NIFFF celebrates its 25th edition with all the variety it can muster

The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) marks its 25th anniversary starting July 3, showcasing its characteristic variety and commitment to the fantastic genre. This year's edition promises a rich program, highlighting both established and emerging talents in fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema.

Central to the festival is its international competition, which includes Jane Schoenbrun's "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma." This film, a playful take on the slasher genre, explores the making of a queer slasher remake, featuring a meta-narrative with its protagonists. The selection reflects the festival's ongoing engagement with contemporary genre filmmaking and its innovative approaches.

Beyond the competition, NIFFF is presenting a special retrospective titled "Anniversaries," featuring films that engage with the theme of anniversaries, sometimes in unsettling ways. This includes Claude Chabrol's "La Cérémonie," Hideaki Anno's "Ritual," and a special interactive screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," complete with cabaret performers and audience participation, catering to its dedicated fanbase.

Adding to the international flavor, the festival will host a conference with acclaimed Bollywood director S. S. Rajamouli, known for the epic "Baahubali" saga. This event offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain insights from a master storyteller in Indian cinema. The NIFFF's 25th edition solidifies its position as a key event for genre film enthusiasts worldwide.