SOMERVILLE, MA — From the ashes of the legendary Orson Welles Cinema to the cutting edge of modern cinema, the Boston SciFi Film Festival (SF51) celebrates its 51st anniversary this February. From February 11–15, 2026, the historic Somerville Theatre will transform into a hub for the universal, the speculative, and the sublime, proving that after five decades of fires, blizzards, and pandemics, this festival is truly unstoppable.
23 Films. Five Days. One Unforgettable Event.
This year’s installment is an interstellar odyssey featuring 23 feature films, 33 short films, and 4 expert panels. The curated selection spans the globe, highlighting the most innovative voices in independent science fiction today.
“It is our commitment to science fiction storytelling coupled with the support of filmmakers and patrons that has made this so,” says long-time Festival Director Garen Daly. “All you have to do is look around and know: THE FUTURE IS NOW.”
The Legendary 24-Hour Marathon
The festival culminates on February 15th with the world-famous “Marathon.” Starting at noon, brave cinephiles will embark on a 24-hour non-stop journey through sci-fi history. Highlights of this year’s Marathon include:
- Lynch’s Dune (1984) presented in glorious 70mm.
- The US Premiere of The Atomic Screen (2025).
- Modern and classic masterpieces including Nope, Event Horizon, Aliens, and Under the Skin.
SF51 Highlights & Programs:
- Wed, Feb 11: Programs BADGER and KAWICH kick off the fest with titles like Invasion ’53 and Lunar Dark.
- Thu, Feb 12: Program HAYFORD explores the eerie and the intimate with The Recluse and Wax Girl.
- Fri, Feb 13: Program WORTHINGTON features Forbidden Valentine and Writer’s Block.
- Sat, Feb 14: Program TIKA BOO showcases Once Upon a Time in the Apocalypse and The Lord of All Future Space & Time.
For the Media:
Boston SciFi is committed to supporting the press and the filmmaking community.
- Screeners: Available upon request.
- Interviews: Festival directors and attending filmmakers are available for scheduling.
- Media Assets: High-resolution posters, trailers, and stills are available in our digital media folders.
About Boston SciFi:
Established in 1976, Boston SciFi is the oldest genre festival in America. What began at the Orson Welles Cinema has grown into a global celebration of independent film, classic cinema, and the visionary storytelling that defines the science fiction genre.
LOCATION: Somerville Theatre 55 Davis Square, Somerville, MA 02144
TICKETS & INFORMATION: www.BostonSciFi.com
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