The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) is thrilled to unveil EAT THE RICH, a retrospective focused on how elites are portrayed in genre cinema. Scheduled for the festival’s 23rd edition from July 5-13, this unique series offers a varied and in-depth look at a century of fantastic cinema. It aims to trace the complex, intersectional evolution of this theme through about twenty feature films. The program will also include a roundtable discussion.
INJUSTICES, PRIVILEGES, AND DECADENCE
“When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich” attributed to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, epitomizes the working classes’ resentment towards the social, political, and intellectual elites. Its relevance resonates strongly today, gaining an even more subversive edge in genre cinema. In a world where exploitation is rampant and the distribution of natural and economic resources increasingly inequitable, the growing divide between classes intensifies the urge to portray these disparities. This has inspired a variety of narrative styles and aesthetic approaches.
Like our previous retrospectives, SCREAM QUEER and FEMALE TROUBLE, EAT THE RICH highlights systemic oppression and injustice, probing the political and social dynamics involved, and the fantasies they spawn. Genre films, always reflective of their era, address contemporary societal issues directly and with a wide range of representations—from the overtly literal to the deeply metaphorical.
In EL ÁNGEL EXTERMINADOR (1962), Luis Buñuel pushes the bourgeoisie’s polite facade to the edge, creating a feverish and claustrophobic film that explores what remains when social norms evaporate. Brian Yuzna adopts a similarly critical, yet more pop-influenced approach in SOCIETY (1989), gleefully exposing the corruption and secret depravity of affluent, materialistic North American society. Mamoru Oshii’s GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995) presents a complete dystopia where power is critiqued under a totalitarian regime amidst humans and cyborgs. In George A. Romero’s LAND OF THE DEAD (2005), the rich are literally consumed by starving zombies, symbolizing the marginalized of a declining North America. SNOWPIERCER (2013), directed by Bong Joon-ho, visually represents the protagonist’s harsh social climb through his journey on an unstoppable train. Finally, Jenna Cato Bass’s GOOD MADAM (2021) connects the personal with the political, highlighting that domestic exploitation is closely linked to racial exploitation.
EL ÁNGEL EXTERMINADOR
Luis Buñuel, MX, 1962
In this intense and subversive psychological thriller, a group of affluent guests and their servants find themselves confined to a dining room, where they gradually succumb to their darkest impulses.
Trailer
SOCIETY
Brian Yuzna, US/JP, 1989
In the posh neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Bill uncovers the nightmarish secrets of his adoptive family, entangled in a world filled with manipulation, crime, and orgies.
Trailer
GHOST IN THE SHELL
Mamoru Oshiii, JP, 1995
In a future where humans and machines have merged, a cyborg confronts the established authority of the technological elite.
Trailer
LAND OF THE DEAD
George A. Romero, US/CA/FR, 2005
In the wake of a zombie apocalypse, the wealthy have fortified themselves in a heavily secured neighborhood. However, their safety is short-lived. In this fourth installment of the cult series, the living dead are hungrier than ever and closing in.
Trailer
SNOWPIERCER
Bong Joon-ho, KR/CZ, 2013
Aboard a ceaselessly moving train traversing a post-apocalyptic landscape, survivors of a climate catastrophe struggle against a ruthless class hierarchy.
Trailer
Still : © Collection Cinémathèque suisse. All rights reserved.
GOOD MADAM
Jenna Cato Bass, ZA, 2021
Tsidi and her daughter settle into a Cape Town home with a closet full of elite skeletons. Dark secrets and elite scandals soon come tumbling out.
Trailer
VENDREDIS DE LA PEUR AT THE CINÉMATHÈQUE SUISSE
Join us for a dose of dread at the VENDREDIS DE LA PEUR events, where NIFFF teams up with Cinémathèque suisse for a frightfully good time with two special screenings. Kick off the chills on April 26 with THE EXORCIST (William Friedkin, 1973, Director’s cut), a tribute to William Friedkin who passed last year.
Then, whet your appetite for the EAT THE RICH program on May 31 with THE WICKER MAN (Robin Hardy, 1973). Dive into this British folk horror gem that spins the retrospective’s theme with a twist of cruel pagan rites.
CLOSE-UP ON THE 2024 NIFFF POSTER
The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) unveils the poster for its 23rd edition, which will take place in Neuchâtel from July 5th to July 13th, 2024. Designed by Encor studio, it exploits tropes from still life art such as the vanitas symbolisms, while painting a portrait of a mysterious crime scene. For the festival’s audience members, it means they will have, or rather need, to take a step back to better see the bigger picture. Are things really what they seem? We’ll find out in May, before we announce our programme on Thursday, June 20th.
MURDER AND CHIMERA
For the fourth year in a row, the NIFFF is joining forces with Neuchâtel-based artists collective Encor studio to offer its audience a progressive immersive experience in a world specially designed for the forthcoming edition.
Basking in shadows and secrets, the poster hints at a dramatic situation and prompts us to imagine what might have happened a few minutes before the camera immortalized this shot. Was there a decadent party in full swing? Was the culprit present all along?
Living up to its reputation, the NIFFF will playfully toy with the thin line between dream and reality to make you experience thrills as well as anxiety, and so will the films from our selection.
TAKE CHARGE OF THE INVESTIGATION!
The NIFFF and its Presenting partner BCN (Banque Cantonale Neuchâteloise) invite you to partake in a competition that will call on your detective skills. In addition to some mystery prizes (more information in May), tickets for the NIFFF 2024 can be won.
Participation deadline: May 6th, 2024
I WANT TO PARTAKE
SAVE THE DATE
Festival Pass – Early Bird price: Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
Full programme & tickets: Thursday, June 20th, 2024
NIFFF 2024: SAVE THE DATES!
The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) – set to take place 5-13 July 2024 – are well underway. In the meantime, let us quench thirst for fantastic films through our exciting upcoming collaborations and give a few cultural recommendations for this spring!
NIFFF ON TOUR
FANTASTIC WEDNESDAYS
From March 6th at La julienne (Plan-les-Ouates)
For the third year in a row, the NIFFF is giving you the chance to (re)discover 4 genre films at La julienne (Maison des arts et de la culture) in Plan-les-Ouates. Do you prefer sci-fi, thrillers, or comedies? The choice is yours!
FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS
Friday, April 26th, 9 p.m. at Capitole 1 (Lausanne)
Every two months, the Capitole transforms into a sacred place for genre cinema by putting thrillers, horror films, fantasy films and the likes front and centre. The Cinémathèque Suisse and the NIFFF are joining forces to unearth horror classics and B-movie gems, and give these films the exposure they deserve.
This first Friday Night Frights will pay homage to renowned filmmaker William Friedkin, who recently passed away, with a screening of THE EXORCIST (1973) introduced by Pierre-Yves Walder, General and Artistic Director of the NIFFF.
EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS
In December 2024, the European Film Awards will be handed out to the year’s best European films. It will be the 37th edition – but the first one to take place in Switzerland! A varied umbrella programme that runs all year long and includes film screenings, debates, and cultural events invites you to explore what’s new in Swiss and European cinema.
The NIFFF is happy to announce it will partake in the European Film Awards umbrella programme through its Silver Méliès competition – a unique opportunity to highlight the dynamism and diversity of European creation in terms of fantastic films.
TIPS FROM THE NIFFF
ANOTHER LIFE? AT MAISON D’AILLEURS
New exhibition runs until January 25th, 2025.
The new exhibition from Maison d’Ailleurs, “Another Life?”, provides various modes of immersion to its visitors, such as video mapping and virtual reality, all of which have something unique to offer. An immersive exhibition about immersive exhibitions that aims to show how important immersion is to human development.
STAY TUNED! The NIFFF and Maison d’Ailleurs are once more joining forces for one fantastic film evening at Espace Jules Vernes on Friday, April 5th from 6:30 p.m. You can expect to see a genre film that tackles themes similar to those of the exhibition. A screening of David Cronenberg’s eXistenZ (1999) is also on the programme.
SYNOPSIS
To escape her detractors, Allegra escapes into the video game she has created. Once connected to her organic pod, the boundaries of reality are blurred. An eminently Sartrian pursuit.
eXistenZ
David Cronenberg
CA/UK/FR, 1999, 97′
FRIBOURG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (FIFF)
New exhibition runs until January 25th, 2025.
From March 15th to March 24th, 2024, the FIFF will be showing about one hundred films, some of which dedicated to hip-hop music. With movies such as LA HAINE, 8 MILE, CASABLANCA BEATS and LA CIUDAD DE LAS FIERAS, hip-hop culture is at the forefront of a global stage. It should come as no surprise that the NIFFF also recommends attending the midnight screenings to get your fill of thrills and adrenaline.
SAVE THE DATE
2024 Poster : Thursday, March 28th, 2024
Festival Pass – Early Bird price: Tuesday, May 7th, 2024
Full programme & tickets: Thursday, June 20th, 2024
MEET THE NIFFF PROGRAMMING TEAM
The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) is happy to introduce you to its programming team. We look forward to seeing you in person in Neuchâtel, from July 5th to July 13th, 2024, to show you all the genre cinema gems we work so hard to find! In the meantime, the members of the programming team will be attending various film markets. In addition, you can still submit your film to the festival on NIFFF.CH.
PIERRE-YVES WALDER
General and Artistic Director
Born in Neuchâtel, Pierre-Yves studied fine arts and holds a Diploma of Advanced Studies in cultural management. He started his career in Paris as a media relations specialist before working for several Swiss festivals (Cinéma Tous Ecrans, Visions du Réel, Zurich Film Festival, Festival de Locarno), all the while regularly collaborating with RTS. For two years, he worked for the Pro Helvetia Swiss Arts Council (Zurich). He joined the NIFFF team in 2008, first as part of the Communications team, and then as a Programme Coordinator (until 2015), before taking on the role of General and Artistic Director in autumn 2021.
© Miguel Bueno / NIFFF 2021
ALICE MORONI
Programme Coordinator
Alice holds a bachelor’s degree in D.A.M.S. Dicipline of Arts, Musics and Performance from the University of Bologna Faculty of Letters and Arts, in Italy. She earned her stripes at Filmmaker, a Milan-based festival that promotes independent cinema. Over the past 20 years, she has worked various roles for many film-related events and cultural organisations (Alba International Film Festival, Festival dei Popoli, Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica, FrontDoc, Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta, and so on). She notably partook in the creation of the Vallée Film Commission d’Aoste foundation. In 2011, she moved to Switzerland, where she became the head of the programming office for Visions du Réel from 2011 to 2014. She has been a Programme Coordinator at the NIFFF since 2016.
© Miguel Bueno / NIFFF 2020
KATE REIDY
Programmer
Kate holds a degree of fine arts in cinema from HEAD Geneva. She has been playing a key role in the region’s cultural landscape for 25 years. Founder of the Cinéma Spoutnik collective, former permanent spokesperson for État d’Urgences (central association of the alternative cultural centre L’Usine), she was also the Co-Director of the International Independent Film Festival Black-Movie from 2003 to 2021. She then took charge of the City of Geneva Cultural Services in 2021-2022. She brings in novel approaches to film distribution, successfully incorporating aesthetic and societal themes to attract a wide diversity of audiences. Her commitment stands out thanks to her proven open-mindedness, which gives equal importance to emerging auteur cinema and to more traditional filmmaking. She joined the NIFFF programming team in 2024.
© Olivier Zimmermann
CHARLOTTE SERRAND
Short Film Programmer
Born in 1988, Charlotte studied classical and modern literature, and went on to obtain a master’s degree in film studies at Université Paris 3 Sorbonne Nouvelle. Since 2020, she is the Artistic Director of La Roche-sur-Yon International Film Festival, where she had been working with the programming team since 2012. From 2019 to 2021, she took on the role of Programming Advisor for the Directors’ Fortnight (Cannes Festival). She has also regularly worked as an artistic advisor for Visions du Réel since 2018.
She has been collaborating with filmmaker Albert Serra as an artistic advisor since 2012 (notably for STORY OF MY DEATH, THE DEATH OF LOUIS XIV, LIBERTÉ). In 2014, she directed the film 1048 LUNES (FIDMarseille, Bafici). She became part of the NIFFF programming team in 2024 and is now in charge of the various short film programmes.
© Blumone
NADÈGE PIO
NIFFF EXTENDED Coordinator
Nadège is a sociologist specialised in the study of digital cultures and practices, and holds a master’s degree in digital humanities from the University of Lausanne. She recently collaborated with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology as part of their Digital Education Project in the Vaud canton. Initially trained in forensic sciences and anti-cybercriminality, Nadège previously worked as a strategic analyst for the Vaud Cantonal Police. Her passion for the arts led her to work for the Lausanne university radio during her studies. She has long been cultivating a strong interest for the fantasy genre and has therefore been attending the NIFFF for close to a decade. Drawing from her unique experience, she will be coordinating the NIFFF EXTENDED programme in 2024 and will also continue developing activities related to La Tour du fantastique.
MARIE KLAY
NIFFF INVASION Coordinator
As the Administrative Director of the LUFF — Lausanne Underground Film & Music Festival since 2014, Marie Klay has garnered significant experience in the cultural world of Romandie, with a particular interest in film and audiovisual works. Even before graduating in art history from the University of Lausanne in 2015, she started working for the Lausanne Zinéma in administrative and programming roles. From 2015 to 2017, she joined the Cinéma Spoutnik team in Geneva while the cultural sector faced massive budgetary cuts. She comes out of the experience a fierce political defender of culture. In addition to her commitment to the LUFF, she is part of the NIFFF team as the NIFFF INVASION Coordinator since 2017, and in 2024, she is also taking over programming duties.
© Miguel Bueno / NIFFF 2020
Feature Film Selection Committee:
Frederike Dellert (DE), Alice Moroni (IT/CH), Alexandre Rallo (FR/DE), Kate Reidy (CH), Rocío Rocha (AR), Charlotte Serrand (FR), Loïc Valceschini (CH), Pierre-Yves Walder (CH)
Short Film Selection Committee:
James Berclaz-Lewis (CH), Léa Eigenmann (CH), Sonia Pfeuti (CH), Raphaëlle Pralong (CH), Alexandre Rallo (FR/DE), Kate Reidy (CH), Charlotte Serrand (FR)
Consultants: Joanne Giger (FR/US), Adam Torel (UK/JP)
NIFFF Extended consultants: Boris Bruckler (CH), Ian Failes (AU), Vincent Frei (CH)
THE NIFFF WILL BE IN…
- Rotterdam : 30 January – 2 February 2024
- Clermont-Ferrand: 5-8 February 2024
- EFM: 14-21 February 2024
- Marché du Film: 13-22 May 2024
Contact them:
CALL FOR ENTRIES
NIFFF submissions are open ! You can try to partake in the 23rd edition by submitting your film and compete for the prestigious H.R. Giger “Narcisse” Award (CHF 10,000 granted by the City of Neuchâtel).
GET THE 2024 FESTIVAL PASS UNDER THE TREE
Christmas is just around the corner. You haven’t had time to do your Christmas shopping yet? Thanks to the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF), you can spoil your friends with fantastic films!
The first 100 Festival Passes can now be purchased at a discounted price, alongside 4 and 10-ticket Multipasses, as well as the Support Festival Pass. Icing on the log: new merchandising items are now available in our online shop, so that you can wear NIFFF gear all year-round!
🎁 FESTIVAL PASS 2024
Special Christmas offer 💥 The first 100 Festival Passes are CHF 160 (instead of CHF 195).
[ SOLD OUT ]
This pass gives you access to all the films shown at the NIFFF and to discover – in the idyllic, lacustrine surroundings of Neuchâtel – the great diversity of the fantasy genre, from thrillers and horror, to comedy, action, and science fiction.
💛 SUPPORT FESTIVAL PASS
NIFFF lovers are very familiar with the Festival Pass. It grants access to all films, but also to the VIP area where you can meet your favourite director, and to the best seats during the ceremonies.
On top of that, you will have the team’s everlasting gratitude for your support.
🎫 4 AND 10-TICKET MULTIPASSES
The 4-ticket (CHF 58) and 10-ticket (CHF 130) Multipasses can be passed on, so you can share unforgettable cinematic moments with your friends.
Support Festival Passes and 4/10-ticket Multipasses can be purchased year-round on NIFFF.CH. You can book screenings as soon as the programme is unveiled on Thursday, June 20th, 2024.
WON’T YOU HAVE A HOODIE WITH THAT?
The timeless NIFFF hoodie is perfect all year long to keep you warm in winter and comfortable at the summer Open Air screenings.
The NIFFF online shop is full of exciting items, from clothing to practical objects. Take a look and find the perfect gift for your movie buff friends!
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE NIFFF!
As a member of the Friends of the NIFFF Association (AANIFFF), you will become a pillar of support for the festival and contribute to the preservation and development of an extraordinary cinematic adventure.
There are various membership levels, each with specific advantages.
Composed of industry professionals, long-time festival-goers and people related to the Swiss film industry, the AANIFFF (Association des Ami·es du NIFFF) contributes each year to the financial health and the prestige of the festival.
NIFFF 2023 CONFERENCES AND INTERVIEWS ON REPLAY
The conferences and interviews made during the 22nd edition of the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) are now available online.
NIFFF EXTENDED
The yearly NIFFF EXTENDED programme – supported by the SRG SSR – consists of free roundtables, conferences, and public talks that have to do with the festival’s guests and various programmes. It is also an opportunity to explore new technologies at the service of fantasy storytelling (IMAGING THE FUTURE) and to meet major authors in person (NEW WORLDS OF FANTASY).
Between June 30th and July 8th, 2023, the NIFFF audience was able to meet, among others:
- John McTiernan, the undisputed master of the hard-hitting, bloody revolution in the American action genre of the late 80s.
- Josiane Balasko, a major artist of the French-speaking film industry, but also an author with a passion for the fantasy genres. In collaboration with RTS Culture, this conference was broadcast live on La Première – Vertigo.
- Charles Burns, creator of graphic novels DÉDALES and BLACK HOLE, who talked at length about his work and his masterful mixing of humour and horror.
- Katsuhito Ishii, the cult Japanese director, discussed his varied filmography and flamboyant visual style. Several of his films were shown at the NIFFF 2023.
All four of them also gave exclusive NIFFF interviews, which you can discover below.
As part of NIFFF EXTENDED, animation was also explored with:
- ANIMATION FOR GROWNUPS, a roundtable about the new stakes of animation, a genre that is no longer just for young audiences.
- Richard Pickersgill, head puppet maker for GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO (2022), presented the painstaking and breathtaking techniques of stop-motion animation.
There were also conferences on Swiss creation and visual effects:
- MAD HEIDI: VFX MADE IN SWITZERLAND, a deep dive into the effects of the film with VFX supervisor Chris Blaser.
- ELECTRIC.FILM : UN STUDIO D’UN NOUVEAU GENRE, a presentation from Swiss filmmaker Simon Jaquemet, who is harnessing the power of web 3.0 technologies to offer a novel approach to filmmaking.
More topics tackled in 2023: comic books (and scrolling comics), artificial intelligence, and design.
OFFICIAL INTERVIEWS
Some of the guests who attended the NIFFF’s 22nd edition agreed to give exclusive interviews to the festival team. You can notably watch Amanda Nell Eu talk about her first feature film TIGER STRIPES, which won the NIFFF first prize, the H.R. Giger “Narcisse” Award (CHF 10,000 from the City of Neuchâtel).
Images : © Studio Corium / NIFFF 2023
ONLINE SHOP
The NIFFF shop is back online, with our collectors’ merch now cheaper than ever!
What’s new this year? Scrunchies, wallets, and laptop covers made out of recycled tarp by Alfaset, as well NIFFF-branded caps and hoodies.
THE NIFFF IS BACK
After the resounding success of the 22nd edition – with record attendance and lots of debut feature winners – the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) is kicking off its autumn season activities. Here’s an overview.
FANTASTIC SWISS AWARD AT FANTOCHE
For the 7th year in a row, the NIFFF had the honour to grant the Fantastic Swiss Award to the best genre film in the Swiss shorts competition at Fantoche – Baden International Animated Film Festival. The award was given to the animated gem CREVETTE from Sven Bachmann, Noémi Knobil, Jill Vágner, and Elina Huber. It will be part of the shorts programme at next year’s NIFFF (5-13 July, 2024) in Neuchâtel.
FILM RELEASES FROM NIFFF 2023
Shown as part of the NIFFF’s 22nd edition (30 June-8 July 2023), the following films are benefitting from a release in Swiss cinemas:
THE NIFFF IS HIRING
The NIFFF is gearing up for its 23rd edition, and is looking to fill two fixed-term positions in the artistic department: a film programmer, and a NIFFF Extended programme coordinator.
THE NIFFF IN STRASBOURG
Pierre-Yves Walder, General and Artistic Director, will be among the guests of the 16th FEFFS (Festival Européen du Film Fantastique de Strasbourg). From September 22nd to October 1st, he will be part of the Crossovers competition jury, which focuses on new dark comedies and films noir on the fringes of fantasy.
SAVE THE DATES
The travelling NIFFF ON TOUR programme will be back soon in a cinema near you.
- October 28th : 8 HOURS OF HORROR vol.4
- November 25th : MIDNIGHT MOVIES at the Centre de culture ABC (La Chaux de Fonds)
NIFFF 2023: SOLD OUT SCREENINGS AND YOUNG TALENTS REWARDED
On Saturday evening, the curtain fell on the vibrant 22nd edition of the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF). For 9 days, over 55,000 festival-goers were able to explore the many aspects of genre cinema in the presence of our 122 guests. The International Jury awarded the prestigious H.R. Giger “Narcisse” Award for best feature film (CHF 10,000, granted by the City of Neuchâtel) to TIGER STRIPES, the first feature film from Amanda Nell Eu. The overall prize list gives prominence to emerging filmmakers. It also awarded the Imaging The Future Award (CHF 3,000, granted by Microcity) for best production design to Ti West’s PEARL.
“Amanda Nell Eu managed to create a unique world that makes the audience experience the simultaneously realistic and fantastic adventures of a young girl that hits puberty in contemporary Malaysia. The maturity and the freshness of this debut feature convinced us. Granting it the award seemed like the obvious choice: we have discovered a new voice of fantastic cinema”, declared the International Jury during the Closing Ceremony about Amanda Nell Eu’s first feature film.
THE NIFFF, THE UNMISSABLE EVENT OF THE SUMMER
The 159 screenings of NIFFF 2023 – in the Théâtre du Passage, the Cinepel theatres, and the Open Air on Place des Halles – have added up to over 34,400 cinema tickets sold. This is more than the 2022 numbers (28’234), and on par with the record numbers of 2019 (34,064). We are thrilled to see that the audience’s enthusiasm for genre films never wanes, and that the NIFFF remains a key event in the Swiss film landscape. The NIFFF Extended conferences are also showing increased attendance, La Villa has given prominence to two immersive installations and to contemporary art performances, while festival-goers have enjoyed the bucolic atmosphere of the Jardin anglais day and night.
2023 PRIZE LIST
The NIFFF is happy to see three debut features from the Official Competition winning awards: TIGER STRIPES from Amanda Nell Eu, RAGING GRACE from Paris Zarcilla, and VINCENT DOIT MOURIR from Stéphan Castang. These films create very unique and personal worlds, and are a testament to the artistic, thematic, and geographic diversity of the programme. The new generation of filmmakers is also put in the spotlight with the winning short films: PIPES from Kilian Feusi, Jessica Meier, and Sujanth Ravichandran, SE DIT D’UN CERF QUI QUITTE SON BOIS from Salomé Crickx, and FOREIGNERS ONLY from Nuhash Humayun.
H. R. GIGER “NARCISSE” AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM
(INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION)
CHF 10,000 granted by the City of Neuchâtel
TIGER STRIPES (Amanda Nell Eu, MY, TW, SG, FR, DE, NL, ID, QA, 2023)
Honourable mention: SUPERPOSITION (Karoline Lyngbye, DK, 2023)
Awarded by the international jury:
Josiane Balasko, Writer and director, FR
Veronika Franz, Writer and director, AT
Charles Burns, Illustrator and author of graphic novels, US
John McTiernan, Director, US
Olivier Babinet, Director, FR
IMAGING THE FUTURE AWARD FOR BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
(INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION)
CHF 3’000.- granted by Microcity
PEARL (Ti West, US, 2022)
Awarded by the international jury:
Josiane Balasko, Writer and director, FR
Veronika Franz, Writer and director, AT
Charles Burns, Illustrator and author of graphic novels, US
John McTiernan, Director, US
Olivier Babinet, Director, FR
INTERNATIONAL CRITICS AWARD
(INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION)
Honorary
RAGING GRACE (Paris Zarcilla, UK, 2023)
Awarded by the International Critics jury:
Anaïs Bordages, Journalist, FR (Podcast AMIES, SLATE)
Nicole Parker, Journalist, DE (DEADLINE)
Yal Sadat, Journalist and film critic, FR
YOUTH AWARD
(INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION)
Hamilton watch, granted by Hamilton Watch
RAGING GRACE (Paris Zarcilla, UK, 2023)
Awarded by the high schools Denis-de-Rougemont & Blaise-Cendrars
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST ASIAN FILM
(ASIAN COMPETITION)
Honorary
MARRY MY DEAD BODY (Cheng Wei-hao, TW, 2022)
Awarded by the audience
RTS AUDIENCE AWARD
(INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION)
Broadcasting rights
RAGING GRACE (Paris Zarcilla, UK, 2023)
Awarded by the audience
SILVER MÉLIÈS FOR BEST EUROPEAN FANTASTIC FEATURE FILM
Nomination
VINCENT DOIT MOURIR (Stéphan Castang, FR/BE, 2023)
Awarded by the Méliès jury:
Monica Garcia Massagué, SITGES Festival General Manager, ES
Carlota Pereda, Director, ES
Max Karli, Producer, CH
H. R. GIGER “NARCISSE” AWARD FOR BEST SWISS SHORT FILM
CHF 10’000.- granted by SSA and SUISSIMAGE
PIPES (Kilian Feusi, Jessica Meier, Sujanth Ravichandran, CH)
Honourable mention: DER MOLCHKONGRESS (Immanuel Esser, Matthias Sahli, CH, 2022)
Awarded by the SSA/SUISSIMAGE jury:
Marie-Lou Pahud, Producer, CH
Astrid Silva, Head of programming at Visions du Réel, CH
Dexter Maurer, Illustrator, CH
SILVER MÉLIÈS FOR BEST EUROPEAN FANTASTIC SHORT FILM
Nomination
SE DIT D’UN CERF QUI QUITTE SON BOIS (Salomé Crickx, BE, 2023)
Awarded by the SSA/SUISSIMAGE jury:
Marie-Lou Pahud, Producer, CH
Astrid Silva, Head of programming at Visions du Réel, CH
Dexter Maurer, Illustrator, CH
YOUTH AWARD
(SWISS SHORTS, INTERNATIONAL SHORTS, ASIAN SHORTS)
Honorary
FOREIGNERS ONLY (Nuhash Humayun, BD, 2022)
Awarded by the high schools Denis-de-Rougemont & Blaise-Cendrars
AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM
(SWISS SHORTS, INTERNATIONAL SHORTS, ASIAN SHORTS)
Honorary
FOREIGNERS ONLY (Nuhash Humayun, BD, 2022)
Awarded by the audience
NIFFF 2024
The 23rd edition of the NIFFF will take place from July 5th to July 13th, 2024.
NIFFF 2023: A SPECTACULAR FIRST WEEKEND
The numbers for the first weekend of the 22nd edition of the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF, 30 June – 8 July) are overwhelmingly positive: After a sold out Opening ceremony, the festival has sold close to 12,000 tickets, which is even better than last year. Our five prestigious International Jury members have arrived in the lakeside city, and are getting ready for a week of discoveries. They will share their conclusions on Saturday evening during the Closing ceremony.
NIFFF EXTENDED IS IN FULL SWING FROM TODAY ONWARDS
Today is the day leading figures such as Katsuhito Ishii (conference on July 3rd at 5:30 p.m.) or Richard Pickersgill (PINOCCHIO’S PUPPETS, July 3rd at 3:45 p.m.), puppet maker for Guillermo del Toro’s PINOCCHIO, will be talking publicly about their work in animation. The creators of the impressive WHITE PLASTIC SKY, which is part of the International Competition, will round things out with their dark and poetic work. There will be a roundtable dedicated to our FEMALE TROUBLE retrospective and to female character archetypes in genre cinema (on July 5th at 3 p.m.), bringing together Carlota Pereda, director of PIGGY, Anna Bogutskaya, author, critic, and host of the THE FINAL GIRLS podcast, and Mónica García Massagué, General Director of the Sitges Festival. The public conference from Charles Burns, illustrator, graphic novel author, and master of the weird, will be another highlight that will mix humour with horror (on July 5th at 5 p.m.). Finally, Josiane Balasko will open the doors to the imaginary world of her collection of short stories, JAMAIPLU, for a public talk followed by a book-signing session (on July 6th at 5 p.m.).
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
A rich and vivid look into Swiss creation, the AMAZING SWITZERLAND section is giving the audience a chance to discover one of the earliest TV shows from the RTS channel released in 1969, SIAL IV (on July 3rd at 4:45 p.m.) in a restored version, as well as the feature film UNTIL BRANCHES BEND (July 5th at 4:45 p.m.) from Sophie Jarvis. Projects emerging as part of the WORLD BUILDING workshop in La Villa will have a public preview on Wednesday, July 5th at 6:30 p.m. THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD and THE SENTINEL, selected as part of the FILM DE MINUIT, section, will be analysed by journalist and critic Julien Comelli, for the enjoyment of thrill-seeking cinephiles. The latter will also find what they’re looking for with the historical horror tale IN MY MOTHER’S SKIN in the Asian competition, the Lithuanian slasher PENSIVE (July 4th, 00:30 a.m.), the Nigerian-British production MAMI WATA (July 4th at 7:30 p.m.), and the Malaysian film TIGER STRIPES (July 4th, 5 p.m.), which will all give them the opportunity to explore less-trodden paths of genre cinema… The adventure has only just begun!
THE FIRST WEEKEND IN PICTURES
