Camilla Rutherford (Gosford Park and Darleeling Limited) is one of the stars of the film "Dimensions: A Line, A Loop, A Tangle of Threads," which will be shown at this year’s Boston Science Fiction Film Festival.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival will run through February 20 at the Somerville Theatre.

It started 37 years ago at the Orson Welles Cinemas, and it was the first genre film festival in the United States.

“There are three sections to the festival: features, shorts and The ‘Thon.  Features and shorts are solicited and/or submitted from every country in the world.  This year, there are 14 feature films and 49 shorts, from such places as Bangladesh, Estonia, Abu Dhabi, Australia, Hong Kong and South Korea.  The selected films come from over 250 entries and are judged by a selection committee,” said Garen Daly, Curator of the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival.

On February 19 into February 20 at the Somerville Theatre, “The ‘Thon caps the festival.  It is a curated, 24-hour cinematic orgy.  Starting at noon and running for 24 straight hours, it is a mix of archive prints, new films, classics and the occasional schlocker,” Daly said.

It is anticipated that 1,000 individuals will venture out to the festival, as well as another 600 simply to The ‘Thon.

In addition to the movies, six or more directors or producers will be available to attendees.

Of special interest to festival attendees, Dimensions: A Line, A Loop, A Tangle of Threads will be shown at this year’s Boston Science Fiction Film Festival.  It will premiere in North America on Saturday February 18 at 7 p.m. A question and answer period will follow with the film’s director Sloane U’Ren and scriptwriter.

A question and answer opportunity will occur after each film.  A few actors will attend the event for fans to meet.

A single ticket to view a film costs $10.  However, the price of a ‘Thon pass is $60 advance and $75 day of show.

Festival plans for 2013 include workshops and, possibly, panels.