Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival Returns with Immersive Lineup

The Philip K. Dick Science Fiction Film Festival is set to launch its 12th annual edition, bringing a slate of innovative screenings, panel discussions, and interactive events to Manhattan and Brooklyn. Running April 4-6, 2025, with virtual programming extending from April 2-14, the festival continues its mission of celebrating bold, thought-provoking science fiction storytelling.

Founder and festival director Daniel Abella emphasized that this year’s event is designed to push beyond traditional screenings. “Audiences crave more than just good movies,” he said. “We’ve created an immersive experience where they can engage directly with the themes and ideas at the core of Philip K. Dick’s work.”

Among the highlights is The Search for VALIS: Philip K. Dick’s Divine Transmissions, an interactive puzzle-based game that leads participants through clues hidden in films, texts, and digital platforms. Expanding on its archival efforts, the festival will also introduce The Unseen Realm, a retrospective showcase of short films from past editions that will now have an opportunity for broader distribution.

Live Screenings and Premieres

The festival’s programming features an eclectic mix of international and experimental sci-fi, including:

• Visionary and Experimental Sci-Fi (April 4, Producers Club Theaters)

  • Apollo 11 Dream (Canada) – A Kubrick-inspired meditation on whether astronauts ever truly returned from the moon.
  • Telepathic Letters (Portugal) – A Lovecraftian exploration of AI-generated imagery, literature, and surrealist dialogue.

• Japanese Sci-Fi Showcase (April 4, Producers Club Theaters)

  • Who Said Death Is Beautiful? (Japan) – A dystopian tale set in a zombie-infested world.

• Feature Presentations

  • Memories of the Future (April 5, Village East Cinema by Angelika) – A world premiere chronicling the creation of childlike androids and the existential consequences of AI-driven human memory.
  • The Last Night in the Life of Death (April 4, Producers Club Theaters) – A meditation on mortality, featuring seven encounters between Death and those departing this world.

Expanding the Philip K. Dick Legacy

The festival has partnered with Dystopia Media to secure streaming rights for The Unseen Realm, ensuring that overlooked short films find a new audience. “Many brilliant shorts deserve more attention,” said Abella. “We are committed to extending their reach beyond the festival circuit.” A live virtual introduction for the series will take place April 2 at 7 PM, with online availability from April 3-14.

Panels and Competitions

Beyond screenings, the festival will host discussions on cutting-edge topics such as DNA analysis in UFO abduction cases and the future of film distribution. It will also spotlight emerging voices in sci-fi storytelling through screenplay and graphic novel competitions.

Festival Passes & Details

Passes for live and virtual screenings are available at www.thephilipkdickfilmfestival.com. The festival schedule is subject to change.