Miscellaneous Norwegian zombie film wins main prize at NIFFF

More than 55,000 people celebrated the fantastic film at the International Fantastic Film Festival in Neuchâtel (NIFFF) - fewer than last year. The H.R. Giger "Narcisee" prize, worth ten thousand francs, went to the horror drama "Handling the Undead".

This was announced by the NIFFF on Saturday at the end of the 23rd edition of the festival. The film by 35-year-old director Thea Hvistendahl deals with the reunion with recently deceased relatives and the difficulty of coping with grief.

A second feature film by a woman, "Ennennum" by Indian filmmaker Shalini Ushadevi, also received an award. "These two works offer unique visions of genre cinema and reflect the artistic, thematic and geographical diversity of the selection," said the festival organizers.

"Cuckoo" by German director Tilman Singer received a special mention, while the "Imaging The Future Award", endowed with three thousand francs, went to the US production "I Saw the TV Glow" by Jane Schoenbrun. The film about two young outsiders was produced by US actress Emma Stone, among others.

Fewer guests

The program of the nine-day event featured 124 films, including 12 that were shown for the first time worldwide. The films came from 46 countries on five continents. The screenings attracted almost 35,000 admissions, slightly more than last year.

In total, more than 55,000 festival visitors were counted. According to the organizers, the events were very well received by the audience. Installations and video games were given special prominence.

The guest of honor at this year's edition was the Italian Asia Argento, who appears as a filmmaker, director, screenwriter, producer and actress, but also as a model, DJ and singer. She received carte blanche at the festival and presented four films that inspired her.

The 24th edition of the NIFFF will take place from July 4 to 12, 2025.