The Mary Shelley Award

Science fiction can point to a brighter future. Other Worlds Austin hopes to play its part by encouraging more women filmmakers to work in the genre through the new Mary Shelley Award, celebrating the legacy of the Frankenstein creator. Ilona Rossman Ho of award sponsors Canine Productions said, "We hope this award inspires women to continue to create worlds, imagine characters, and share their vision. I want my children to see strong female protagonists as the norm, not the exception." The winner, selected by a panel which includes Chronicle senior editor Marjorie Baumgarten, will be announced on closing night. Below is the full list of nominees, and how to see their films at the festival.

Claire Carré

Writer/director, Embers, Sat., Dec. 5, 7:30 & 8pm

Nina Fog

Actress, Polder, Sat., Dec. 5, 10pm

Lucy Campbell

Writer/director, "The Pig Child," Shorts Program 1, Thu., Dec. 3, 10pm

Scarlet Moreno

Writer/director/actor, "Viv 1.0 or They Must Have Forgotten," Shorts Program 2, Fri., Dec. 4, 6pm

Carole Brana

Actor, "Replika," Shorts Program 1, Thu., Dec. 3, 10pm; "On/Off," Shorts Program 3, Sat., Dec. 5, 5:15pm

The Other Worlds Austin Science Fiction Film Festival

Thu.-Sat., Dec. 3-5, at the Galaxy Highland theatre (6700 Middle Fiskeville). Badges are $60, and single tickets ($10) are available 15 minutes before showtime. For the complete film schedule and other info, see www.otherworldsaustin.com.