Everything you wanted to know about Middle East Film and Comic Con 2017
Being a geek has never been so much fun. This weekend, Dubai’s pop culture community is coming out in full character costume for the Middle East’s 6th annual Film and Comic Con – which promises to be bigger than ever before. MEFCC means so much to so many; it is a place where gamers can meet IRL (in real life) and where creativity is a serious business, with workshops to hone skills and competitions for the best in homemade costumes. And don’t let the word ‘homemade’ fool you, this is no amateur hour.
It wasn’t always this big – when Comic Con started it was a one-off event known as San Diego’s Comic-Minicon. Since that day in 1970, the pop culture celebration has grown from a modest gathering of 100 people to the worldwide phenomenon it is now, an annual four-day festival that takes place over the globe in destinations like San Diego, New York, Montreal, London, Glasgow, Manila – to name just a few. There are more than 70,000 visitors anticipated to attend this year’s MEFCC, making it one of the most talked about events in the region.
WHAT YOU’LL BE IN FOR
This weekend, behind the walls of Dubai World Trade Center, cosplay and LARP (live action role-playing) will become a competition in a very real sense. This year, the contest’s winner will be judged and announced by Nicole Marie Jean, an award-winning cosplayer herself. This may be fantasy – but it’s no game to those who play.
Trekkies, steampunks and Potterheads will come together in an unlikely alliance for celeb Q&A sessions, sneak peek pilot screenings and to hunt for vintage comics, anime paraphernalia and art collectables. This year’s event is anticipated to be the Middle East’s best yet, with more celebrities on the schedule than ever before. Among the superstars who will be making an appearance throughout the weekend are Liam Cunningham and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (from Game of Thrones), Greg Grunberg (from Heroes), Nick Frost (from Shaun of the Dead) and Josh McDermott (from The Walking Dead).
One of the most celebrated parts of the Comic Con is Artist Alley where you’ll find some of the best artistic talent in pop culture at work. This year, Tom Bancroft, the cartoonist behind some of Disney’s most popular works such Aladdin, The Lion King and Mulan will be there as well as comic book artist Simone Bianche who has worked on Green Lantern, Wolverine and The Amazing Spider-Man.
Here are three important tips you’ll need to conquer the con.
- Don’t compromise on comfy footwear. Chances are, you’re going to be on your feet most of the day so make sure you treat them right. While it may be tempting to pair your Superwoman costume with some seriously super heels, reach for the sneakers instead.
- Stock up on water and snacks. There’s going to be a lot of waiting in lines, a lot of running around the convention center and a lot of overpriced food stands taking advantage of your parched and peckish state – so be prepared! Stay dehydrated and bring snacks that don’t require refrigeration like fruit, nuts and cereal bars.
- Bring enough juice. A portable charger that is. Trust us, you’ll want to be snapping all the pictures and videos you can, not to mention all the Tweeting, Instagramming and Facebooking you’ll need to be doing during both the exciting moments from the events and during duller moments when you’re waiting in lines that seem to show no signs of ending.
The 6th (and largest to date) Middle East Film and Comic Con will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 6 to 8. Tickets are available online through Platinum List and in store at The Toy Store, Hallmark and UAE Exchange outlets. Early bird three-day passes are going for Dhs200, while a one-day pass costs Dhs100. A VIP Power Pass offering three-day entry costs Dhs500.
If you’re coming down to Comic Con this weekend and still haven’t found a place to stay, check out our short term listings and hotel apartments near World Trade Centre at Bayut.com.
