Artwork by Modstoon

Archive: G-FEST XXI Schedule

General events and times for G-FEST XXI are listed below.

Interview, event, and autograph sessions with our special guests can be easily found with the G-Guest icon:

Click here for the G-Fan Junior Sessions Schedule.

Thursday, July 10th

Special double double-bill at the

Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, IL

1:00 PM: King Kong

3:30 PM: King Kong Lives

7:00 PM: Gamera vs. Barugon

9:00 PM: Yongary, Monster From the Deep

Friday, July 11th Registration (9:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Concourse A) Video Room (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Midway) - Opened to the public for viewing. Modeling - Kaiju Krazy: 2014 Update (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Balmoral) - With Stan Hyde. Tokusatsu Room (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Ballroom 5) - Opened to the public for viewing at 10:00 AM. Opened for sessions and observation at 11:00 AM. G-FEST Orientation (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - If you wanted to maximize your G-FEST experience, you dropped by this session and got answers to any questions you might have had from convention chairman J.D. Lees. Modeling - Building Kaiju Figures of All Kinds (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Balmoral) - Panel discussion. Fiftieth Anniversary of Ghidorah (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - It was half a century since the triple-domed destroyer first appeared in Japan. Kevin Horn offered a visual and behind-the-scenes retrospective on the kaiju classic Ghidorah the Three-Headed Monster. Kaiju Gaiden (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - This was an advance look at the documentary film on independent tokusatsu productions and the filmmakers behind them. If you enjoyed the previous year’s presentation on Wolfman vs. Godzilla, then you were fascinated by clips from Atragon 2, Matango 2, Resurrection of Daimajin, Daikaiju Eiga “G,” Godzilla vs. Seadora, Godzilla vs. the Netherlands, Yamato no Orochi Strikes Back, Wanigon vs. Gamaron, and Ultra-Q Episode 29. Mark Jaramillo moderated. Ifukube: Man, Myth, and Music (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Kennedy) - A detailed look at the remarkable career and works of one of the most recognizable movie music composers of all time. With Stephen Schilling, John Schuermann, Mike Sutton, and Erik Homenick. Minya’s Place - Kids’ Crafts and Coloring Contest (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Dulles) Artists Alley (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Metro) - Opened for setup at 12:00 PM. Opened to the public for viewing at 1:00 PM. Video Gaming Room (12:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Love A and B) - Video game tournament sign-up and warm-up. G-Pardy Game 1 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - The famed kaiju quiz game returned under the expert guidance of Skip Peel. Godzilla 2014: The Good, The Bad, And ? (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - A distinguished panel of G-fans (Martin Arlt, John Schuermann, and Mike Sutton) dissected Legendary’s attempt to Americanize the King of the Monsters. The Power of Kaiju Music (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Kennedy) - Johnny Snyder offered a multi-media look/listen at/to the music and imagery of kaiju eiga, with a little audience interaction thrown in for good measure. Photo Scavenger Hunt (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Love A and B) Art Room (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, La Guardia) - Opened for setup at 1:00 PM. Opened to the public for viewing at 2:00 PM. Dealers Room (1:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Ballrooms 3 and 4) - Opened to staff only at 1:30 PM. Opened to the public for shopping at 2:00 PM. Mothra vs. Godzilla 50th Anniversary (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - Kaiju historian Kevin Horn discussed 1964’s Mothra vs. Godzilla from both inside and out. Kaijucast Live Podcast: The Sound of Monsters (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - Fans joined Kaijucast host Kyle Yount for a live podcast recording that specifically focused on the music that drives kaiju films and the composers that scored our favorite monsters. With special guests Erik Homenick (AkiraIfukube.org), John DeSentis and Chris Oglio (Ifukube 100: A Legacy of Monster Music), Jim Figurski and Larry Tuczynski (GodzillaMonsterMusic.com). Godzilla Stories (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Kennedy) - Back by popular demand: fans joined Stephen Schilling for an interactive session where they shared their stories inspired by and about Godzilla. Modeling - Painting Kaiju Figures of All Kinds (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Balmoral) - Panel discussion. G-Pardy Game 2 (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - With Skip Peel. G-Force: The Okinawan Connection (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - Special Agent Scrooge Jones dived further into G-Force training by being your tour guide through the world of Isshin-Ryu Karate. Through its history, training regimen, and fighting methods, fans were able to appreciate a part of Asian culture that has played an enjoyable role in some favorite tokusatsu based media, including Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Power Rangers, and Godzilla Final Wars. How to Make a Monster (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - Matt Frank and Simon Strange took you on a voyage of discovery, as they created a new monster for deployment in Kaiju Combat! Godzilla 2014: The Future of the Franchise (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - Panel discussion on the implications of Legendary’s Godzilla for possible American sequels, and resumption of Japanese productions. Panelists: Bob Eggleton, Stephen Schilling, George Taylor, and Mike Sutton. Kaiju Toy Collecting Part 1 (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Kennedy) - Collecting Godzilla and other kaiju collectibles spanning 40-plus years. Over that time, many toy companies have produced our favorite city destroying kaiju in many forms and fashions. From Bullmark, Bandai, Marusan, Marmit, X-Plus, S.H. Monster Arts and many more, there is something out there for every collector. From the early beginnings to the present day, kaiju toy collecting has a rich past, and a future that is still driving strong. Fans learned about the history of Godzilla collecting. Panelists: Richard Eso, Tim Crane, Mike Russo, Brandon Shields, and Andrew Shields. Modeling - Popular Mythconceptions (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Balmoral) - With Larry Tribula. Godzilla: Battle Royale (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Ballroom 2) - Billy Dubose screened the ultimate Godzilla fan film. Fans saw more Japanese (and other) monsters than any film since… ever? G-Pardy Game 3 (7:00 PM - 7:45 PM, Ballroom 2) - With Skip Peel. Opening Ceremonies (7:45 PM - 8:15 PM, Ballroom 2) - The official opening of G-FEST XXI introduced our Special Guests, as well as members of the committee that have produced the convention. Amateur Videos (8:15 PM - 9:30 PM, Ballroom 2) - You laughed, you screamed, you were amazed at the talent on display in the latest batch of videos produced by your fellow G-fanatics. Presented by Mark Justice. Godzilla vs. Destroyah (10:30 PM, the Pickwick Theatre)

Artwork by Chris Scalf Saturday, July 12th Registration Resumed (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Concourse A) Special Guest - Shinpei Hayashida (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Ballroom 2) - The director of Reigo vs. Yamato, Deep Sea Monster Raiga, and Gamera 4: Truth discussed his works with Mark Jaramillo and Tetsu Shiota. Kaiju Talks (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Ballroom 1) - Inspired by TED Talks, Stephen Schilling offered a very unique perspective on what Godzilla and Gamera really are. Reigo vs. Battleship Yamato (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Midway) Modeling - Make It and Take It (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Balmoral) - Register and pick up your kit. Video Gaming Room (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Love A and B) - Video game tournament sign-up was at 9:00 AM. Free time play was at 10:00 AM. Tournament began at 11:00 AM. Kids Programming (9:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Kennedy) - Click here for the G-Fan Junior Sessions Schedule. Special Guest - Tomoko Ai: Katsura Re-Activated (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Ballroom 2) - One of the most memorable G-Girls of the entire series, fans met the enigmatic actress who played Katsura Mafune in Terror of Mechagodzilla nearly forty years ago. Was she still firing on all cylinders? With Brett Homenick. Kaiju Music Challenge (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Ballroom 1) - Mike Sutton tested your knowledge of kaiju soundtrack music in this competitive, interactive, and very fun session. Modeling - Build and Paint Megalon Session 1 (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Balmoral) Artists Alley (10:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Metro) - Opened to the public for viewing. Tokusatsu Room (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 5) - Opened for sessions and observation. Dealers Room (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Ballrooms 3 and 4) - Opened to the public for shopping. Art Room (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, La Guardia) - Opened to the public for viewing. Stopmotion Animation (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Midway) - With Michael Aguilar. Horodus (11:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Midway) - With Kyle R. Joe. Special Guest - Katsuhiko Sasaki: From Godzilla to Drac and Back (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - He played the inventor of Jet Jaguar, the lover of Katsura, and the killer of Dracula, and that was just the beginning! Katsuhiko Sasaki talked about all that, and more, with Brett Homenick. Making Kaiju Comics (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - Kaiju eiga started it, but the tradition continues with sequential art via giant monster comics. Fans heard a discussion about their history, current state, and the special challenges and opportunities the comics medium offers for daikaiju. Participants (and current projects): Chris Mowry (Godzilla: Rulers of Earth), Matt Frank (Godzilla: Rulers of Earth), Keith Foster (Kodoja) and Jeff Zornow (Godzilla: Rulers of Earth). Godzilla and His Amazing Friends (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Midway) - With John Drooney. Modeling - Build and Paint Megalon Session 2 (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Balmoral) Special Guest - Koichi Kawakita: Master of SPFX Part 1 (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - Former Toho Director of SPFX and current president of Dream Planet Japan, Mr. Kawakita is also a Visiting Professor at Osaka University of Arts where he instructs in SPFX techniques. Kawakita-san presented and discussed examples of SPFX filming from his career, as well as production from his work in academia. Included was a “making of” film from Zero Fighter, Fuhito (a Dream Planet Japan original), Apollo Knight, and Gun-bot, both Osaka University originals. J.D. Lees moderated. Special Guest - A Meeting With Master Sagae (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - Hiroshi Sagae has designed toys and models, built miniatures for feature films, sculpted maquettes (concept sculptures for feature films), and is one of the most well-known diorama sculptors for magazines like Hobby Japan and Dengeki Hobby. He is particularly famous for his accurate sculpts and caricatures of celebrities. Often, he has practiced his modeling and sculpting skills live on television shows in Japan. Fans caught up with Master Sagae and the projects he’s been working on for the past few years, from feature films to designing models and toys, including the new “Hometown Kaiju” series coming soon from Aoshima. Stan Hyde moderated. Nivis Ex Machina (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Midway) - With Jared Foust. Special Guest - Koichi Kawakita: Master of SPFX Part 2 (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - Continuation of the previous session, with J.D. Lees. Godzilla 2014 and Toho Kaiju Eiga (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - A panel discussion on how Legendary’s Godzilla adopted or discarded themes and conventions present in Toho’s past kaiju eiga. With Martin Arlt, Bob Eggleton, and Mike Bogue. Costume Parade Orientation/Workshop (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 5) - Opened to the public for viewing at 2:00 PM. Zella: Monster Marshal Law (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Midway) - With Shingo Maehata. Kaiju Dioramas (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Balmoral) - With Hiroshi Sagae. Special Guest - Return of The Predator: Don Frye (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - As the ultimate bad-a$$ hero of Godzilla Final Wars, Don Frye made an immediate and lasting favorable impression. Fans got to know him (on his second visit to G-FEST) and his incredibly varied career. Jay Johnson moderated. Atom Age Connections: Mutants, Monsters, and Mushroom Clouds

in Japanese and American Genre Movies (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - American science-fiction films of the 1950s and 1960s suggested it was possible to put the nuclear genie back in the bottle; however, Japanese science-fiction films of the 1950s and 1960s suggested that once freed, the nuclear genie could never again be imprisoned. Mike Bogue, Allen Debus, and Mark Matzke discussed the imagery involved in these two conflicting themes. Kaiju Movie Posters (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Kennedy) - David Nunez moderated a panel discussion of the art found in kaiju movie posters. Sean Linkenback (who recently wrote the book on fantasy and sci-fi movie posters for Japanese films) and Ed Godziszewski lent their considerable expertise. Autograph Sessions (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Concourse B) - Koichi Kawakita until 5:00 PM. Katsuhiko Sasaki, Tomoko Ai, and Don Frye from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Day of the Kaiju (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Midway) - With Kazuhiro Nakagawa. Modeling - Models of Inspiration 2014 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Balmoral) - With Stan Hyde. Kaiju Music Videos (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - Fans rocked out to scenes from their favorite kaiju flix set to the tasteful strains of today’s (and yesterday’s) hottest music. Kaiju Toy Collecting Part 2 (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 1) - Panel discussion. Final G-Pardy (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Kennedy) - With Skip Peel. Deep Sea Kaiju Raiga (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Midway) Modeling - Kaiju Sculpting (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Balmoral) - With Hiroshi Sagae. Goohead Gamera Cinema (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - If you were hungry for monsters but not so much for supper, you enjoyed a Gamera flick on the big screen! Green Room Prep For Costume Parade (5:00 PM - 6:10 PM, Ballroom 5) Saturday Gala (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Ballroom 2) - Raffle draws and the most popular event at G-FEST, the Costume Parade, moved up from their usual times to accommodate the Ifukube concert at the Pickwick starting at 8:30 PM. Godzilla: Battle Royale (7:45 PM - 9:10 PM, Ballroom 2) Ifukube 100: A Legacy of Monster Music (8:30 PM - 11:00 PM, the Pickwick Theatre) Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (11:00 PM, the Pickwick Theatre)

Sunday, July 13th

Artwork by Chris Scalf

Registration Resumed

(9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Concourse A)

What’s Up in Japan?

(9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Ballroom 2) - Not the yen, thank goodness! Our own Robert Scott Field (a.k.a. Android M-11) brought us up to date on earthquake reconstruction, cultural trends, and his own adventures in (and out of) the Land of the Rising Son of Godzilla.

Reigo vs. Battleship Yamato

(9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Midway)

Special Guests - Even though you’re a cyborg…

Tomoko Ai and Katsuhiko Sasaki

(10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Ballroom 2) - Katsuhiko Sasaki and Tomoko Ai (Ichinose and Katsura from Terror of Mechagodzilla) reunited after their tragic parting nearly four decades ago. J.D. Lees moderated as they shared their memories of the magical times on the set of a classic Godzilla film.

Facebook Monsterland Live: The Panel

(10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Kennedy) - Over the past few years, Facebook Monsterland has grown from a few G-fans sharing materials on Facebook to a community of over 2600 members. Fans joined Admin Stan Hyde for an introduction to the site, and a discussion of its on-going philosophy, with lots of pictures!

Artists Alley

(10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Metro) - Opened to the public for viewing.

Video Gaming Room

(10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Love A and B) - Opened for gaming and video gaming.

Dealers Room

(10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Ballrooms 3 and 4) - Opened to the public for shopping. Costume prizes were awarded.

Art Room

(10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Haneda) - Opened to the public for viewing. Ribbons were on display.

Stopmotion Animation

(10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Midway) - With Michael Aguilar.

Horodus

(11:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Midway) - With Kyle R. Joe.

Godzilla Final Wars: 10 Years Later With Don Frye

(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - Don Frye looked back at his time as a leading man in the last Toho G-film, Godzilla Final Wars. His memory was ever-so-gently prodded by Danny Tokarz and Martin Arlt.

Anatomy of a Concert

(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Kennedy) - It’s history now, and will likely never be repeated, at least in the U.S. John DeSentis and Chris Oglio provided the story behind the Ifukube 100: A Legacy of Monster Music concert, how it was conceived, executed, and the roadblocks that were overcome along the way.

Autograph Sessions

(11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Concourse B) - Katsuhiko Sasaki and Tomoko Ai.

Photo Scavenger Hunt Begins

(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Love A and B)

Tokusatsu Room

(11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 5) - Opend for sessions and observation.

Godzilla and His Amazing Friends

(11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Midway) - With John Drooney.

Koichi Kawakita: Godzilla and Beyond

(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - SPFX master Kawakita discussed the highlights of his career, his memories of the Heisei G-Series, and his work since at Dream Planet Japan. With J.D. Lees.

Incredible Kaiju Art: the Sonorama and Kamishibai Panel

(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Kennedy) - Fans joined Len Medlock and Stan Hyde for an examination of the artists and incredible artwork that was produced for the unique Japanese genre of Sonorama books. Also, Kamishibai: traditional Japanese storytelling with pictures. There were quizzes, prizes, incredible art on view, and a little audience participation.

Nivis Ex Machina

(12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, Midway) - With Jared Foust.

Goohead Gamera Cinema

(1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 2)

Awards Luncheon

(1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Ballroom 1)

Secrets of Godzilla Final Wars

(1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Kennedy) - Kevin Horn and Miguel Barroso offered an extended look (including behind the scenes) at this controversial culmination of the Japanese G-series. Love it or loathe it, fans came and discovered stuff they never knew about Godzilla Final Wars.

Zella: Monster Marshal Law

(1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, Midway) - With Shingo Maehata.

Day of the Kaiju

(2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Midway) - With Kazuhiro Nakagawa.

G-FAN, G-FEST, and G-TOUR

(3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - G-FAN editor J.D. Lees sat down for his annual “accountability session.” Fans expressed their opinions about G-FAN and G-FEST, and learned the first details about G-TOUR 3.

The Art of Kaiju Writing

(3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Kennedy) - For those who love to write about kaiju, or simply to read about them, this gathering of talented authors gave advice and insight. Panelists included Neil Riebe (Rodanna, Battle of Manazura), Tim Price (Big in Japan), Mike Bogue (Atomic Drive-In) and Skip Peel (Rex Summeral). It covered all aspects of writing, from character and plot development to finding a publisher.

Return For Photo Scavenger Hunt Grading and Prizes

(3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Love A and B)

Deep Sea Kaiju Raiga

(3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Midway)

Kaiju Konfessions

(4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Ballroom 2) - The traditional farewell to G-FEST, headed by the indefatigable Stan Hyde. Song sheets were provided. Fans got to “get down” and do the Kaiju Boogie, the Farou Island Swing, and even the Yongary Itchy Dance!

Titanosaurus Society of North America

(9:00 PM - ?, The Lobby, Food Court, Bar Area) - A.k.a. the Dead Dogzilla Party, for those who still needed to get their opinion of Godzilla 2014 off their chest, or just couldn’t accept that G-FEST was over again until next year.