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Uelzen becomes a Godzilla mecca: fans celebrate the cult monster!
In 2025, Uelzen will become a mecca for Godzilla fans with an annual convention, lectures and exchanges about iconic Kaiju films.
Uelzen becomes a Godzilla mecca: fans celebrate the cult monster!
In Uelzen, where the passion for the iconic film monster Godzilla is based, Detlef Claus and Sven Brandler not only collect memorabilia, but also warm enthusiasm among like-minded people. The two are true enthusiasts and have created a Godzilla convention that attracts many fans every year. This event has become a place where international Kaiju fans exchange ideas about the latest films, collectibles and the fascination surrounding the gigantic creatures. AZ Online reports that around 60 fans are coming together in Uelzen to celebrate their shared passion.
The story of Godzilla began in 1954 with the eponymous film from Japan, which was not only a commercial hit but also carried deeper political and social messages. Over 70 years later, the Godzilla series numbers almost 40 films and, according to the Wikipedia even the longest running film series in the world. Sven Brandler, who works as a zoologist at the University of Göttingen, talks about his childhood memories in which the films captivated him with their fascination for gigantism.
Creatures of fascination
In the Godzilla series we not only meet the legendary monster hero himself, but also numerous other creatures such as the three-headed dragon Gidorah, the butterfly Mothra and the hedgehog Angilas. The Kaiju Convention in Uelzen offers a space for lectures and presentations where fans can find out about the various aspects of the Godzilla universe. For example, a hotel in Taiwan was presented that was designed entirely in Godzilla style.
The origins of the Godzilla films are closely linked to the developments in film technology. The special effects expert Eiji Tsuburaya set new standards and shaped the genre of tokusatsu, i.e. practical special effects in films. Godzilla, which is a combination of the Japanese words for "gorilla" and "whale," has made a name for himself not only in cinema, but also in music, literature and video games. AZ Online adds that most convention attendees are men, which Brandler attributes to the martial spirit of the action genre.
Global Monster Events
A great model for the Uelzen event is G-FEST, a well-known Godzilla convention in Chicago that attracts over 2,500 fans every year. There are numerous presentations and competitions here that cover the creative and diverse spectrum of the Kaiju genre. Comic-Cons.xyz reports that G-FEST will take place at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and will focus on the various interests surrounding Godzilla and Co.
With two new Godzilla films recently released in theaters and two more already announced, including a face-off with King Kong, this franchise continues to remain in the conversation. Godzilla remains relevant through new developments and filmmakers and has managed to build a global fanbase, as evidenced by the ubiquitous merchandise. The coming months can be exciting when it comes to Godzilla!