During Echo Base Con 2023, you can enjoy many panels and film screenings on the Main Stage "Mos Espa" (theatre 11) and the Fan Stage "Mandalore" (theatre 12). The front rows in the theatres are reserved until 5 minutes before the start for holders of a Friends of Echo BaseVIP tickets. All other seats are freely available, but please note: first come, first serve!
The Star Wars Podcast
Panel | Language: Dutch | Time: 11:00-12:00 | Location: Mandalore Stage
The Star Wars Podcast is the only Dutch-language podcast focused entirely on Star Wars. Their weekly episodes offer entertainment with discussions, humour, informative facts and interesting angles. Since their launch in 2020, they have been working closely with Star Wars Awakens and have become indispensable in the Dutch Star Wars landscape.The Star Wars Podcast panel promises entertaining discussions, Star Wars-related statements and a giveaway for attendees. Please note: this panel is fully in Dutch.
Book presentation "From lightsaber to time machine"
Book presentation | Language: Dutch | Time: 11:30-12:15 | Location: Mos Espa Stage
George van Hal, science editor at de Volkskrant and avid science fiction enthusiast, will present his latest book "From lightsaber to time machine" at Echo Base Con. The book takes readers on an exciting journey through the science behind the most iconic gadgets and concepts from the universe of Star Wars and other beloved science fiction franchises. Immediately after the presentation, there will be an opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the author.
The Diorama Builder
Panel | Language: Dutch | Time: 12:30-13:15 | Location: Mandalore Stage
Many home-made dioramas, props and sculptures will be on display during Echo Base Con. One of the creators of these is Eugene Leclercq a.k.a. The Diorama Builder. Eugene is an expert in special movie fx make-up, diorama and sculpting and will tell us all about the process of creating these impressive creations during this panel. From sculpting and mould making to choosing the right materials and painting techniques. This panel offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the fascinating world of dioramas and sculpture making. Plus, you will have the chance to ask questions to Eugene to learn more about the process.
Celebrating Return of the Jedi
Panel | Language: English | Time: 13:00-13:45 | Location: Mos Espa Stage
In May 2023, we will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Return of the Jedi, an event that of course we will not let go unnoticed. In the "Celebrating Return of the Jedi" panel, actors Denis Lawson (Wedge Antilles), Dermot Crowley (General Madine) and Caroline Blakiston (Mon Mothma) talk about their experiences making this beloved Star Wars film. From iconic scenes to working with legendary characters such as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, the panel will undoubtedly offer fascinating insights into the creative process behind the making of Return of the Jedi. Of course, there will also be an opportunity to ask questions of the actors during the panel.
Meet the Dutch Garrison
Panel | Language: Dutch | Time: 13:30-14:15 | Location: Mandalore Stage
The Dutch branch of the 501st Legion is called the Dutch Garrison. Under the motto "Bad Guys Doing Good", they dedicate themselves to charities such as Stichting Opkikker, Stichting Hoogvliegers and Make-A-Wish with their screen-accurate costumes. But who are the people behind the outfits? How exactly did they get the idea to wear a costume of the Bad Guys from films, series, comics or games? Meet the members of the Dutch Garrison and get inspired to maybe make a costume yourself. Of course, there will also be plenty of time to ask questions!
Behind The Magic: A Look At Creating The VFX
Panel | Language: Dutch | Time: 14:15-15:15 | Location: Mos Espa Stage
In this panel, Justin van der Lek will take us on his journey through the world of visual effects: from making his own short Star Wars film as a young Star Wars fan to his current work at The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. In conversation with host Roderick Vonhögen, Justin gives an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the many Star Wars productions he has worked on, including the sequels The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi and the series The Book of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian.
Return of the Scruffy Looking Nerf Herders
Panel | Language: Dutch | Time: 14:30-15:30 | Location: Mandalore Stage
The Scruffy Looking Nerf Herders are back in a new line-up! Actors and comedians Arie Koomen, Ruben van der Meer and Horace Cohen share a deep-rooted love for Star Wars in addition to their collaboration with De Lama’s . During this panel, Arie, Ruben and Horace talk with moderator Dennis Mons about their shared passion for Star Wars. They share personal stories about their first introduction to the franchise and how they live their fanhood. It promises to be not only an engaging but also extremely funny panel, as the "Scruffy Looking Nerf Herders" share their insights on the Star Wars fandom.
First Steps In A Larger World: From Screen To Streaming
Panel | Language: English | Time: 15:45-16:30 | Location: Mos Espa Stage
What do Star Wars actors Bonnie Piesse and Duncan Pow have in common? Bonnie played (aunt) Beru Lars in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and again in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series where her character showed a more action-packed side. Duncan Pow played Sergeant Melshi in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and repeated the role in Andor, where he managed to escape from the Narkina 5 prison complex with Cassian Andor. In a panel discussion with host Roderick Vonhögen, both actors discuss how they have evolved their characters in TV series and what challenges and opportunities they have encountered in the process.
This Is The Way: Making The Mandalorian
Panel | English spoken | Time: 15:45-16:45 | Location: Mandalore Stage
With The Mandalorian , Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have made a staple contribution to the Star Wars universe over three seasons. In this panel, actor Brendan Wayne (Din Djarin) and Justin van der Lek (visual effects supervisor) take us behind the scenes of The Mandalorian and give a glimpse into the creative process that brought this series to life, from their first introduction to the concept of the series to the challenges on set and in post-production.
5-25-77
Film screening | English spoken | Time: 17:00-19:30 | Location: Mandalore Stage
For the very first time on the big screen in Europe and FREE to watch for Echo Base Con visitors, we present 5-25-77! The film tells the story of Pat Johnson who becomes fascinated with special effects films at a young age by seeing 2001: A Space Odyssey and pursues his dream of making it in Hollywood. In the process, he ends up as an aspiring filmmaker behind the scenes at Industrial Light + Magic, who at the time are in full swing working on the special effects of a then-unknown film called Star Wars. The film takes viewers on a nostalgic and heartwarming journey through 1970s pop culture, offering a unique perspective on the impact of Star Wars and the rise of the modern blockbuster. Director Patrick Read Johnson, who based the film on his own life, will introduce the screening of the film with a video message. The screening is part of Echo Base Con's regular programme, so no separate ticket for the film is required but please note that the film is not subtitled and there's no reserved seating, so first come first served.
Return of the Jedi
Film screening | English spoken | Time: 17:30-20:00 | Location: Theater 5
Stichting Echo Base Foundation presents in association with The Walt Disney Company (Benelux) and Pathé a one-off screening of the Star Wars classic Return of the Jedi (1983) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film. This unique screening will be introduced by Return of the Jedi actors Denis Lawson (Wedge Antilles), Dermot Crowley (Crix Madine) and Caroline Blakiston (Mon Mothma). All proceeds from the screening will be donated to Make-A-WishA separate ticket is required for this screening. Only a limited number of tickets are available, so once they're gone they're gone! Tickets are on sale at our ticket page sold out. Note: The film is shown in the original English language without subtitles.
Matthew Wood & host Brainpower in 2019
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