to all activities. The Con, aka convention, accommodates both beginners to the most serious fans. Admission badges offer various levels with one, two, or three-day passes, and VIP skip-the-line and better-seating options. VIP status comes with privileges. Fans of all races, ages, sexes, and orientations are represented. Parents bring their children and children bring their parents. There are teens, ‘tweens, middle-agers, and Seniors. While many are fully costumed, many are not. Cosplay at your own discretion.
What do you get for the admission price, which ranges from around $60 daily-$200.00 full weekend? I must confess that I was amazed at the size and scope of the Con. My prior knowledge was limited to the depiction of Comic Con in my “Introduction to Hollywood 101” crash course by viewing the HBO TV series Entourage. I had some idea that there would be costumed superheroes, but I didn’t know that the Con also includes characters running the full gamut from anime, Manga, fantasy, sci-fi, from comics, books, movies, games, even Disney characters. Attendees genuinely enjoy dressing up as characters from these all-encompassing genres.
Besides viewing the spectacular costumes, there’s a lot to do, see, and participate in. Programs listed include top-tier celebrity guests, a Science Fair, Pride Alley, Anime Yokacho, Show Floor Vendors, over 300 panels and Events, Awesome Con Jr., Video, Arcade, and Table Top Gaming, over 250 Artists and Creators, a Book Fair, Destination Cosplay, a Film Festival, and loads of people everywhere, mingling in networking rooms, and at official after parties. There was even a Disney Singalong!
What’s it like as a beginner? Here’s my advice. Read the online program with its daily schedule of events and map out what you want to see and do. Download the app for frequent reference. You won’t be able to see and do everything. It’s fine to go with friends, but you’ll also be just fine on your own. If you can, attend for more than one day. You’ll need a couple of hours to get acquainted with the Con layout and spot the designated rest and eating areas both within and outside of the convention halls. It may seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll quickly get used to the rhythm of events, as you also negotiate the vast amount of walking required. Wear comfortable shoes, whether or not you are costumed!
Costumes. A few choice words. They’re quite dazzling. Enjoy the craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many are handmade as well as store-bought. All are imaginative, carefully crafted, and made of high-quality materials: lace, leather, velvet, and satin included. Have fun as you mix and mingle with characters from the Harry Potter movies, superheroes, Manga characters, and generic elves, hobbits, Vulcans, fairies, etc. Props play an important role and are inspected for safety upon admission through Security scanners.
Panel discussions and programs offer superfans the opportunity to display their knowledge of these characters and the worlds which they inhabit and are given ample opportunity to test that knowledge via games.
Some highlights this year were The Lord of the Rings Panel (John Rhys-Davies, Orlando Bloom, Liv Tyler, Sean Astin); The Goonies Reunion (Corey Feldman, Joe Pantoliano, Martha Plimpton, Robert Davi, Sean Astin); The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cast.
Personal Favorites. Ever heard of “The All-New, All-Different Cheesy Line Reading Contest?” Here’s your chance to compete with other attendees while reciting popular movie lines. Show off those acting skills with spirited dialogue delivery. Other enticing diversions: “Latin Dancing for Nerds,” “Light Saber Training,” “Peter Brown Drawing Workshop,” “Comic Book Cover Competition,” “Pop Culture Trivia Challenge.”
When you’re hungry, there are convention center standbys, and what I called the “Marketplace,” a huge hall, provided specialty food and drinks if you don’t want to venture outside for less-expensive fare. Besides food and drinks, all kinds of merchandise were sold in the Marketplace a.k.a. Artist Alley, from books, clothing and accessory items, toys, games, even animated movie posters! Next to the Marketplace was the place where you could purchase autographs and official photos, and meet and greet celebrities, for a price. The lines were often long, but attendees swear every minute of patiently waiting is well worth it, to have the chance to informally chat with heroic figures of stage and screen and for them to bask in the adoration of their devoted fans!
So, Who Was There?
Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Peter Brown, Robert Davi, Corey Feldman, Nick Frost, Casey McQuiston, Joe Pantoliano, Josh Pais, Simon Pegg, Martha Plimpton, John Rhys-Davies, Liv Tyler, Ming-Na Wen, to name a few….
Conclusion. Awesome Con truly lives up to its name – it’s awesome! Whether you’re seriously into it, or not, the Con’s jovial, enthusiastic atmosphere is contagious. You’ll enjoy a few hours of escapism, laugh, and have fun! Put this on your calendar for next year, March 13-15, 2026.
Author Talk Spotlight: Casey McQuiston's Insights into the Writing Process
By Cheryl L. Dixon, DC Film Society Member
By now, I hope that I have pointed out that amongst the many activities offered at Awesome Con, movie lovers have the opportunity to meet and greet the actors and actresses affiliated with the fantasy, sci-fi, comic, Manga, anime genres. As previously mentioned, there is also a Book Fair. Amongst the Authors invited to participate were Casey McQuiston (Red, White & Royal Blue) and Peter Brown (The Wild Robot) whose literary works were adapted for the big screen! While both books were available for purchase and signing, Brown also lent his talents to a drawing workshop and McQuiston participated in an Author Talk/Q&A with Christine Bollow, Co-Owner of DC’s Loyalty Bookstores.
Author Talk Spotlight: Casey McQuiston
Bollow’s questions revealed some remarkable insights into McQuiston’s (they, them) writing process. Here’s a brief summary of the interview.
McQuiston is popularly known for their New York Times best-selling debut novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, depicting the love affair between the son of a female U.S. president and an English prince. Their specialty is queer romance. Bollow asked if their focus is on characters first or the story first? They admit that they are prone to “obsessive character study.” To gain insight into their writing process, they must “know” their characters, then they need to plot. They employ color-coded notes, and use a big planner. Tropes to explore? McQuiston imagines a “hot lady knight.” They love the knight’s archetype. Are they a reader? McQuiston is a “voracious” reader, very intentional with writing and has a tendency to “overwrite.” They have had to cut 1,000s of words from first drafts. They commented on the publishing industry being “very White” and “straight” but open to queer romance as evidenced from the warm reception of “Red, White & Royal Blue.” Has the industry changed? They admit that now there is more queer romance, but “certain stories are still hard to sell.” They think that there’s still more room to grow and must keep pushing forward. More interesting revelations: they have a “deep love for fantasy” and read much of this genre.
For the audience Q&A, I was able to ask a question about the research process for uncovering information on British royalty. McQuiston shared perusing websites as one avenue to uncover protocols in a system known for its secrecy.
Saving the best for last: yes, there will be a sequel to Red, White & Royal Blue!
Calendar of Events
FILMS
American Film Institute Silver Theater
"Spanish Cinema Now!" (May 30-June 3) presents new films from Spain. Titles in June include They Will Be Dust (2024); The Wailing (2024); Rita (2024); The Exiles (2024); A House on Fire (2024); Undercover (2024); Afternoons of Solitude (2024); and I Am Nevenka (2024).
The 23rd "DC Caribbean Filmfest" (June 6-12) presents films from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and other Caribbean countries. The Opening Night film is Panazz: The Story (2023), a music documentary from Trinidad/Tobago and the Closing Night film is The Ballad of Suzanne Cesaire (2024), an experimental film about surrealist writer Suzanne Roussi-Cesaire. Other titles: Money Land (2025); Twice Into Oblivion (2024) from the Dominican Republic; Romeo n Juliet 4Eva (2024) from Jamaica; Following Harry (2024), a documentary about Harry Belafonte; The Enigma of Harold Sonny Ladoo (2024) from Trinidad/Tobago; Fanon (2024), a biopic about Franz Fanon; and more. A festival pass is available.
"AFI Silver After Dark" is a series of midnight-style movies. The film for June is The People's Joker (2022), also part of World Pride on Screen.
"Recent Restorations" (April 25-July 10) is a selection of recently restored films, most of which are 4k restorations. Films in June include His Girl Friday (1940); No Fear, No Die (1990); Bona (1980) from the Philippines; Cooley High (2021); Killer of Sheep (1978); The Wiz (1978); Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965); Play It As It Lays (1972); The Cell (2000); The Burmese Harp (1956) from Japan; Dutchman (1966)Donnie Darko (2001); and Army of Shadows (1969). Two more in July.
"Wild at Heart: The Films of David Lynch" (April 25-July 8) commemorates the late director who died earlier this year. Films in June are Mulholland Drive (2001); and The Straight Story (1999) shown in 35mm. One more in July.
"Oh Mai! The Films of Mai Zetterling" (April 25-July 3) takes a look at the Swedish-born actor, a pioneer of feminist cinema. Films in June are Night Games (1966); The Girls (1968); The Moon Is a Green Cheese (1977); Amorosa (1986); with one more in July.
"Special Engagements" for June include the concert film Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce (2019); the music documentary It's All Gonna Break (2024); and the documentary No Straight Lines (2021).
"World Pride on Screen" (May 18-July 3) celebrates the 50th anniversary Pride celebrations in DC. June films are Strawberry and Chocolate (1993) from Cuba; Viet and Nam (2024); Show Me Love (1998) from Sweden; Persona (1966) from Sweden; Rafiki (2018) from Kenya; Blue (1993); The Watermelon Woman (1996); Born in Flames (1983); A Fantastic Woman (2017) from Chile; Happy Together (1997) from Hong Kong; Fire (1996) from India; Olivia (1951) from France; Fineral Parade of Roses (1969) from Japan; Peaches Goes Bananas (2024) from France; The People's Joker (2022); and Pink Narcissus (1971). More in July.
National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery of Art)
On June 1 at 2:00pm is Saving Face (Alice Wu, 2005) with the director present for discussion. Part of World Pride DC 2025.
On June 11 at 2:00pm is The Ballad of Narayama (Keisuke Kinoshita, 1958), part of the "Japanese Classics" series of films.
Films shown in the series "Love, Hong Kong Style" are All Shall Be Well (Ray Yeung, 2024) on June 6 at 7:00pm; Happy Together (Wong Kar-wai, 1997) on June 15 at 1:30pm shown with Days of Being Wild (Wong Kar-wai, 1990) at 3:30pm. On June 27 at 7:00pm is Green Snake (Tsui Hark, 1993); on June 29 at 2:00pm is All About Love (Ann Hui, 2010).
"Avant-Garde Japan" begins with Funeral Parade of Roses (Toshio Matsumoto, 1969) on June 20 at 7:00pm. On June 22 at 2:00pm is the documentary Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers (Amélie Ravalec, 2025).
National Gallery of Art
"Friday Afternoons with Elizabeth Catlett" shows Betty y Pancho (1998) on June 13 at 12:00pm and June 27 at 12:00pm. Standing Strong (2023) is on June 20 at 12:00pm. The series accompanies the exhibit "Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist."
"We Have Always Been Here" is a film series documenting queer freedom, storytelling and histories. The series begins June 1 at 2:00pm with Hail the New Puritan (Charles Atlas, 1986), a "docufantasy" about British dancer Michael Clark. The film is introduced by Jon Davies from the National Gallery of Canada. On June 8 at 2:00pm is Ticket of No Return (Ulrike Ottinger, 1979) from Germany. On June 22 at 2:00pm is the short film Being Blue (Luke Fowler, 2025), shown with Adnan being and time (Marie Valentine Regan, 2025), an expressionistic film portrait of Etel Adnan. Filmmaker Marie Valentine Regan will be present for discussion. On June 28 at 2:00pm is the short film Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien (Marlon Riggs, 1993), followed by Tongues Untied (Marlon Riggs, 1989). On June 29 at 2:00pm is the restored documentary Paris Is Burning (Jennie Livingstone, 1990).
On June 15 at 2:00pm is Maintenance Artist (Toby Perl Freillch, 2025), a documentary about the artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles. Part of the DC/DOX Film Festival. Filmmaker Toby Perl Freillch and subject Mierle Laderman Ukeles will be present for discussion.
Museum of American History
The History Film Forum presents The Dyke Show on June 2 at 7:00pm, shown with the 2024 documentary Here Come the Dykes! with a discussion after the show. Location: The Warner Bros. Theater.
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
On June 3 at 6:45pm is the documentary Walking with Dinosaurs, followed by a discussion.
Washington Jewish Community Center
On June 8 at 6:00pm, June 9 at 7:30pm and June 10 at 7:30pm is the documentary Sabbath Queen (Sandi DuBowski, 2024), about Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie. The film's director and subject will take part in discussion after each screening.
The Avalon
The "Avalon Docs" film for June is Art For Everybody (Miranda Yousef, 2025) on June 4 at 8:00pm.
The latest "Science on Screen" film is The White House Effect (Pedro Kos, Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk, 2024) featuring a discussion with Don Boesch of the University of Maryland. on June 8 at 10:30am.
The "Programmer's Choice" film for June is Caught By the Tides (Jia Zhangke, 2024), shot over 23 years, on June 11 at 8:00pm.
On June 18 at 8:00pm is The Divine Sarah Bernhardt (Guillaume Nicloux, 2024) for "French Cinematheque."
The "Reel Israel" film for June is Ada: My Mother the Architect (Yael Melamede, 2024) on June 25 at 8:00pm is about architect Ada Karmi Melamede.
Michelangelo: Love and Death (David Bickerstaff, 2017) is on June 1 at 10:30am and June 3 at 10:30am. Part of the "Exhibition on Screen" series.
National Theater Live shows "A Street Car Named Desire" on June 22 at 10:30am and June 24 at 10:30am. Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster star. From 2014.
New York University Abramson Family Auditorium
On June 3 at 6:30pm is the documentary The 34th (Linda Cullen and Vanessa Gildea, 2017) shown for World Pride 2025. Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage which became the 34th amendment to the Irish constitution.
Kennedy Center
Films in June are shown outdoors on the REACH Video Wall at dusk. On June 6 is Wonka (Paul King, 2023) a prequel to the 1971 classic. On June 13 is Black Panther (Ryan Coogler, 2018) starring Chadwick Boseman. On June 20 is Belfast (Kenneth Branagh, 2021), Kenneth Branagh's semi-autobiographical story of growing up in Belfast during the 1960s and 70s.
"Notes & Frames: A Film & Music Festival" is a three-week celebration of music scores, new masterpieces, and live-to-picture concerts. Location for all is the Concert Hall. The festival begins June 4 at 7:00pm with Amadeus (Milos Forman, 1984) featuring the National Symphony Orchestra performing the score live-to-picture. Starring Tom Hulce as Mozart and F. Murray Abraham as Antonio Salieri.
On June 6 at 8:00pm and June 7 at 8:00pm is "Classic Film Scores." The program is led by Teddy Abrams and features classic music from King Kong, Robin Hood, Ben Hur, Wuthering Heights, Sunset Boulevard, Now, Voyager, Vertigo, Lawrence of Arabia, Once Upon a Time in America, Taxi Driver, E.T., and others. Composers include Max Steiner, Franz Waxman, Alfred Newman, Bernard Herrmann, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Miklós Rózsa, Maurice Jarre, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams.
On June 8 at 3:00pm is Metropolis (Fritz Lang, 1927) with Cameron Carpenter performing his original new organ score.
On June 12 at 7:00pm, June 13 at 8:00pm and June 14 at 8:00pm is "Two Worlds," with film music by classical composers and film composers. Three distinct programs will spotlight classic concertos and movie music by master composers. Conducted by James Gaffigan. On June 12 James Ehnes plays James Newton Howard's Violin Concerto No. 2. June 13's concert features Delights and Dances by Michael Abels. On June 14 Abel Pereira performs the Horn Concerto by John Williams. Each concert also features iconic film scores by classical composers such as Bernstein's On the Waterfront and Rota's The Godfather.
On June 21 at 7:00pm is The Lion King (1994) live in concert with the National Symphony Orchestra playing Hans Zimmer's Oscar-winning musical score and conducted by Anthony Parnther.
On June 15 at 6:30pm is a screening of "Theodor," an opera film by Yonatan Cnaan and Ido Ricklin with live vocal performances. Presented by the Washington National Opera and Israeli Opera. Location: Terrace Theater.
Old Greenbelt Theater
On June 2 at 1:00pm and June 5 at 8:00pm is The Children's Hour (William Wyler, 1961), part of the "Cinema Classics" series, shown on the first Monday and first Thursday of the month.
On June 19 at 8:00pm is But I'm a Cheerleader (Jamie Babbit, 1999) part of the "Cult Classics" series shown on the third Thursday of the month.
On June 30 at 7:00pm is the documentary Paris Is Burning (Jennie Livingston, 1990), part of the "Film in Focus" series.
Alden Theater
The foreign film for June is Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Celine Sciamma, 2019) from France on June 5 at 1:00pm and June 11 at 6:30pm. The performing arts film this month is Company (Lonnie Price, 2011) a New York Philharmonic staged concert by Stephen Sondheim on June 12 at 1:00pm.
Angelika Film Center Mosaic
The "Angelika Classics" series shows classic films on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. On June 2 at 7:00pm is Ferris Bueller's Day Off (John Hughes, 1986).
"Sunday Epics" is a new series shown on the second Sunday of the month at 2:00pm. On June 8 at 2:00pm is The Deer Hunter (Michael Cimino, 1978).
On June 23 at 7:00pm is Hedwig and the Angry Inch (John Cameron Mitchell, 2001) for the series "Musical Mondays."
"Classics in Black and White" features a classic B&W film on the third Monday of each month at 4:00pm and 7:00pm. On June 16 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm is Sunset Boulevard (Billy Wilder, 1950).
The Studio Ghibli Festival shows anime films on Wednesdays at 7:00pm with English subtitles and Thursdays at 11:00am with English dubbing. On June 18 at 7:00pm and June 19 at 11:00am is My Neighbor Totoro; and on June 25 at 7:00pm and June 16 at 11:00am is Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. More in July, August, and September.
Korean Cultural Center
On June 4 at 6:00pm is Little Forest (Yim Soonrye, 2018). On June 18 at 6:00pm is Escape from Mogadishu (Ryu Seung-wa, 2021). Check the website for RSVP information.
FILM FESTIVALS
