by Jon Partridge
It’s that time of year when once again an explosion of creative talent goes off in Austin. The third annual event, hosted at the AFS Cinema (formerly Marchesa Hall) takes place October 22nd & 23rd.
For the uniformed, Mondo is something of an artwing spinoff from the cherished Alamo Drafthouse here in town. What started as a T-shirt company, is now a worldwide name, using artists and designers to produce new content, championing limited edition releases of movie posters, vinyl and other collectables. MondoCon is not just a celebration of film and art, it’s something of a family gathering, as artists and fans are brought together in one massive event.
Aside from artists selling their wares, there are panels to discuss many aspects of the industry and process as well as special movie screenings with accompanying releases. For an idea of what to expect, checkout this photo recap from last year or read our reports from one of the many panels in years past. Read below for a complete rundown of what’s planned this year and if you can’t make it, be sure to check back with Cinapse for coverage of this year’s event.
Two-day and single day tickets are available now for Mondo-Con. Visit the MondoCon official site for tickets and more info. www.Mondo-Con.com
MONDOCON 2016 Press Release
Austin, TX — September, 20 2016 — Mondo is excited to unveil the lineup of panels, screenings, live music and of course food trucks for MondoCon 2016! MondoCon 2016 will take place October 22nd and 23rd in Austin, TX at AFS Cinema and Holiday Inn Midtown Conference Center.
MondoCon is a celebration of artists, collectibles, film and music all rolled up into a jam packed weekend of one of the most unique convention experiences of the year. As previously announced, famed composer Clint Mansell will be in attendance to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Darren Aronofsky’s The Fountain and the release of a brand new Mondo vinyl for the soundtrack. A Clockwork Orange, also celebrating an anniversary (45 years), will screen in glorious 35mm at the convention with a surprise limited edition screen print from artist Rory Kurtz. Additional screenings to be announced in the coming weeks.
A stellar schedule of panels will include sneak peaks at what Mondo has up its sleeve for upcoming toys & collectibles, an in-depth discussion of soundtracks from Mondo Music Group and other leading labels, and more including an epic design panel from three titans of the artist world — Olly Moss, Jock and Jay Shaw doing their first ever collaboration… live
PANELS
Art of Toymaking
A behind-the-scenes look at the Mondo collectibles line with Creative Director of Toys/Collectibles Brock Otterbacher, sculptor Phil Ramirez, artist Matt Taylor, and other special guests. This panel will give fans a first look at a few upcoming releases and insight into the toy-making process!
Underscore: A Soundtrack Panel
Mo Shafeek & Spencer Hickman from the Mondo Music Group discuss the state of soundtracks in 2016, and discuss how they are growing the label into the digital realm, while remaining committed to producing market leading physical products of both new and classic soundtracks.
Get insight behind the process of how titles are chosen for release, and a maybe even a few 2017 title teases as well. Guests will include key labels from the soundtrack scene discussing their work and how the soundtrack vinyl revival can continue to grow.
The Art of Jock
The Art of Jock panel returns to MondoCon, this time focusing his book of the same name. Made in collaboration with Insight Editions, The Art of Jock book delves into the prolific artist’s catalog, showcasing the best of his sketches and published images. Jock and Art of Jock author Will Dennis will sit down to discuss the making of the stunning new book, and provide a look into the mind and method of one of the most critically acclaimed illustrators working today.
OMG Posters Panel
Launched in 2007, OMGPosters.com has since become one of the world’s favorite art blogs, showcasing thousands of handmade prints by independent artists and printmakers. OMG Posters features works by 40 different artists that sparked the explosive growth of the gig poster scene. OMG Posters founder, and Mondo Creative Director, Mitch Putnam and featured artists will guide attendees through the entire scope of the gig poster scene today, and the high caliber of artwork and collaboration involved.
Mondo Talk
The Mondo poster team of Mitch Putnam, Rob Jones, Jay Shaw, & Eric Garza discuss the creative process behind Mondo’s work and how they work with artists and arrive at final images. The panel will include a presentation of alternate concepts and a look at some of the biggest releases of the year!
Pretty Much Everything: The Story Behind Making Our Very First Book
The Draplin Design Company got a book deal! That shimmering call up to the big leagues! Go behind the scenes with theDDC and the harrowing account of making our first book. From the contracts to the scheming, from the pagination to the design, from the tears to the nightmares…let us tell you what it’s like to cram your whole half-wit design career into 256 pages, and live to tell and read the story. We’ll pack in stories from the run-up, release and surreal fallout, as well as updates to other tricky ventures we’ve been up to. The entire presentation is dipped in Pantone Orange 021!
Mondo Live: Draw & Design
You, the audience, will pick the movie. Olly Moss, Jock and Jay Shaw will collaborate to create the greatest (or worst) poster ever live on-stage!
SCREENINGS & EVENTS
The Fountain
Mondo is excited to welcome composer Clint Mansell to MondoCon to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Darren Aronofsky’s epic drama The Fountain and the release of the arrestingly beautiful score for the first time ever on vinyl. Blending elements of fantasy, historical drama, romance, spirituality and science fiction The Fountain is one of the most unique cinematic experiences of all time and has amassed a faithful following since its release in 2006. Mansell will participate in an in-depth conversation about The Fountain, the music, and its impact over the last decade. Austin’s soundtrack expert Brian Satterwhite will conduct the interview following a screening of the film at MondoCon on Saturday, October 22nd.
A Clockwork Orange
Stanley Kubrick, arguably the greatest filmmaker of all time, brought Anthony Burgess’s 1962 dystopian crime novel, A Clockwork Orange, to vibrant life in 1971. The film stars Malcolm McDowell as an ultra-violent Beethoven-obsessed miscreant named Alex DeLarge. Alex and his band of “droogs” wreak havoc throughout London until Alex is apprehended by authorities and forced to take part in a state-sponsored rehabilitation program called the Ludovico technique. Kubrick’s gifts as a master of the medium are on full display here. A Clockwork Orange is a perfect blend of black humor, sociological commentary, science fiction, sexual politics, and music. The film improves with age in a way only Kubrick’s work does. Join us to viddy a special 35mm presentation of ultra-violence and debauchery including an exclusive new poster by Rory Kurtz. You’ll be cured alright.
Le Matos Live
Death Waltz and Mondo are excited to have Le Matos performing at this year’s event. Attendees can rock out live to their killer mix of Electro, Techno, and 80s dance-floor synth attack. They be playing a selection of tracks from Turbo Kid and their debut LP “Join Us.” Attendees can purchase a very special version of “Join Us,” limited to just 300 copies pressed on exclusive splatter vinyl with their ticket.
Mondo Mystery Movie XII
Mondo Mystery Movie XII is coming to MondoCon 3! It’s been a few years and we couldn’t be more excited about this. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday at 12pm CST, but the movie will remain a closely held secret until the lights go down in the theater and the film starts Saturday night at MondoCon. All attendees will receive an exclusive screen printed poster for the film, included with ticket purchase.
Enter the Dragon
In 1973, martial arts legend Bruce Lee already had a successful film career in Hong Kong, and though he had a few roles in American television under his belt, he was still mostly an unknown to the rest of the world. That all changed with Enter the Dragon- the first time a major American studio financed a martial arts film, and more importantly, the first time many Westerners had seen Lee on the big screen.
The film, directed by Robert Clouse, concerns a man named Lee, recruited by a government agency to infiltrate a martial arts tournament on a remote island, hosted by the enigmatic Han. Along for the fight is Roper (John Saxton) and Williams (Jim Kelly), both headed to the island for their own personal, and in the case of Roper, financial reasons. Though Enter the Dragon sadly proved to be Bruce Lee’s final completed film before his untimely death, it became a huge success worldwide, and also kick-started the “Kung Fu Kraze” of the 70s.
With its charismatic lead, dripping-with-cool co-stars, memorable Funk/Eastern fusion score, and kinetic, hard-hitting fight sequences, it stands as one of the best, most iconic martial arts films to this day. Come celebrate with us for a special 35mm presentation that includes an exclusive new poster by Jock.
THE ART OF JOCK BOOK — Mondo Exclusive Version
Mondo, in partnership with Insight Editions, is releasing a Mondo Exclusive version of THE ART OF JOCK, a book celebrating the uniquely dynamic work of the acclaimed artist. In addition to the book, the Mondo Exclusive version includes four 9″x9″ letterpress prints, one 8″x12″ screen print, and a card signed by Jock, all packaged in a stunning hard-shell slipcase. The Mondo Exclusive version is limited to just 500 copies.
Additionally, five random copies of the book will include an original pen & ink illustration by Jock inside.
$175
SILENT AUCTION
Mondo will be hosting a silent auction featuring rare products from over the years. All proceeds go to Austin’s Creative Action.
About Creative Action:
Through interactive classroom performances, after school arts residencies and community-based programs, Creative Action’s team of professional Teaching Artists inspire youth to be Creative Artists, Courageous allies, Critical Thinkers, and Confident Leaders.
FOOD TRUCKS
Frank Hotdogs
Frank is a Chicago hot doggery with a focus on Luxurious Sausage & Waffle Fries and boasts a menu of fancy hotdogs that includes an array of artisan sausages that include veggie options. If you get a chance to stop by their downtown location definitely check out their creative list of cocktails, beer and espresso drinks. Pro tip: Frank has been known to cleverly name their hotdog options from time to time, swing by their truck in the food court and see what they’ve come up with for MondoCon!
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Austin is known to play host to quite a few notable BBQ joints. The folks at Micklethwait Craft Meats are one of those joints sitting pretty at the top. Micklethwait specializes in award-winning beef ribs, house-made desserts and bread, world famous jalapeno cheese grits and a rotating cast of fresh-made sausage and of course brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and much more!
Kebabalicious
Kebabalicious’ organic Turkish kebabs are no joke! Another Austin staple, Kebabalicious offers up delicious kebabs ranging from chicken, beef and lamb, hutspa and falafel (with a side of K-Fries please!). Don’t forget to top your kebabs with spicy sauces and check this off your Austin cuisine bucket list!
Arlo’s
Arlo’s serves vegan comfort food in a bistro style setting for Austin late night eats. A big supporter of local, organic and non-gmo products, Arlo’s food is designed to satisfy omnivores and herbivores alike. We dare you to tell us their vegan Bac’n Cheeze Burger doesn’t actually taste like a bacon cheeseburger.
Vegan Nom
Vegan Nom is Texas’ first all vegan taco truck. Some consider tacos to be Texas’ state food (who are we to disagree?) and a must when visiting Austin. We couldn’t risk that you’d go the whole weekend without a taco so our friends at Vegan Nom will be whipping up signature tacos with authentic salsas and house-made vegan queso for your taste palate’s delight.
Zucchini Kill
Zucchini Kill is a rock n roll scratch bakery that uses organic, local and allergy free ingredients to bake delicious sweet and savory products that will revolutionize your mind and belly. Be sure to ask for their special vegan Twinkie, it will rock your world in so many ways! It rocked ours. Zucchini Kill’s call to action is “WE ARE ZUCCHINI KILL AND WE WANT A REVOLUTION — DESSERT STYLE NOW!” We see what you did there ZK — and we like it.
Juice Austin
Juice Austin will keep you hydrated and feeling good with their healthy options of juices, cleanses and superfood smoothies. With options like green, fruit and root juices, Juice Austin will keep you refreshed to get you through the halls of MondoCon, making sure you don’t skip a beat. Nutritious, delicious and ice cold for powering through the Texas heat!
Wanderlust Coffee Truck
Wanderlust Coffee Truck is Austin’s finest mobile espresso bar. Globally responsible, locally roasted, ripe picked coffee — Wanderlust is bringing the finest handcrafted beverages brought straight to you! May we suggest the nitro cold brew?
PANELS + SCREENING TICKET INFO
Tickets for evening screenings and RSVP spots for free daytime panels will become available on mondo-con.com at 12pm CST this Friday, September (9/23). Here are some important things to know for securing a spot:
Tickets for evening screenings & events (The Fountain, A Clockwork Orange, Le Matos — Live!) include a poster and/or vinyl, and are limited to the number of seats in the theater. When the screening sells out, that’s it!
For free daytime panels, 75% of the seats will be held for RSVPs, which will guarantee you a seat in the theater. If you are unable to secure an RSVP spot online next Friday, don’t worry! There will be a line outside the theater for the remaining 25% of seats, plus any no-show RSVP spots.
Tickets to panels and screenings are non-transferrable. A MondoCon wristband and ticket are both required for entry. Identification will be required to match the name on the ticket. Follow us on Twitter for the sale/RSVP announcement.
ARTISTS & EXHIBITORS IN ATTENDANCE
Oliver Barrett, Richey Beckett, Florian Bertmer, Burlesque of North America, Jonathan Burton, Scott C, Becky Cloonan, Sam Wolfe Connelly, Daniel Danger, Nicolas Delort, DKNG, Craig Drake, Aaron Draplin, Laurent Durieux, Jason Edmiston, Enjoy the Toons Records, Brian Ewing, Francesco Francavilla, Ken Garduno, JJ Harrison, Tom Haubrick, Hi-Def Ninja, Brandon Holt, Aaron Horkey, Industry Print Shop, Info*Rama, Jock, Rob Jones, Alex Kirzhner, Rory Kurtz, Lakeshore Records, Landland, Light in the Attic, LSD Magazine, Lunaris Records, Milan Records, Mike Mitchell, César Moreno, Olly Moss, National Poster Retrospecticus, Randy Ortiz, Alex Pardee, Gary Pullin, Phil Ramirez, JC Richard, Arik Roper, Joáo Ruas, Jay Ryan, Justin Santora, Scarecrowoven, Ship to Shore Records, Todd Slater, Static Medium, William Stout, Mike Sutfin, Ken Taylor, Matt Taylor, Terror Vision / Graveface, Matt Ryan Tobin, Kevin Tong, The Vacvvm, WBYK, Teagan White, Erica Williams, N.C. Winters, Matthew Woodson.
