There are a lot of film festivals over the course of the year: international film festivals, documentary film festivals, gay film festivals, short film festivals, animation film festivals, ethnic film festivals, genre film festivals, and the list goes on. Suffice it to say, a lot of fests jockey for attention so it’s always heartening when certain events clearly stand out from the pack. One that does so with style and aplomb is the GI Joe Stop-Motion Film Festival (which had its triumphant first outing in 2007 and a phenomenal come back in 2008). It now returns on the road again with its 2009 West Coast Tour. (If you need any convincing of its coolness, suffice it to say that it is presented in association with the Alamo Drafthouse and Yelp.com) The innovative festival of stop motion shorts featuring America’s last action hero is curated by its founder Brazilian-born Denver resident Gio Toninelo, whose own G.I. Joe-based internet series, Pond Patrol, has become a cult hit on the web. The line-up of this year’s Tour includes films from Germany, England Spain and returning North American Animators – It’s been well established on playgrounds throughout history that he who has the most toys wins. – So, it seems nigh impossible that the 2009 selections could disappoint.

If you missed the films from 2008 here's your chance to redeem yourself.

Scheduled stops for the GI JOE FEST WEST COAST TOUR 2009 are:

* Ubisububi Room (Denver): Feb. 28th - Tour Kickoff Screening

* Echo Park Film Center (Los Angeles): March 19th

* Alamo Drafthouse (Austin): April 8th

* Hollywood Theatre (Portland):May 21st

* Grand Illusion Cinema (Seattle): June 18th

* The Brattle (Boston): To be announced... Not so much west coast, ah?

DETAILS:
FEB. 28th - UBISUBUBI ROOM
Limited Seating (only 35 people) $8.00
Tickets on sale now at St. Mark's Coffee House.