The annual Fantastic Film Festival of thriller, cult, horror and science-fiction films at Amsterdam's Filmmuseum Cinerama has become a popular institution.

Famous for its diverse offerings and exuberant carnival-like atmosphere the 'Weekend of Terror' has now been running for 22 years.

It has become known for enlarging people's perception of the fantastic film genre and has often been seen as ahead of its time, screening groundbreaking films such as Japanese animation AKIRA.

It now includes the Golden Melies Gala, where achievement prizes are awarded such as the Silver Scream Award for audience favourites.

The overall winners of the best long and short European fantastic films of 2008 will be announced at the festival.

This year the event will be held from April 9th to 20th at the Filmmuseum Cinerama and the Melkweg.

While you're in Amsterdam, don't miss other cultural highlights such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum and the Concertgebouw, home of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.