If it’s true that a culture’s anxieties can be measured in its science fiction, then the genre may be poised at the dawn of a new golden age. In that respect, we Bostonians could scarcely be better situated: our city is home to one of the oldest and most revered genre festivals in the world. Now in its 42nd year, The Boston SciFi Film Festival is known the world over for its annual showcase of fresh talent, its carefully curated repertory screenings, and its brain-melting finale: a 24-hour marathon to take you halfway through Presidents’ Day.

Among this year’s crop of new films—many of which will be making their world premieres this month at the Somerville Theatre—are several reflecting the issues wracking our collective consciousness: the sinister undertones of social media, people turning on themselves, pandemic viruses (non-zombie category), and so on. Perhaps to counterbalance the dystopian feeling of present society, this year’s festival will also showcase a family-friendly series called SciFi Kids, mixing brand new films from around the world alongside such classics as Rene Laloux’s FANTASTIC PLANET and Hayao Miyazaki’s LAPUTA: CASTLE IN THE SKY.

As if all of that weren’t enough, we are beyond proud to announce that this year, for the first time ever, Boston Hassle will be presenting SciFi New England, the festival’s showcase of local films, with features and shorts from the Boston area’s finest! Keep an eye on this space for additional details as they develop. Oh, and while you’re at it, keep watching the skies. You know, just in case.

Click here for full schedule and ticket info