Thee Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF, 1 – 9 July) is delighted to announce that its 21st edition’s first weekend was a great success, with 9,000 tickets sold. Launched with a sold-out opening ceremony, this edition has already welcomed a great deal of prestigious guests who have introduced various screenings and met festivalgoers. The SCREAM QUEER retrospective fantastically promotes inclusiveness and has been embraced by a very diverse audience. This is a powerful comeback for the NIFFF, with multiple sold-out screenings. A good omen for the rest of the festival, which runs until Saturday, July 9th. Next milestones: the launch of NIFFF Extended (dedicated more specifically to digital creation), and the world premiere of YEAR OF THE SHARK (Ludovic & Zoran Boukherma, FR, 2022) as part of the SHARK NIGHT event (Monday, July 4th).
SPOTLIGHT ON THE NIFFF EXTENDED (4–7 JULY)
NIFFF Extended, a programme dedicated to innovation, new technologies, and related filmmaking disciplines, is starting today until Thursday, July 7th. Talks, roundtables, and conferences will give experts a chance to discuss their work with new technologies as part of the creation of imaginary worlds. The Imaging the Future symposium will have talks dedicated to game engines (GAME-POWERED CINEMA, A NEW ERA FOR THE VFX INDUSTRY), and a whole day on gaming creation (AHEAD OF THE GAME). This symposium will also be graced with the exceptional presence of representatives and puppeteers from Taiwanese studio PiLi International (THE EVOLUTION OF TAIWANESE PUPPETRY). The Storyworlds symposium will welcome three world-renowned Korean screenwriters who will be discussing their creative process during the HOW FEMALE WRITERS ARE SHAPING KOREAN SERIES talk. The label will end on a high note with the New Worlds of Fantasy literary forum and three major authors of fantasy literature: Romain Lucazeau (LA NUIT DU FAUNE), Mariana Enríquez (OUR SHARE OF NIGHT), and the renowned Joyce Carol Oates (BLONDE) in collaboration with RTS Culture and Vertigo – La 1ère.
NEW INFRASTRUCTURES MEET THEIR AUDIENCE
The NIFFF is happy to welcome its audience in completely redesigned infrastructures. The majestic Open Air and its optical illusions, located at the heart of Place des Halles, comes alive every evening with screenings under the stars thanks to an aerial architecture. The Festival OFFF at the Jardin Anglais was instantly adopted by festivalgoers looking for a breezy break between films. La Villa, and elegant heritage building overlooking its terrasse and gardens, is the ideal place to showcase the virtual worlds imagined by Swiss gaming creatives. The immersive, sensory installation IVF-X POSTHUMAN PARENTING IN HYBRID REALITY, which offers couples a chance to create a cyborg baby, is also a resounding success.
