Fantasporto 2012 (20 February - 04 March) paid homage to a series of Ed Wood films. The Ed Wood films that screened at the festival were: "Bride of the Monster" (1955), "Night of the Ghouls" (1959), "Plan 9 From Out of Space" (1959), "Glen or Glenda" (1953).

In the 1950's Ed Wood was as independent as they come, having made numerous black and white low budget indie films with his signature star actor Bela Lugosi. A screenwriter, director, producer, actor, author, and editor, Ed Wood was a one man show in many ways but not remembered as great in any one of his so-called talents. Wood made everything from -B- movie horror films to pornographic films later in his career. Most notably, he was awarded the Golden Turkey Award for being the "Worst Director" of all time.

Tim Burton made a film about this "Worst Director" called "ED WOOD" (1994) starring Johnny Depp. The film won two Academy Awards and made Ed Wood a household name.

-written by Vanessa McMahon, March 5, 2012