The NIFFF is among the 9 film festivals supported by the Swiss Confederation, and also a member of the Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF). As a result, the festival’s programme includes more than 150 films divided into 4 competitions and various special events.
The Narcisse Award for best feature film was conceived by famous Swiss sculptor and designer H. R. Giger, creator of Alien, as a generous way of supporting the festival’s inception.
An extremely influential figure today, H.R. Giger has had an impact on all domains of visual production. He is renowned worldwide thanks to his major contributions to cinema with films such as Dune, Species or Alien, for which he won an Oscar in 1980. The image of the Narcisse award has become the festival’s logo.
COMPETITIVE SECTIONS
OUT OF COMPETITION
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
An overview of today’s trends in fantastic cinema from around the world.
10 000 CHF – H.R. Giger “Narcisse” Award for best feature film / Awarded by the City of Neuchâtel
3 000 CHF – Imaging The Future Award for best production design / Awarded by Microcity Microcity
Broadcasting – RTS Audience Award / Awarded by Radio Télévision Suisse
Promotion – NIFFF International Critics Award / Awarded by medias
Hamilton watch worth 500 CHF – Denis-de-Rougemont Youth Award / Awarded by the high schools Denis-de-Rougemont & Blaise Cendrars
ASIAN COMPETITION
An outline of the quality and diversity that characterise popular Asian cinema.
Honorary – Best Asian Film Award / Chosen by audience
COMPETITION FOR THE BEST SWISS FANTASTIC SHORT
A glimpse at the next generation of Swiss filmmakers.
10 000 CHF – H.R. Giger “Narcisse” Award for the best short film / Awarded by SSA and Suissimage
COMPETITION FOR THE BEST SHORT FILM
Swiss shorts / Asian shorts / International shorts
Honorary – Youth Short Film Award / Awarded by the high schools Denis-de-Rougemont & Blaise-Cendrars
Honorary – Best Short Film Award / Chosen by the audience
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AWARD
The rights of one film from the official selection are acquired by distribution company OUTSIDE THE BOX.
Through its various programmes, the festival throws itself body and soul into developing this project, to make it grow, to make it more attractive, more coherent, more global, and more welcoming.
THIRD KIND
The relationship between thrillers and fantasy films.
ULTRA MOVIES
A selection that unveils the strangest aspects of genre cinema.
AMAZING SWITZERLAND
An overview of the best fantastic films (or affiliated genres) aimed at promoting the Swiss industry.
CARTE BLANCHE TO A SWISS CULTURAL FIGURE
A unique approach of fantastic films through the lens of a specific Swiss cultural figure.
RETROSPECTIVES & HOMMAGES
A unique selection of features engaging the audience in the exploration the genre’s legacy or the career of its icons.
CLASSICS RELOADED
5 pearls of genre cinema, presented in gloriously restored versions, projected on the Open Air.
NIFFF KIDS
Screenings for young audiences in collaboration with The Magic Lantern, Fantoche (Baden International Animation Film Festival), and regional schools.
