As it rolls out the red carpet for 11 days and nearly 100 films, the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival maintains its reign as the longest-running genre film festival in the country. On the 44th opening night, Flash Gordon star Sam J. Jones returns in Life After Flash—this time without his iconic tank top. Directed by Lisa Downs, the documentary chronicles Jones’ successes and struggles as a young actor in Hollywood, including his clash with producer Dino De Laurentiis. Jones and Downs will take part in a post-screening Q&A before flicks both old (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) and new (Lake Artifact) grace the screen. Fly to the Somerville Theatre from Feb. 8 to 18. / Celia Carbone
The Boston Science Fiction Film Festival Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville (617-625-5700) bostonscifi.com. MBTA: Red Line to Davis. Feb. 8-18. $14-$175. See website for complete details. The annual festival returns with screenings of films like Merian Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack’s King Kong, as well as the year’s top shorts.