The NIFFF is among the 22 festivals supported by the Swiss Confederation, and also a member of the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation. As a result, the festival’s programme includes 177 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.
SECTIONS
COMPETITIVE SECTIONS
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
5 000 CHF
Imaging The Future Award for best production design
Awarded by CSEM
Broadcasting
RTS Audience Award
Awarded by Radio Télévision Suisse
Promotion
NIFFF International Critics Award
Awarded by medias Scifiworld (SP), Nocturno (IT), Deadline (DE), Screenanarchy (CA) and Mad Movies (FR)
Hamilton watch
worth 500 CHF
Denis-de-Rougemont Youth Award
Awarded by the high school Denis-de-Rougemont
NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA
An outline of the quality and diversity that characterise popular Asian cinema.
Broadcasting
RTS Audience Award
Awarded by Radio Télévision Suisse
Honorary
Best Asian Film Award
Chosen by audience
COMPETITION FOR THE BEST SWISS FANTASTIC
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
2 000 CHF of post-production
Award for Innovation
Awarded by Taurus Recording Studio
THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AWARD
The rights of one film from the official selection are acquired by distribution company OUTSIDE THE BOX.
OUT OF COMPETITION
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.
FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND
The most anticipated premieres of the festival let the audience explore the relationship between thrillers and fantasy films.
ULTRA MOVIES
Midnight screenings unveil 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.
EL DORADO
As an extension of the NIFFF 2016 ‘El Dorado’ programme, these films open up a window into the most original creations Latin American genre has to offer.
RETROSPECTIVES & HOMMAGES
A unique selection of features engaging the audience in the exploration the genre’s legacy or the career of its icons.
INTERNATIONAL & ASIAN SHORTS
Current trends of tomorrow’s great Asian cinema, and the best international short films.
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.