Austin's first-ever Fantastic Fest has begun. And, in a way, the recent surge of colder weather in Austin seems fitting. It's almost as if Mother Nature is saying, "stay in, watch a movie." The Opening Night was a great to begin the four-day festival, with wonderful films, a fun party, special guests, and a dedicated motivation to have some fun. Some of the film's on the first day included Magnolia Pictures' upcoming release, Pulse, the U.S. Premiere of Robin Williams thriller The Big White, Turkish sci-fi farce G.O.R.A., and more.

(The marquee outside the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar... history in the making.)

(For the Opening Night screening of Zathura, actor Dax Shepard - left - and director Jon Favreau stroll down the red carpet, answering questions from the press.)

(The lobby of the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar was adorned with props from Zathura, like this robot.)

(Hanging out at the Opening Night party, here's Fantastic Fest co-founders Tim McCanlies, left, and Paul Alvarado-Dykstra. Held at South Austin's popular Elks Lodge, the party included a Zathura-themed board-game room, where Tim and Paul are for this picture.)

(Performing at the Opening Night party was The Flametrick Subs, featuring Satan's Cheerleaders. Fantastic.)