The Wroclaw Fantasy Days (DeeFy) convention is the largest fantasy event throughout Lower Silesia and one of the largest events of this kind in Poland. Annually, it attracts between 1500 and 2000 fantasy lovers both from Wroclaw and elsewhere in the country. The first edition of the DeeFy was held before the Facebook era in 2004. Since then, the event has attracted several hundred eminent guests such as writers, journalists, draughtsmen, game designers, actors, directors and artists from Poland, Europe and the US. The Fantasy Days are held between 26 and 28 June 2015 at the Zamek Culture Centre, Plac Świętojański 1.
Literature
Robert Wegner, Jakub Ćwiek, Andrzej Ziemiański, Michał Gołkowski, Aneta Jadowska, Jacek Komuda, Anna Kańtoch, Łukasz Orbitowski or Martyna Raduchowska are just a few household names to appear at this year's literary events. They have been awarded a number of literary prizes while remaining popular among fantasy readers. They are coming to Leśnica Castle to meet their fans as part of the 11th edition of the Fantasy Days in Wroclaw. There are also guests from abroad such as Wiktor Noczkin, a Russian-speaking but Germany-based author whose oeuvre draws heavily on the STALKER universe, a popular post-apocalyptic game. Apart from Q&As, the audience can also join panel discussions or topical speeches devotes to the condition of Polish fantasy in the world, the role of the translator, archetypes or a process whereby cyberpunk interpenetrates web-based reality.
Comic books
The comic book section is just as attractive with twenty different guests such as storyboard artists, draughtsmen, illustrators, editors and comic book connoisseurs. Top names in the company are Krzysztof Gawronkiewicz, named the best comic book artist in Poland last year, and the Dutch-American illutrator duo Mateo Dinen and Johan Potma, who are coming to exhibit their fantastical monster drawings. Apart from Q&As, the comic book section also offers a number of intriguing workshops on book plate engravings, comic book criticism, fantastical dragons in comic art as well as a caricature drawing show and a comic book battle, which is just what comic art and illustration lovers like best.
Science and technology
The worlds of science and fantasy have always permeated and inspired one another, and the guests of this year's "science and technology" section are only going to prove this: Professor Jerzy Vetulani is coming with a keynote on the relationship between exact sciences and science-fiction. Tomasz Szulc, PhD, has prepared a speech on the arms race in the universe. Aleksander Asanowicz, PhD, is going to elaborate on virtual reality in everyday life. The programme also offers a number of displays to showcase 3D printing and scanning technology, pneumatic vehicles and a sensory glove.
Films and "Game of Thrones"
The film section looks particularly promising with a preview featuring the latest projects from Platige Image, a company set up by Tomasz Bagiński, who is best known for his Oscar-nominated "Cathedral" or magnificent "Fallen Art". You can also join the sculpture exhibition inspired by science-fiction, the "Alien" saga, and the "Prometheus", "Predator" or "Alien vs Predator" series.
This year's edition is similar to previous editions in that it offers a special zone devoted "Game of Thrones", the world's most popular fantasy series. The programme features a number of competitions, presentations on the interplay between the literary original and its film adaptations or possible developments in the story. With the collaboration from HBO Polska, who acts as the zone's partner, the fans of the series will be offered a behind-the-scenes coverage of the latest "Game of Thrones" season and a number of competitions with prizes funded by the station.
Games
The section for gamers offers special board game and multimedia game rooms, RPG sessions, LARPs and a myriad of presentations and shows on latest science-fiction game systems. Those who join the section are in for a new RPG system presentation featuring "Game of Thrones" in its brand new Polish edition and a première of the second volume of short stories inspired by WOLSUNG, a legendary RPG universe, which is now breaking popularity records with RPG lovers. The programme offers special sessions after dark, both for RPG and board game fans.
Fantastyka Open is a special section designed to promote fantasy among those who are yet to discover their passion for alternative worlds. The section features shows, concerts, performances and workshops which are all held at the castle's amphitheatre and are free of charge. No tickets are necessary to all outdoor events in Leśnica.
The Fantasy Days also bring a number of associated events such as competitions for the best fantasy short story, the best comic book or the best costume, which is also known as cosplay. Those who join the latter will be able to take part in a special cosplay workshop which combines acting, make-up and costume design.
Tickets:
- Friday: 15 PLN
- Saturday: 25 PLN
- Sunday: 15 PLN
- Accommodation card: 10 PLN
- Festival pass: 40 PLN
To find out more, please visit www.dnifantastyki.pl
