NIFFF 2024: ASIA ARGENTO, AN ICON IN NEUCHÂTEL

The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF, July 5 – 13) is looking forward to welcoming its 23rd edition’s guest of honor: Asia Argento. The Italian actress, director, scriptwriter, producer, model, DJ, and singer will present a 4-film carte blanche giving the spotlight to legendary genre movies.

Asia Argento inherited a burning passion for fantastic and horror cinema, a genre she has enriched with multiple works as an actress and director. The daughter of renowned horror maestro Dario Argento, she has a reputation for taking ambitious roles and owning the screen with her magnetic presence. Her commitment to the #MeToo movement has made her a figure of feminism in the film industry.

Throughout her career, Asia Argento has left a significant impact. Her talent and versatility have allowed the actress, director, scriptwriter, and producer to be part of many cult films such as LA SINDROME DI STENDHAL (Dario Argento, 1996), NEW ROSE HOTEL (Abel Ferrara, 1998), and LAST DAYS (Gus Van Sant, 2005). As a filmmaker, she has created touching pieces that explored bold and personal themes, like SCARLET DIVA (2000) or INCOMPRESA (2014). A multifaceted artist, Asia Argento also works as a DJ. She has produced her first album, TOTAL ENTROPY, in 2013, and has appeared in various music videos.

As the NIFFF 2024 guest of honor, Asia Argento will present a carte blanche of some of the movies that have inspired and influenced her as an artist. Carl Theodor Dreyer’s VAMPYR (DE/FR, 1932) is a classic that delves into the delicate boundary between the dream world and reality, while psychological thriller PEEPING TOM (Michael Powell, UK, 1960) is all about its protagonist’s obsession with images. Festivalgoers will have an opportunity to see Asia Argento at the Open Air, where she will present Georges Franju’s poetic and terrifying tale of identity and transformation LES YEUX SANS VISAGE (FR/IT, 1960). Her most recent pick is TETSUO (JP, 1989), Shin’ya Tsukamoto’s cult film – an intense, unique horror/sci-fi hybrid. Finally, several films she acted in will also be part of the festival’s program.