Established in 1976, it is recognized as the second-oldest independent genre film festival in the United States.
Its programming culminates in a 24-hour movie marathon, which presents a mix of classic, contemporary, and schlock science fiction films.
Additionally, the Marathon programming has included a variety of short films, serialized dramas (such as the original Buck Rodgers), and cartoons such as the Warner Brothers classic Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century.
Over the next few years, the event expanded to include more days, changed its official name to The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, and became peripatetic.
SF32 again returned to the Somerville Theatre, where it has been hosted annually to date, with the exception of SF46 which was held as a virtual event online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Typically, the festival will present roughly 30 features, 75 shorts, 10 workshops and panels, and a number of party gatherings for filmmakers and attendees to connect.
Described by Quiet Earth as "probably the coolest looking award ever," The Gort was designed by Boston-based sculptor Casey Riley, inspired by one of the pioneering films featured in the festival's debut lineup.
Adapting to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, the event was conducted as a hybrid, combining live and virtual elements, from February 16–22, 2022.
The festival concluded with the traditional 'Thon, a 24-hour science fiction movie marathon starting at noon on February 21 and ending at the same time the following day.