CONTENT

NIFFF PRESS RELEASE 2 INTERVIEW WITH ANAÏS EMERY, NIFFF’S DIRECTOR 4 PROGRAMME 2019 6 PRICES & JURYS 2019 8 THE NIFFF IN NUMBERS 10 PRESS OFFICE 11

COMPETITIVE SECTIONS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 12 NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA 28 SSA / SUISSIMAGE SHORT FILMS COMPETITION 30 SILVER MÉLIÈS COMPETITION 31

NON-COMPETITIVE SECTIONS OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES 32 FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND 33 ULTRA MOVIES 37 EL DORADO 40 DANES DO IT BETTER! 41 REFLECTIONS OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: THE EDGE OF FANTASY 42 AMAZING SWITZERLAND 44 CARTE BLANCHE TO A SWISS CELEBRITY: LAURENCE SUHNER 45 AMAZING STORIES OF CINEMA 46 INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 47 NEW SHORTS FROM ASIA 47 FANTOCHE 48

NIFFF EXTENDED GSGS’19 49 IMAGING THE FUTURE 49 STORYWORLDS 51 NEW WORLDS OF FANTASY 52

NIFFF INVASION 53

PRACTICAL INFOS 57

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PRESS RELEASE

NIFFF 2019: THE 19TH EDITION AT THE CROSSROADS OF IMAGINATION The Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) completely embraces the possibi- lities of alterity in its ambitious programme for the 19th edition, which will take place from July 5th to July 13th. The competition will champion the universality of imagination by gathering vi- sionary creators from all over the world in the thousandyear-old city. Films in the International Competition will compete for the H.R. Giger Narcisse award (CHF 10,000), granted by the City of Neuchâtel. This year’s selection highlights the incredible dynamism of contemporary fan- tasy films, a genre that still holds a special place for master filmmakers and newcomers alike. Genre cinema is a bottomless well of rejuvenation and diversity, which invites the audience to step out of its comfort zone to understand today’s world.

The gripping vision of emerging European auteurs (THE LODGE, Veronika Franz and Severin Fala; THE HOLE IN THE GROUND, Lee Cronin; YVES, Benoît Forgeard; THE ROOM, Christian Volckler) will rub shoulders with the American indie film scene (SOMETHING ELSE, Jeremy Gardner and Christian Stell; KNIVES AND SKIN, Jennifer Reeder; DANIEL ISN’T REAL, Adam Egypt Morti- mer). As an international event, the festival also focuses on fantasies from Asia with a high-quality competition – NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA –, and from Africa with the retrospective REFLECTIONS OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, in the presence of exceptional guests such as Ghanean afrobeat duo FOKN BOIS and filmmaker Pierre-Alain Meier. The EL DORADO section will showcase three gems from Latin America, including the masterpiece MONOS directed by Alejandro Landes (win- ner of the Sundance Jury Prize). Dan Wechsler, one of the producers, will be in attendance.

The festival, which has become the point of convergence for contemporary audiovisual produc- tions, will welcome seasoned artists like Denis Côté (who will present his GHOST TOWN ANTHO- LOGY) and Miike Takashi, who will be back in Neuchâtel with FIRST LOVE. New artists will also make their sensational debut in the competition, among them young prodigy Blaise Harrison and his supernatural teen movie LES PARTICULES, and New Yorker Carlo Mirabella-Davis, who tackles the issues of patriarchy in SWALLOW. Auteurs with unique universes will complete the picture: Benoît Forgeard and his smart fridge called YVES, Brazilians Kleber Mendonça Filho and Juliano Dornelles with the social satire BACURAU, and Kiwi filmmaker Ant Timpson (important producer of New Zealand genre fare) who will present his (unhinged) Elijah Wood-led directorial debut COME TO DADDY. The climax of this edition will be the Swiss premiere of Lorcan Finne- gan’s VIVARIUM, in which Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots are trapped in a nightmarish and labyrinthine neighbourhood.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION The international competition will offer a vivid overview of contemporary fantasy cinema. Young Franco-Swiss director Blaise Harrison will take centre stage with his first fiction film LES PAR- TICULES, a feature that uses the CERN as a narrative accelerator. Eagerly awaited is the return of Spanish director Miguel Llansó, who will be presenting his new innovative creation JESUS SHOWS YOU THE WAY TO THE HIGHWAY with his actors. Also worth noting is the presence of Californian filmmaker Jeremy Gardner, for the International premiere of his monster tale SO- METHING ELSE.

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NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA As a main vector of influence on worldwide genre cinema, exciting Asian films will be featured in a competition that keeps the festival’s heart beating at all times. Unstoppable and inimitable filmmaker Miike Takashi will take part with FIRST LOVE, his 103rd feature film. Japan is front and centre this year with the European premiere of Eguchi Kan’s THE FABLE, an adaptation of the manga of the same name from Katsuhisa Minami. Korean director Lee Won-tae will attend the Swiss premiere of his film THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL, a nocturnal thriller who should leave audiences breathless in Europe as well as Asia. Another come-back is that of Zhang Yimou, director of SECRET OF THE FLYING DAGGERS, with his new swordplay epic, SHADOW.

FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND An ode to the diversity of fantasy cinema, the FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND section is filled with highly anticipated premieres. Prepare to discover the BDSM world of Finnish filmmaker Juk- ka-Pekka Valkeapää (DOGS DON’T WEAR PANTS) and the tale of redemption of a skinhead por- trayed by Jamie Bell (BILLY ELLIOT) in Guy Nattiv’s SKIN. ABOU LEILA from Algerian director Amin Sidi-Boumédiène and ACHOURA from Franco-Moroccan filmmaker Talal Selhami reflect the will of the festival to explore cinematic treasures from the Middle East. Iconic Spanish actor Sergi López will present 7 REASONS TO RUN AWAY (FROM SOCIETY) alongside Gerard Quinto, one of the directors of this absurdist horror anthology.

ULTRA MOVIES This out of competition section focuses on radical and powerful visual experimentations. This includes the European premiere of the nightmarish BLISS (with actor Jeremy Gardner in atten- dance), and the world premiere of Canadian director Jovanka Vuckovic’s RIOT GIRLS. Featuring unusual model Melanie Gaydos, TOUS LES DIEUX DU CIEL, which is among the year’s most intriguing projects, will be presented by Quarxx, its creator. Humour will not be forgotten with Olivier Afonso’s GIRLS WITH BALLS, about the survival tale of a female volleyball team pursued by degenerate hunters – with Denis Lavant and Orelsan guest starring!

THE NIFFF IN NUMBERS This 19th edition has a total budget of CHF 2,339,000. Over a period of 9 days, it will show over 150 films belonging to 15 categories. With a combined capacity of 2,135 seats, the 165 public screenings will include 90 feature films and 69 short films from 51 countries. The programme is composed of 21 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 8 European premieres and 51 Swiss premieres. Free events NIFFF Extended and NIFFF Invasion will offer 107 activities, including 41 conferences.

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INTERVIEW WITH ANAÏS EMERY NIFFF’S DIRECTOR

• WHAT STANDS OUT WITH THE PROGRAMME FOR THIS 19TH EDITION IS THE VAST NUMBER OF AUTEUR FILMS. IS IT UNUSUAL FOR A FESTIVAL GEARED TOWARD GENRE CINEMA?

Not at all. Festivals are ideal platforms for auteur cinema, from the smallest to the most ambi- tious productions. Fantasy films are no exception. In the past two decades, European fantastic film festivals have done a lot in way of giving the spotlight to major filmmakers such as Bong Joon-ho, Guillermo Del Toro, Gaspar Noé, Kathryn Bigelow, the Wachowski sisters, Kiyoshi Kuro- sawa, Jessica Hausner, and many more.

After 19 years in existence, the NIFFF has proved its avant-garde role in promoting emerging ar- tists. Miike Takashi, Danny Boyle, Taika Waititi, Lisa Brühlmann and Karyn Kusama are but a few examples. Our mission is to offer a programme that gives an overview of imaginary stories from around the globe. We aim for a celebration of alterity and as much variety as possible. Thanks to its prospective dimension, fantasy is the perfect narrative tool for exploring these questions.

• GENRE FILMS ARE EVERYWHERE NOWADAYS, FROM ART HOUSE CINEMAS TO HIGH PROFILE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS. HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS NEWLY FOUND PO- PULARITY?

Fantastic films have existed since the dawn of cinema. Several factors are playing into their mas- sive comeback today. First, the digital revolution has made visual effects more affordable. Se- cond, a new generation of creators are exploring new ways of telling stories in this genre; these filmmakers grew up watching the revolutionary New Hollywood films from Brian De Palma, Fran- cis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, Michael Cimino and Steven Spielberg. Swiss and international emerging directors are not afraid to embrace their geekiness, they see it as something to be proud of. The cycle of appropriation and renewal of the genre’s tropes can be ob- served on a global scale. It’s this dynamic that attracts the audience, who is thirsty for new ways of experiencing storytelling.

• INNOVATION AND THE SYNERGY BETWEEN ART AND SCIENCE IS AT THE HEART OF THIS EDITION’S PROGRAMME. WHAT TIES DOES THE FESTIVAL CREATE BETWEEN RE- SEARCHERS AND ARTISTS?

Cinema is an art form that is historically linked to technological advancements. And fantasy films are the cradle of aesthetic research. They’re the ones that have encouraged the biggest leaps in digital technology. Today there exists a convergence of interests between academia and audio-

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visual productions. The main rallying points are the use of new imaging technologies and new forms of storytelling. Bringing these two fields together opens up fascinating areas of potential innovation. The NIFFF’s 19th edition focuses on the convergence between science and narrative performance. This is what we’ve had in mind for many years, and it is finally falling into place. It’s a long-term project.

• NIFFF INVASION, THE FESTIVAL’S FREE AND UNIFYING EVENT, IS NOW TIED IN MANY NEW WAYS TO THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY, SPECIALISED NIFFF EXTENDED LABEL. WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THAT?

The main objective is consistency. All of the themes and projects involved in NIFFF Extended are meant to be experienced by a wide audience. Both labels are closely connected. The current challenge is to highlight that connection. This has many advantages, such as encouraging interac- tions between festival-goers and creators who attend the NIFFF. In the post-digital revolution era, viewers are now experts in new storytelling techniques. Their reaction to the NIFFF’s immersive installations is the reward creators are looking for.Finally, let me conclude by saying that bringing together conferences and public demonstrations has made the NIFFF even more engaging and playful than ever before.

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PROGRAMME 2019 : GUESTS PRESENT

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

BACURAU - Kleber Mendoça Filho & Juliano Dornelles, Brazil/France, 2019, 132’- Swiss Premiere COME TO DADDY - Ant Timpson New, Zealand/Canada/Ireland/USA, 2019, 94’- European Premiere DANIEL ISN’T REAL - Adam Egypt Mortimer, USA, 2019, 96’ - European Premiere EXTRA ORDINARY - Mike Ahern & Enda Lougham, Ireland/Belgium, 2019, 94’ - Swiss Premiere HIS MASTER’S VOICE - György Pálfi, Hungary/Canada, 2018, 108’ - Swiss Premiere JESUS SHOWS YOU THE WAY TO THE HIGHWAY - Miguel Llansó, Ethiopia/Spain/Estonia, 2019, 85’, World Premiere KNIVES AND SKIN - Jennifer Reeder, USA, 2019, 111’ - Swiss Premiere LES PARTICULES - Blaise Harrison, Switzerland/France, 2019, 98’ - International Premiere RÉPERTOIRE DES VILLES DISPARUES - Denis Côté, Canada, 2019, 97’ - Swiss Premiere SOMETHING ELSE - Jeremy Gardner & Christian Stella, USA, 2019, 83’ - International Premiere SONS OF DENMARK - Ulaa Salim, Denmark, 2019, 119’ - Swiss Premiere SWALLOW - Carlo Mirabella-Davis, USA/France, 2019, 94’ - International Premiere THE HOLE IN THE GROUND - Lee Cronin, Ireland, 2019, 90’ - Swiss Premiere THE LODGE - Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala, UK/USA, 2019, 100’ - Swiss Premiere THE ROOM - Christian Volckman, France/Belgium/Luxembourg, 2019, 100’ - Swiss Premiere YVES - Benoît Forgeard, France, 2019, 102’ - Swiss Premiere

NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA

FIRST LOVE - Miike Takashi, Japan/UK, 2019, 108’ - Swiss Premiere FLY BY NIGHT - Zahir Omar, Malaysia, 2018, 100’ - Swiss Premiere FLY ME TO THE SAITAMA - Takeushi Hideki, Japan, 2019, 107’ - Swiss Premiere RESIDE - Wisit Sasanatieng, Thailand, 2018, 103’ - Swiss Premiere SHADOW - Zhang Yimou, China/Hong Kong, 2018, 116’ - Swiss Premiere THE FABLE - Kan Eguchi, Japan, 2019, 123’ - European Premiere THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL - Lee Won-tae, South Korea/USA, 2019, 109’ - Swiss Premiere THE PREY - Jimmy Henderson, Cambodia, 2018, 93’ - Swiss Premiere

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FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND

7 REASONS TO RUN AWAY (FROM SOCIETY) - Gerard Quinto, Esteve Soler & David Torras, Spain, 2019, 75’- Swiss Premiere ABOU LEILA - Amin Sidi-Boumédiène, Algeria/France/Qatar, 2019, 140’- Swiss Premiere ACHOURA - Talal Selhami, France/Morocco, 2018, 100’ - Swiss Premiere DOGS DON’T WEAR PANTS - Jukka-Pekka Valkepää, Finland/Latvia, 2019, 105’ - Swiss Premiere FEEDBACK - Pedro C. Alonso, Spain/USA, 2019, 97’ - Swiss Premiere FREAKS - Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein, Canada/USA, 2018, 104’, Swiss Premiere LES FAUVES - Vincent Mariette, France, 2018, 83’ - Swiss Premiere ROMULUS & REMUS: THE FIRST KING - Matteo Rovere, Italy/Belgium, 2018, 127’ - Swiss Premiere SKIN - Guy Nattiv, USA, 2018, 120’ - Swiss Premiere SWOON - Måns Mårlind & Björn Stein, Sweden, 2019, 104’ - Swiss Premiere THE BEACH BUM - Harmony Korine, UK/France/USA/Switzerland, 2019, 95’ - Regional Premiere WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES - Nagahisa Markoto, Japan, 2019, 120’ - Swiss Premiere WEREWOLF - Adrian Panek, Poland/Germany/Netherlands, 2018, 88’ - Swiss Premiere X — THE EXPLOITED - Károly Ujj Mészáros, Hungary, 2018, 111’ - Swiss Premiere

ULTRA MOVIES

BLISS - Joe Begos, USA, 2019, 80’- European Premiere EXTERMINADORES DO ALÉM CONTRA A LOIRA DO BANHEIRO - Fabrício Bittar, Brazil, 2018, 103’ - International Premiere GIRLS WITH BALLS - Olivier Afonso, France/Belgium, 2018, 77’ - Swiss Premiere RIOT GIRLS - Juvanka Vuckovic, Canada, 2019, 82’ - World Premiere RISE OF THE MACHINE GIRLS - Kobayashi Yuki, Japan, 2019, 75’ - World Premiere THE LEGEND OF THE STARDUST BROTHERS - Tezka Makoto, Japan, 1985, 100’ - Swiss Premiere THE POOL - Ping Lumpraploeng, Thailand, 2018, 91’ - Swiss Premiere TONE-DEAF - Rickard Bates Jr., USA, 2019, 87’ - International Premiere TOUS LES DIEUX DU CIEL - Quarxx, France, 2018, 102’ - Swiss Premiere WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE? - Kirill Sokolov, Russia, 2018, 95’ - Swiss Premiere

EL DORADO BREVE HISTORIA DEL PLANETA VERDE - Santiago Loza, Argentina/Germany/Brazil/Spain, 2019, 75’- Swiss Premiere MONOS - Alejandro Landes, Colombia/Argentina/Netherlands/Germany/Sweden/Uruguay, 2019, 102’ - Regional Premiere MORTO NÃO FALA - Dennison Ramalho, Brazil, 2018, 110’ - Swiss Premiere

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AWARDS & JURYS 2019

H.R. GIGER «NARCISSE» AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM: International Competition, granted by the City of Neuchâtel, CHF 10,000.- Awarded by the international jury:

· Anaïs Bertrand, Producer, France · Katrin Gebbe, Director, Germany · Piodor Gustafsson, Producer, Sweden · Fernando Navarro, Screenwriter, Spain · Alexandre O. Philippe, Director, Switzerland/US

SILVER MELIES FOR BEST EUROPEAN FEATURE FILM: Nomination by Swiss experts for the Méliès d’Or competition, an award granted to the best European fantastic feature film by the European Federation of Fan- tastic Film Festivals (EFFFF). Awarded by the Méliès jury:

· Denise Bücher, Journalist, Switzerland · Evrim Ersoy, Creative Director, Fantastic Fest, UK · Valeria Richter, Creative Producer, Scriptwriter, Nordic Factory Copenhagen, Denmark

NIFFF INTERNATIONAL CRITICS AWARD: Granted by 5 international journa- lists, awarded in the form of promotional services. Given by the critics jury:

· Roberto Della Torre, Journalist, Italy (Nocturno, IT) · Anna Gélibert, Journalist, France (Mad Movies, FR) · Rául Gil, Journalist, Spain (ScifiWorld, ES) · James Marsh, Journalist, UK (Screen Anarchy, CA) · Dominic Saxl, Journalist, Germany (Deadline, DE)

H.R. GIGER «NARCISSE» AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM: SSA / SUISSIMAGE Swiss short films competition, CHF 10,000.- awarded by the SSA / SUISSIMAGE jury:

· Corinne Frei, SUISSIMAGE Delegate, Switzerland · Pascaline Sordet, Journalist, Switzerland · Antoine Russbach, Director, Switzerland

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SILVER MÉLIÈS FOR BEST FANTASTIC EUROPEAN SHORT FILM: Nomination for the Méliès d’Or for best European fantastic short film, awarded by the SSA/SUISSIMAGE jury.

BEST ASIAN FEATURE FILM AWARD: Awarded by the audience to the best film in the New Cinema from Asia competition.

RTS AUDIENCE AWARD: Awarded by the RTS to the film which has received the highest vote from the audience, in the form of support promoting the distribution of the film in French-speaking Switzerland (CHF 5,000)

IMAGING THE FUTURE AWARD: CHF 5,000 awarded by the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) to the best production design in a film from the International Competition. Awarded by the international jury: TAURUS STUDIO AWARD FOR INNOVATION: CHF 2,000 worth of sound post-production at Studio Taurus, awarded to the most promising Swiss director by the Taurus Studio Innovation Jury:

· Claude Lander, Taurus Studio Founder, Switzerland · Ludovic Maggioni, Director, Muséum d’histoire naturelle de Neuchâtel, Switzerland · Régis Mérillat, Journalist, Switzerland DENIS-DE-ROUGEMONT YOUTH AWARD: Awarded by students of the Denis-de-Rougemont high school (Neuchâtel).

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AWARD: Acquisition of distribution rights by OUTSIDE THE BOX for a film from the offi- cial selection, in order to encourage collaborations between the various players in the industry.

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THE NIFFF IN NUMBERS Tickets sold in 2018: 36,700 General attendance in 2018: 45,000

FESTIVAL · 19 editions · Total budget: 2,339,000 CHF · Collaborators (employees and exploitation): 50 · Number of volunteers: 250

CAPACITY · 6 movie theaters · 1 Open Air (372 seats including 360 covered) · Simultaneous seating capacity of all movie theaters : 2’135

PROGRAMME 2019 · Feature films: 90 · Short films: 69 · World premieres: 21 · International premieres: 5 · European premieres: 8 · Swiss premieres: 51 · Number of screenings: 145 · Number of countries represented: 51 · Number of sections: 15 · Conferences: 18 · Immersive Installations: 5 · Exhibit: 1 · Free activities: 55

NUMBER OF GUESTS: 300 +

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PRESS OFFICE

BEFORE THE FESTIVAL All accreditation forms can be submitted until Wednesday July 1st. Confirmations will be sent by the end of June, or when applicable, 2 to 3 days after the application has been received.

When applicable, the accreditation fee is CHF60. The accreditation gives acces to NIFFF EXTENDED upon reservation.

Our Press Team is at your disposal for interview requests, additional information and questions regarding the programme. The press screenings timetable will be available at the press office during the festival or upon specific request prior to the festival.

DURING THE FESTIVAL The press office is open to journalists and professionals on the 1st floor of the Théâtre du Passage, Maximilien-de-Meuron 4, 2000 Neuchâtel.

OPENING HOURS Théâtre du Passage, 1st floor 05.07 : 14:00-19:00 06.07-13.07 : 11:00 - 20:00

CONTACT

Bastien Bento Christian Ströhle Melissa Girardet Press Coordinator Presse Deutschschweiz Press Assistant [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] T: +41 32 731 07 76 M: +41 79 390 47 69 M: +41 78 635 06 83 M: +41 79 934 34 63

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

BACURAU SWISS PREMIERE Kleber Mendonça Filho, Juliano Dornelles, Brazil, France, 2019, 132’ Cast : Sonia Braga, Udo Kier, Bárbara Colen Producer: SBS Productions (FR), CinemaScópio (BR) World sales : SBS International (FR) In the presence of Kleber Mendonça Filho & Juliano Dornelles

THE FILM In the near future, a small community of the A winner of the last Cannes Film Festival, Bacu- Brazilian hinterland mourns the loss of their rau ambitiously combines anthropological rea- matriarch Carmelita. A few days later, people lism, dreamlike haze, and a particularly bloody notice that their village, named Bacurau, has version of the crime thriller. The gorgeous Cine- vanished from all the maps. Things go from bad maScope cinematography and the apocalyptic to worse when mobile phones stop working, atmosphere make the film look like the mutant bodies start piling up on the roadsides, and a child of John Carpenter and Sergio Leone, and strange unidentified flying object starts obser- explores the reality of Brazil’s outcasts. Exis- ving the locals... But the villagers are not exac- ting on the edges of sci-fi, the western and the tly of the passive type, and will fight back no techno-fable, Bacurau is a cutting critique of matter what… modern imperialism and of the current political situation.

THE DIRECTORS Kleber Mendonça Filho (1968) and Juliano Dor- nelles (1980) both hail from Recife. The former, who used to work as a critic, made Neighboring Sounds (2012) and Aquarius (2016), two striking studies of power, class and race. The latter has been working as a production designer since the early 2000s. After several collaborations, they directed Bacurau together, a dystopia that fully embraces its genre roots.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

COME TO DADDY EUROPEAN PREMIERE Ant Timpson, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, United States, 2019, 94’ Cast : Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Garfield Wilson Producer: Scythia Films (CA), Nowhere (US), Blinder Films (IE), Firefly Films (NZ) World sales : WTFilms (FR) In the presence of Ant Timpson

THE FILM Abandoned by his father as a child, Norval is Come to Daddy is a claustrophobic thriller set now a thirty-something hipster who feels un- in an isolated house on the Pacific Coast, which derappreciated. Wishing to find value in the continuously defies expectations by mixing eyes of his father, he decides to meet up with horror and black humour in this father-son him, hoping to impress him with his accompli- confrontation. With a sense of humour that’s shments as a DJ. Unfortunately, the old man both cruel and engaging, the film invokes a still doesn’t have an ounce of fatherhood in his continually tangible feeling of uneasiness and body. Soon, the reunion takes an unexpected tension, and frequently surprises the audience. turn when Norval finds himself not only fighting This portray of family ties, propelled by an ama- for his pride, but for his life. zingly eccentric Elijah Wood, is as cringy as it is bloody.

THE DIRECTOR Born in 1966, Ant Timpson funded the 48Hours film challenge in 2003, a short film festival that helped several New Zealand filmmakers to get their first works shown. He then produced the best genre fare in his country, including gems such as Housebound (winner of the NIF- FF 2014), Turbo Kid, Deathgasm, The Greasy Strangler, as well as the anthology films ABCs of Death et The Field Guide to Evil. With Come to Daddy, Ant Timpson takes the director’s seat and strengthens his position as defender of an unbridled, absurdist genre cinema.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

DANIEL ISN’T REAL EUROPEAN PREMIERE Adam Egypt Mortimer, United States, 2019, 96’ Cast : Andrew Ayala, Andrew Bridges, Katie Chang Producer: SpectreVision (US) World sales : Voltage Pictures (US)

THE FILM When he was 8, Luke used to have an imagi- Lead by an astonishing Patrick Schwarzeneg- nary friend named Daniel, who helped him get ger (son of the legendary Arnold), Adam Egypt through his parent’s divorce. But one day, Da- Mortimer’s second feature film is a haunting and niel seemed to develop a will of his own, so the haunted rollercoaster. By following the mental boy decided to lock him away in the depths of state of the protagonist, Daniel Isn’t Real evol- his subconscious. Ten years later, as Luke is ves from psychological thriller to supernatural starting university, he is affected by new psy- horror and aims for a grandiose and nightma- chological problems which provoke the return rish climax. Are you ready to experience true of Daniel, who will force him to face his darkest insanity? impulses.

THE DIRECTOR It only took Adam Egypt Mortimer a couple of films to prove his command of the horror genre. After the supernatural slasher Some Kind of Hate (NIFFF 2015) and the segment “New Year’s Eve” in horror anthology film Holidays (2016), he confirms it with Daniel Isn’t Real, his second feature. It is an adaptation of novel In This Way I Was Saved from Brian DeLeeuw, who co-wrote the script alongside Mortimer. In ad- dition, the filmmaker has also dabbled in comic books by writing Ballistic (2015).

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

EXTRA ORDINARY SWISS PREMIERE Mike Ahern, Enda Loughman, Ireland, Belgium, 2019, 94’ Cast : Will Forte, Maeve Higgins, Claudia O’Doherty Producers : Blinder Films (IE), Umedia (BE) World sales : Epic Pictures Group (US) In the presence of Mike Ahern & Enda Loughman

THE FILM Rose, a charming and compassionate driving Fallen stars, possessed trash cans and venge- instructor, refuses to use her supernatural ful evil forces – could Extra Ordinary be the powers that allow her to speak with the dead. craziest film in the International Competition? She makes an exception for Martin, an equal- Madly in love with the world they created, the ly charming man who recently lost his wife and directors seem to be having a great time with asks her to save his daughter. The teenage girl their characters and their story, which all allow is the target of a satanic ritual ordered by a for tons of hilarious gags and situations. With fallen rock star who has made a deal with the its compelling performances and a formidable devil to regain their fame. To succeed, Rose will sense of pace, Extra Ordinary should have no need to overcome the fear of her own powers… trouble becoming your new cult movie

THE DIRECTORS Mostly known as their collective name D.A.D.D.Y., Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman have been working together for over 10 years. After projects in animation and graphic design, they started making short films like Mr. Foley (2009) and The Hatch (2011), TV commercials, and music videos for bands such as Bloc Party, Jape and Super Furry Animals. In 2008, they are granted the “Best New Directors” award at the UK Music Video Awards. Extra Ordinary is their first feature film.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

HIS MASTER’S VOICE SWISS PREMIERE György Pálfi, Hungary, Canada, Hungary, 2018, 108’ Cast : Csaba Polgár, Eric Peterson, Diána Kiss Producers : KMH Film (HU), Quiet Revolution (CA) Festival contact: Hungarian National Film Fund / HNFF World Sales (HU)

THE FILM In the 1970s, Peter’s dad left Hungary for a trip With His Master’s Voice, iconoclast Györ- to the United States and has shown no sign of gy Pálfi adapts Stanislaw Lem’s novel of the life ever since. Today, 30-year-old Peter still li- same name. The Polish author’s work has also ves in Hungary, where he works as a journalist. inspired Andreï Tarkovski (Solaris, 1972) and While watching a documentary about a mys- Ari Folman (The Congress, 2013). As usual, terious incident, he thinks he recognises the the Hungarian filmmaker mixed media and father he has never known. He takes off for the images: unbounded, Pálfi created a hybrid and USA, unable to live with the uncertainty. In his ground-breaking film that cannot be defined by quest, he will cross path with the American go- a single tone or genre. Prepare to rethink the vernment and discover that alien life might ac- boundaries between fantasy and reality. tually exist...

THE DIRECTOR While his first film Hukkle was noticed in 2002, György Pálfi created controversy in 2006 with Taxidermia, an acerbic anthology film that screened in Cannes. Six years later, he directed Final Cut – Ladies and Gentleman, a surprising love story made out of more than 500 movie clips. In 2014, Free Fall came as confirmation of the filmmaker’s taste for eclecticism and ex- perimentation. His Mater’s Voice, an ambitious international coproduction, is his sixth feature film.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

JESUS SHOWS YOU THE WAY TO THE HIGHWAY WORLD PREMIERE Miguel Llansó, Ethiopia, Spain, Estonia, 2019, 85’ Cast : Agustín Mateo, Daniel Tadesse, Guillermo Llansó Producers : BiraBiro Films (ET), Alasti Kino (EE) World sales : Sergio Uguet de Resayre (ES) In the presence of Miguel Llansó, Guillermon Llansó & Agustín Mateo

THE FILM The year is 2035. Tallinn is a megalopolis Shot in Estonia, Spain and Ethiopia, Jesus controlled by an omniscient computer called Shows You the Way to the Highway is a film you Psychobook. When “Soviet Union”, a dangerous could describe as out of this world on every virus, attacks the AI, agents Gagano and Pal- level. This delirious tale of afrofuturism has it mer Eldritch are tasked with the perilous mis- all: the worlds of Philip K. Dick, the 1960s Bat- sion of destroying it. But following an accident, man TV series, pro-drugs cults, secret agents Gagano is sent to another dimension where he hiding behind paper masks, and a giant Stalin unwillingly goes along with an initiation quest head that shoots lasers with its eyes. The film alongside a man who looks a hell of a lot like will have its world premiere at the NIFFF 2019 Jesus Christ. – it’s a shot of pure creativity that constantly reinvents itself to surprise the audience.

THE DIRECTOR Originally from Spain, Miguel Llansó regularly stays in Ethiopia, where he shoots most of his work. His short films quickly gained a reputation in the festival circuit, especially Chigger Ale, about an Ethiopian clone of Adolf Hitler which was first shown in Locarno in 2013, before being programmed all over the world. Two years later, Miguel Llansó made his feature début with the fascinating Crumbs, an Ethiopia-set sci-fi film that won an award at the NIFFF 2015.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

KNIVES AND SKIN SWISS PREMIERE Jennifer Reeder, United States, 2019, 111’ Cast : Kate Arrington, Tim Hopper, Marilyn Dodds-Frank Producers : Newcity’s Chicago Film Project (US) World sales : Wtfilms (FR)

THE FILM Big River, a small Midwest town. Young Carolyn A hybrid between Twin Peaks and Heathers, Harper spends the night with her boyfriend on Knives and Skin explores the dark side of ru- the outskirts of an isolated lake. They have an ral America. Basked in an unsettling and hyp- argument, and the woman leaves her compa- notic atmosphere composed of neon lighting nion. The next day, no one knows where she’s and synth music, the story portrays the decay gone. The investigation that ensues will unear- of a community that must contend with the di- th the dark secrets of Carolyn’s loved ones. sappearance of one of its members. As child- Things unsaid are told, and relationships are hood’s end nears for every teen, their parents tested. Slowly, the small town is taken over by must redeem themselves for their past sins. An fear and suspicion... aesthetically powerful, musically mind-blowing coming-of-age movie.

THE DIRECTOR After becoming known in the 90s for her videos produced under the pseudonym “White Trash Girl”, Jennifer Reeder has since moved on to the study of themes related to the tee- nage years, the transition to adulthood and the construction of one’s identity. In 2014, her short film A Million Miles Away was nominated for the Tiger Award at the Rotterdam Interna- tional Film Festival. Three years later, her first feature Signature Move was shown first at Aus- tin’s SXSW, then at about a hundred festivals where it garnered numerous awards.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

LES PARTICULES INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE Blaise Harrison, Switzerland, France, 2019, 98’ Swiss release: 04.09 (F) Cast : Thomas Daloz, Salvatore Ferro, Léo Couilfort Producers : Les Films du Poisson (FR), Bande A Part Films (CH) World sales : Cineworx GmbH (CH) In the presence of Blaise Harrison

THE FILM Near the Franco-Swiss border, P.A. and his Les Particules is built on a fascinating shift friends are in their last year of high school. between naturalism and the sensory offset The setting is banal, half-way between urban created by fantasy. With a cast mainly made and country landscapes, and it looks like their up of non-professional actors, Blaise Harri- formative years will end on an unremarkable son’s first fiction film understands the age of a note. And yet, 100 meters below ground, the transformations with both dizzying accuracy biggest and most powerful particle accelerator and poetic sensibility. This tale of adolescence, in the world is recreating the conditions of the slowly taken over by fantasy, will haunt the au- Big Bang. One day, P.A. starts noticing strange dience through its authenticity and originality. phenomena and perturbations in his surroun- dings. Is the world starting to change?

THE DIRECTOR Born in 1980, Blaise Harrison is a graduate of ECAL (École cantonale d’art de Lausanne). After his studies, he directed numerous do- cumentary films. A multi-talented person, the Franco-Swiss artist has also worked as a direc- tor of photography. He notably shot Jean-Sté- phane Bron’s gorgeous L’Opéra. Originally from the Gex region, he took inspiration from his own teenage years in France to write and direct this first work of fiction.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

RÉPERTOIRE DES VILLES DISPARUES SWISS PREMIERE Denis Côté, Canada, 2019, 97’ Cast : Robert Naylor, Josée Deschênes, Jean-Michel Anctil Producers : Couzin Films (CA) World sales : Films Boutique (DE) In the presence of Denis Côté

THE FILM Day to day life in Irénée-les-Neiges, an isolated Shown at the last Berlinale, Ghost Town An- village of 215 inhabitants in Québec, changes fo- thology immerses its audience in the life of an rever when the young Simon Dubé dies in a car inward-looking rural community. By making the accident. His family and friends try to come to tropes of genre films his own, Denis Côté ques- terms with his death, but no matter how much tions our relationship with others and makes us time passes, they remain inconsolable. A winter face our demons. The unfolding tragedy slowly of extreme conditions settles on the agonizing traps the viewer until they are completely sub- community, and strange figures are seen walk- merged in the ice-cold landscapes of Canadian ing in the fog on the edge of the village. A new hinterland – beautifully shot on 16mm film. tragedy awaits…

THE DIRECTOR Born in Canada in 1973, Denis Côté started off as a journalist and movie reviewer. He made nu- merous short films during the 1990s. Drifting States, his first feature film, won a Léopard d’or at the 2005 Locarno Festival. Working both in fictions and documentaries, Denis Côté won se- veral awards at various festivals, including the Silver Bear at the 2013 Berlinale for Vic and Flo Saw a Bear. Ghost Town Anthology is his 11th feature film.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

SOMETHING ELSE INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE Jeremy Gardner, Christian Stella, United States, 2019, 83’ Cast : Jeremy Gardner, Brea Grant, Justin Benson Producers : Rustic Films (US) World sales : AMP International (UK) In the presence of Jeremy Gardner

THE FILM For ten years, Hank has been living the perfect At the crossroads between drama and fantasy, love story with Abby. However, even though she Something Else is first and foremost about wants to get married, Hank has yet to make his its characters and their relationship. The love proposal. Tired of waiting, she simply takes off story remains at the heart of the film, turning without warning one morning, leaving nothing emotions into a drive and justifying the tale’s but a brief note behind. Although dismayed, transition into horror. The threat, made tangible Hank has no idea how bad things can go just yet: by suggesting the shear horror of what lies the night after Abby’s departure, a frightening off-camera, takes on more and more monstrous creature tries breaking into his home. The night proportions until the indescribable climax. Af- after, the beast comes back. And the night after ter a successful premiere in Tribeca, this mix that, and so on. The creature comes closer and of genres will undoubtedly win the NIFFF au- closer every time... diences over!

THE DIRECTORS Long-time friends Jeremy Gardner and Chris- tian Stella had their first success in 2012 with independent horror film The Battery. Gardner wrote, directed and starred in this fresh take on the zombie genre, while Stella was the cinema- tographer. Three years later, they co-directed survival comedy Tex Montana Will Survive!. So- mething Else, written by and starring Gardner, is also directed by the both of them.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

SONS OF DENMARK SWISS PREMIERE Ulaa Salim, Denmark, 2019, 119’ Cast : Zaki Youssef, Mohammed Ismail Mohammed, Rasmus Bjerg Producers : Hyæne Film (DK) Festival contact : Danish Film Institute (DK)

THE FILM Copenhagen, 2025. Following a terrorist at- Brotherhood, convictions and manipulations tack, ethnic tensions skyrocket and pave the clash in this frighteningly realistic near-future way for the rise of the Far Right. As extremist thriller. By mixing genre tropes and relevant and nationalist demagogue Martin Nordahl themes, Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ulaa Salim wins the latest elections in a landslide, young delivers a provocative directorial debut that is Zakaria becomes tired of the anti-Islam climate sure to make waves. With an ambitious script and lets himself be seduced by a group of ra- full of twists and turns, Sons of Denmark is a dicals. Trained by Ali, with whom he develops work of raw, radical political energy. a father-son relationship, Zakaria is soon given his first mission: to eliminate the newly elected politician.

THE DIRECTOR Born in 1987, Ulaa Salim graduated from the Na- tional Film School of Denmark in 2017. During his studies, he directed the short film Land of our Fathers, which won awards at festivals. He joined forces with producer Daniel Mühlendor- ph to create the Hyanene Film studio. Financed through the New Danish Screen programme, Sons of Denmark was written, produced and di- rected by Salim, who will no doubt get the reco- gnition he deserves.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

SWALLOW INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE Carlo Mirabella-Davis, United States, France, 2019, 94’ Cast : Haley Bennett, Austin Stowell, Denis O’Hare Producers : Stand Alone Productions (US), Charades (FR), Syncopated Films (US) World sales : Charades (FR) In the presence of Carlo Mirabella-Davis

THE FILM At first glance, Hunter has the perfect life: she Part psychological thriller, part social fable, is the housewife of the ideal man, and lives in a Swallow draws its strength from its blend of gorgeous home. However, soon after she learns influences. Propelled by a breathtaking perfor- she is expecting, Hunter starts suffering from mance from Haley Bennett and directed with a strange behavioural disorders that push her to rare elegance, the film consistently avoids the ingest things that shouldn’t be eaten. As her pitfalls of sensationalism that often come with taste for more and more dangerous objects such themes. Instead, it paints a stunning vi- grows, her husband and his family try every- sion of the power of patriarchy and tackles the thing they can to stop her, anxious to protect way the female body is perceived, while exami- the offspring... ning the standards imposed by gender norms. What ordeals lie beneath the pretty façade of society?

THE DIRECTOR After graduating from the New York Tisch Film School, Carlo Mirabella-Davis went on to make Knife Point in 2009, his first short film, shown at Sundance. Two years later, he co-directed The Swell Season, a musical documentary that premiered in Tribeca. Swallow, which he wrote and directed, is his first fiction feature film. Executive-produced by Joe Wright, the film will have its international premiere at the NIFFF, af- ter its much-discussed world premiere in Tribe- ca last April.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

THE HOLE IN THE GROUND SWISS PREMIERE Lee Cronin, Ireland, 2019, 90’ Cast : Seána Kerslake, James Quinn Markey, Kati Outinen Producers : Savage Productions (IE) Distributor: Prasens-Film AG (CH) In the presence of Lee Cronin

THE FILM Sarah is a single mother who moves into a There aren’t that many films that can establish somewhat isolated house with her young son such an oppressive atmosphere with so much Christopher to start a new life. One day, the efficiency. Through his sense for framing, for boy goes wandering in the woods, where Sarah narrative intelligence and for capturing the omi- finds a giant sinkhole. Soon after, Christopher nous beauty of the Irish landscape, Lee Cronin starts exhibiting odd behaviour, which leads his only needs a few minutes to immerse the au- mother to wonder if something happened to dience in a spellbinding atmosphere. The Hole him, or worse, if he really is who he pretends in the Ground is driven by a moving, nuanced to be. Thus begins a dreaded descent into the mother/son relationship, anchored in the unpre- terrifying depths of nature. dictable world of supernatural folk horrors.

THE DIRECTOR Irish director and screenwriter Lee Cronin made a name for himself with his short film Ghost Train (NIFFF 2014), which won the Méliès d’Argent for best European fantastic short film. As a new voice in supernatural horror, Cronin delivers his first feature film with The Hole in the Ground, a movie that makes him one of the most important names among the new gene- ration of Irish filmmakers. One thing is certain: European cinema will now have to contend with one more young master of horror.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

THE LODGE SWISS PREMIERE Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, United Kingdom, United States, 2019, 100’ Cast : Alicia Silverstone, Richard Armitage, Riley Keough Producers: Hammer Films (UK), FilmNation Entertainment (US) Distributor : Ascote Elite Entertainment (CH)

THE FILM Grace is trying to build a new life with Richard, a Just like last year’s Hereditary (NIFFF 2018), recently widowed journalist whose two children The Lodge immerses its audience in the hor- are having a hard time accepting a new mother ror of family relations. Superbly shot, the film figure. As Christmas approaches, all 4 of them creates a bone-chilling atmosphere that is re- go to a holiday home up in the mountains. Ri- miniscent of the genre’s greatest classics – not chard leaves for a couple of days in the hope a surprise given the fact that the legendary that his children will get to know his new partner Hammer studio is producing, with the directing better. But tensions arise and keep on growing, duo of the terrifying Goodnight Mommy (2014) until Grace’s dark past comes knocking on the at the helm. Bring a change of underwear. door.

THE DIRECTORS Veronika Franz, born in 1965 in Vienna, used to be a critic for Austrian newspaper Kurier. In 1997, she starts working in the industry with documentarist Ulrich Seidl as an artistic col- laborator. Born in 1985 in Horn, Severin Fiala studied at the Filmakademie Wien. After direc- ting their documentary Kern (2012), Franz and Fiala made Goodnight Mommy (2014), a horror film that was discussed the world over for its ghastly atmosphere. The Lodge is their second feature, and their first in the English language.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

THE ROOM SWISS PREMIERE Christian Volckman, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, 2019, 100’ Cast : Olga Kurylenko, Kevin Janssens, Francis Chapman Producers : Les Films Du Poisson (FR), Bidibul Productions (LU), Versus Production (BE) World sales : Elle Driver (FR) In the presence of Christian Volckman

THE FILM Kate and Matt want to get out of stressful New Based on a simple, promising idea, The Room York to recharge their batteries in the country- brilliantly exploits its concept to its full poten- side. They’re lucky enough to find a charming tial. As the room itself slowly reveals its power house in New Hampshire and settle there, and the two thirty-somethings must deal with hoping they can find the calm and serenity they the consequences of their actions, wonder seek. They set out to explore their new home makes way for terror, and the fairy tale turns and discover a secret room which seems to into an absolute nightmare. make their wishes come true. Clothes, food, money… they can ask for anything, and it sim- ply appears before them. One day, they wish into existence something they will regret ever asking for...

THE DIRECTOR Christian Volckman is a multi-talented artist who was first noticed in 1999 for his short film MAAZ. International fame awaited seven years later, with his feature debut Renaissance, an ambitious motion capture sci-fi story that made it into the Oscars preselection stage. After a decade spent working in various fields, notably music videos, Christian Volckman makes his re- turn to the silver screen with the surprising The Room, which he co-wrote and directed.

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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

YVES SWISS PREMIERE Benoît Forgeard, France, 2019, 102’ Cast : William Lebghil, Philippe Katerine, Doria Tillier Producers : Ecce Films (FR) World sales : Sisters Distribution (CH) In the presence of Benoît Forgeard

THE FILM Jerem, a 30-something loser of a rap singer, To say this comedy is wild would be an unders- moves in with his grandma to write his first tatement. Yves questions the future of humans album. Between two recording attempts, he among the Internet of Things by imagining an meets So, a researcher for a start-up called Di- incongruous relationship between a man and gital Cool. She convinces Jerem to try out Yves, his smart fridge. However, Forgeard excels at a new kind of fridge equipped with artificial in- injecting a surprising amount of authenticity telligence, supposedly designed to make life ea- amidst the absurdist and crazy humour. Fridge, sier. Except Yves takes more space than antici- life coach, beatmaker and more, Yves is a cha- pated and will soon influence the young man in racter that will stay with you for a long time. unforeseen ways. Think of the film as a funny relative to Black Mirror.

THE DIRECTOR After studying at the Fine Arts, artist, actor, writer and filmmaker Benoît Forgeard made a name for himself by directing a dozen irreve- rent short films (notably Fuck U.K. and Respect). He then made the mesmerizing anthology film Réussir sa vie and the political satire Gaz de France (NIFFF 2015). He is also the author of the hilarious book L’année du cinéma 2027 : Les films du futur à ne pas rater, a compilation of (fake) future film releases.

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NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA

Year after year, Asian cinema has given undeniable proof of its vitality to audiences worldwide. And yet, those films remain hard to see in Switzerland. That is why the festival wanted to have a purely Asian competition called New Cinema from Asia. It focuses on the popular genres af- filiated with fantasy, such as thrillers, swordplay movies, comedies, kung fu flicks, and so on.

FIRST LOVE SWISS PREMIERE

Miike Takashi, Japan/UK, 2019, 108’ Cast : Kubota Masataka, Sometani Shota, Omori Nao Producers : OLM (JP), Recorded Picture Company (JP), Toei (JP) World sales : Recorded Picture Company (UK) In the presence of Miike Takashi

A boxer would have never thought that saving a damsel in distress would make him a target for the Yakuza, the Chinese mafia, and the police. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster from master Miike

FLY BY NIGHT SWISS PREMIERE

Zahir Omar, Malaysia, 2018, 100’ Cast : Bront Palarae, Jack Tan, Fabian Loo Producers : Another Planet (MY), Jazzy Pictures (MY), Plush (MY) World sales : Good Move Media (HK) In the hot nights of Kuala Lumpur, Tailo and his gang con taxi clients. One mistake will make them enemies of both the triads and the police. A one-way ticket to hell.

FLY ME TO THE SAITAMA SWISS PREMIERE

Hideki Takeushi, Japan, 2019, 107’ Cast : Nikaido Fum, Gackt & Iseya Yusuke Producers : Fuji Television Network (JP), Toei (JP), TV Saitama (JP) World sales : Pony Canyon Inc (JP) This baroque, surrealist comedy adapted from the manga tackles the rivalry between Tokyo and its neighbouring suburbs. A delirious critique of the retreat into restricted ideas of identity.

RESIDE SWISS PREMIERE

Wisit Sasanatieng, Thailand, 2018, 103’ Cast : Ananda Everingham, Peerapol Kijreunpiromsuk, Teerawat Mulvilai Producers : Transformation Films (TH) World sales : M Pictures Co., Ltd. (TH) Strange events occur after a mysterious ritual is performed in a villa and a spirit starts going from body to body to spread chaos and desolation. Goose bumps guaranteed

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NEW CINEMA FROM ASIA

SHADOW SWISS PREMIERE Zhang Yimou, China/Hong Kong, 2018, 116’ Cast : Deng Chao, Sun Li, Zheng Kai Producers : Village Roadshow Pictures Asia (HK), LeVision Pictures (CN) World sales : CMC Pictures (CN), Bloom Media

In this magnificent epic that dwells on the edge of fantasy, a General rigs the political chess game by employing a shadow, i.e., a double. The triumphant return of a legendary Chinese filmmaker.

THE FABLE EUROPEAN PREMIERE Eguchi Kan, Japan, 2019, 123’ Cast : Okada Junichi, Kimura Fumino, Sato Koichi World sales : Shochiku Co., Ltd (JP) Akira’s reputation as an assassin precedes him. When he burns out, his boss orders him to take a year off away from death. Easier said than done for a man like this...

THE GANGSTER, THE COP, THE DEVIL SWISS PREMIERE Lee Won-tae, South Korea/USA, 2019, 109’ Cast : Ma Dong-seok, Kim Mu-yeol, Kim Sung-kyu Producers : B.A. Entertainment (KR), B&C Group (US), Balboa Productions (US) World sales : K-movie Entertainment (KR) In the presence of Lee Won-tae

Following a brutal attack from a serial killer, a notorious gangster has to join forces with a stron- gheaded cop. Korean cinema strikes back with another masterpiece.

THE PREY SWISS PREMIERE

Jimmy Henderson, Cambodia, 2018, 93’ Cast : Gu Shang-wei, Vithaya Pansringarm, Sahajak Boonthanakit Producers : Altered Vision Films (KH) World sales : Raven Banner Entertainment (CA) After a raid, a cop who went undercover in jail becomes the target of a sadistic manhunt in the jungle. Cambodia delivers an impactful, adrenaline-inducing actioner.

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SUISSE SSA / SUISSIMAGE SHORT FILMS COMPETITION

BLOC B FAIT DIVERS Nora Longatti, 2019, 11’ Léon Yersin, 2018, 19’ Prod: École Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne Dé- Prod: Haute école d’art et de design – Genève partement Cinéma (CH) (CH) WORLD PREMIERE

CONCRETE GRIMBART Pirmin Bieri, Aira Joana, Luca Struchen & Ni- Daniel Grabherr, 2019, 18’ colas Roth, 2018, 7’ Prod: Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (CH) Prod: Hochschule Luzern – Design & Kunst (CH) WORLD PREMIERE REGIONAL PREMIERE

DISPERSION HAND IN HAND Basile Vuillemin, 2019, 8’ Ennio Ruschetti, 2019, 4’ Prod: Basile Vuillemin (CH), Prod: Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (CH) KinoGeneva (CH) WORLD PREMIERE

EXISTE! THE LONELY ORBIT Luca Zuberbühler, 2019, 10’ Frederic Siegel & Benjamin Morard, 2019, 10’ Prod: Filmgerberei GmbH (CH), LUCA School of Prod: Team Tumult (CH), SRF Schweizer Radio Arts (BE)W und Fernsehen (CH) WORLD PREMIERE WORLD PREMIERE

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SILVER MELIES FOR BEST EUROPEAN FEATURE FILM:

FEATURE FILMS ABOU LEILA ACHOURA DAS HÖLLENTOR VON Amin Sidi-Boumédiène Talal Selhami ZÜRICH Algeria/France/Qatar, 2019, France/Morocco, 2018, 100’ Cyrill Oberholzer, Switzer- 140’ land, 2018, 93’

DOGS DON’T WEAR PANTS EXTRA ORDINARY HIS MASTER’S VOICE Jukka-Pekka Valkepää Mike Ahern & Enda Lougham György Pálfi Finland/Latvia, 2019, Ireland/Belgium, 2019, 94’ Hungary/Canada, 2018, 108’ 105’

LES PARTICULES SONS OF DENMARK THE ROOM Blaise Harrison Ulaa Salim Christian Volckman Switzerland/France, 2019, 98’ Denmark, 2019, 119’ France/Belgium/Luxembourg, 2019, 100’

TOUS LES DIEUX DU CIEL WEREWOLF YVES Quarxx Adrian Panek Benoît Forgeard France, 2018, 102’ Poland/Germany/Nether- France, 2019, 102’ lands, 2018, 88’

SHORT FILMS

BLOC B CONCRETE DISPERSION Nora Longatti Pirmin Bieri, Aira Joana, Luca Basile Vuillemin CH, 2019, 11’ Struchen & Nicolas Roth CH, 2019, 8’ CH, 2018, 7’

EXISTE FAIT DIVERS GRIMBART Luca Zuberbühler Léon Yersin Daniel Grabherr CH, 2019, 10’ CH, 2018, 19’ CH, 2019, 18’

HAND IN HAND THE LONELY ORBIT Ennio Ruschetti Frederic Siegel & Benjamin 2019, 4’ Morard CH, 2019, 10’

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OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

OPENING CEREMONY

LE DAIM SWISS PREMIERE Quentin Dupieux, France, 2019, 77’ Swiss release: 10.07 (F) / 08.08 (G) Cast : Jean Dujardin, Adèle Haenel, Albert Delpy Producers : Atelier de production (FR), Garidi Films (CH), Arte France Cinéma (FR), Nexus Factory (BE), Umedia (BE) NIFFF Distributor: Praesens-Film (CH) In the presence of Jean Dujardin

Quentin Dupieux is a one-of-a-kind filmmaker whose style is instantly recognizable. This jack of all trades likes to make fantastic cinema’s tropes his own before subtly turning them on their heads. Every one of his projects is a laboratory for experiments with narrative and visual tropes in the genre, to which he adds a comical surrealism that always hits the nail on the head. He has become a master of deconstructing traditional narratives in fantastic cinema. For his first horror film, he explores the disturbed mind of a character named Georges, played by the phenomenal Jean Du- jardin, who hatches an evil plan with the help of his suede jacket. It is an exhilarating experience carried by a splendid cast.

Synopsis You know the expression “I spared no expense”? Well, this expense will certainly cost Georges, who is spellbound by his suede jacket… Discover the new hit from the genius behind Rubber and Keep An eye Out.

CLOSING CEREMONY

VIVARIUM SWISS PREMIERE

Lorcan Finnegan, Ireland/Belgium/Denmark/USA,2019, 97’ Cast : Jesse Eisenberg, Imogen Poots Producers : Fantastic Films (IE), Frakas Productions (BE), Pingpong Film (SE) World sales : XYZ Films (US)

Synopsis A young couple of first-time buyers who are viewing houses find themselves trapped in a surreal maze of identical homes. Oppressive.

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FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND

The most anticipated premieres of the festival let the audience explore the rela- tionship between thrillers and fantasy films.

7 REASONS TO RUN AWAY (FROM SOCIETY) SWISS PREMIERE

Gerard Quinto, Esteve Soler & David Torras, Spain, 2019, 75’ Cast : Sergi López, Emma Suárez, Lola Dueñas Producers : Compacto (ES), No Hay Banda (ES) World sales : Filmax (ES) NIFFF In the presence of Gerard Quinto & Sergi López Family, entrepreneurs, marriage, foreigners… A vitriolic anthology comedy that tackles every pos- sible topic with an edgy and disturbing sense of absurdity. A Spanish Wild Tales!

ABOU LEILA SWISS PREMIERE

Amin Sidi-Boumédiène, Algeria/France/Qatar, 2019, 140’ Cast : Slimane Benouari, Lyes Salem, Azouz Abdelkader Producers : Thala Films (DZ), In Vivo Films (FR) Distributor: Outside the Box (CH)

Two childhood friends are crossing the Algerian desert in their hunt for a terrorist. As they go deeper and deeper in the barrenness, they start having fevered hallucinations.

ACHOURA SWISS PREMIERE

Talal Selhami, France/Morocco, 2018, 100’ Cast : Sofiia Manousha, Younes Bouab, Omar Lotfi Producers : Overlook Films (MA), La Prod (MA), Metaluna Productions (FR) World sales : Orange Studio (FR) In the presence of Talal Selhami When a childhood friend of theirs that had mysteriously vanished makes his return, three buddies must face their monstrous past. An ambitious film that makes the most of its various influences.

DOGS DON’T WEAR PANTS SWISS PREMIERE

Jukka-Pekka Valkepää, Finland/Latvia, 2019, 105’ Cast : Oona Airola, Iiris Anttila, Antons Baronskis Producers : Helsinki-Filmi (FI), Tasse Film (LT) Festival Contact : The Finnish Film Foundation (FI) In the presence of Jukka-Pekka Valkepää Juha is trying his best to find a new balance following his wife’s tragic death. He discovers un- dreamt of possibilities when he meets a dominatrix. A poignant story!

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FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND

FEEDBACK SWISS PREMIERE

Pedro C. Alonso, Spain/USA, 2019, 97’ Cast : Eddie Marsan, Paul Anderson, Anthony Head Producers : Vaca Films (ES), Ombra Films (US) World sales : Blue Fox Entertainment (US) A famous radio host’s show takes an unexpected turn when the station is seized by masked men. The star must make sure the show will go on… Edge-of-your-seat stuff.

FREAKS SWISS PREMIERE

Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein, Canada/USA, 2018, 104’ Cast : Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Lexy Kolker Producers : Amazing Incorporated, Wise Daughter Film, My Way Productions, Storyboard Capital Group (CA) Distributor: Splendid Films (DE) Confined to the inside of her house, a young girl who escapes her father’s supervision discovers a world she would never have imagined. A radical, highly entertaining film.

LES FAUVES (SAVAGE) SWISS PREMIERE

Vincent Mariette, France, 2018, 83’ Cast : Lily-Rose Depp, Laurent Lafitte, Camille Cottin Producers : Kazak Productions (FR) World sales : Elle Driver (FR)

In the heart of summer, rumours about a feline predator start spreading on a camping site. A mysterious thriller lead by a bewitching Lily-Rose Depp.

ROMULUS & REMUS: THE FIRST KING SWISS PREMIERE Matteo Rovere, Italy/Belgium, 2018, 127’ Cast : Alessandro Borghi, Alessio Lapice, Tania Garribba Producers : Groenlandia (IT), GapBusters (BE), RAI Cinema (IT) World sales : Indie Sales (FR)

Everything you ever wanted to know about the foundation of Rome, with a strong sense of mysti- cism to boot. An unmissable feast for the eyes with a unique atmosphere.

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FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND SKIN SWISS PREMIERE

Guy Nattiv, USA, 2018, 120’ Cast : Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Daniel Henshall Producers : PaperChase Films (US), Sight Unseen Pictures (US), New Native Pictures (US), Maven Pictures (US) Distributor : Ascot Elite Entertainment (CH) A new path reveals itself to a young man kidnapped by racists when he meets an activist. But change rarely comes without pain... A hard-hitting achievement

SWOON SWISS PREMIERE

Måns Mårlind & Björn Stein, Sweden, 2019, 104’ Cast : Pernilla August, Albin Grenholm, Frida Gustavsson Producers : Atmo Production (SE) Festival contact: The Swedish Film Institute (SE)

John and Ninni grew up on opposite sides of a family rivalry, with each clan running an amuse- ment park in Stockholm. One summer day, everything changes. The Swedes finally have their own Moulin Rouge! THE BEACH BUM REGIONAL PREMIERE

Harmony Korine, UK/France/USA/Switzerland, 2019, 95 Swiss release: 31.07 (F) Cast : Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Zac Efron Producers : Iconoclast (FR), Anonymous Content (US), Grisbi Productions (US) Distributor: Ascot Elite Entertainment (CH) An all-star cast converges in the insane adventures of an upper-class hippie poet and drug addict who loses his wealth overnight. Ecstasy guaranteed!

WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES SWISS PREMIERE

Markoto Nagahisa, Japan, 2019, 120’ Cast : Ninomiya Keita, Mizuno Satoshi, Okumura Mondo Producers : Robot Communications (JP), Dentsu (JP) World sales : Nikkatsu Corporation (JP)

Hikari, Takemura, Ishi and Ikuko share the same tragic fate: they’ve all become orphans recently. They decide to fight off their sadness by creating a rock band. A pop deflagration.

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FILMS OF THE THIRD KIND

WEREWOLF SWISS PREMIERE

Adrian Panek, Poland/Germany/Netherlands, 2018, 88’ Cast : Sonia Mietielica, Kamil Polnisiak, Nicolas Przygoda Producers : Balapolis (PL), Twenty Twenty Vision (DE), House of Netherhorror (NL) World sales : Media Move (PL) Orphans from the Nazi concentration camps take refuge in an abandoned house. Soon, their sur- vival instinct will have to contend with rabid dogs. A powerful tale of resilience.

X-THE EXPLOITED SWISS PREMIERE

Károly Ujj Mészáros, Hungary, 2018, 111’ Cast : Mónika Balsai, Zoltán Schmied, Zsófia Bujáki Producers : FocusFox Studio (HU) Festival contact: Hungarian National Film Fund / HNFF World Sales (HU) Nobody believes a former police investigator when she says the recent suicides plaguing Buda- pest could be linked to a serial killer… or worse. An apocalyptic crime thriller.

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ULTRA MOVIES

Midnight screenings that unveil the strangest aspects of genre cinema.

BLISS EUROPEAN PREMIERE Joe Begos, USA, 2019, 80’ Cast : Dora Madison, Tru Collins, Jeremy Gardner Producers : Channel 83 Films (US) World sales : MPI Media Group (US) In the presence of Jeremy Gardner Suffering from a block, a painter spirals down into a world of sex and drugs. Soon, she must learn to live with feverish hallucinations. A descent into hell that is sure to leave a scar.

EXTERMINADORES DO ALÉM CONTRA A LOIRA DO BANHEIRO INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE

Fabrício Bittar, Brazil, 2018, 103’ Cast : Danilo Gentili, Léo Lins, Murilo Couto Producers : Clube Filmes (BR) World sales : Raven Banner Entertainment (CA) A band of losers eke out a living by conning people with their monster hunting company. One day, they’re hired by a school to get rid of a tenacious ghost. Careful, there will be blood!

GIRLS WITH BALLS SWISS PREMIERE

Olivier Afonso, France/Belgium, 2018, 77’ Cast : Manon Azem, Tiphaine Daviot, Denis Lavant Producers : C4 Productions (FR), Noodles Production (FR) World sales : Kinology (FR) A female volleyball team on a sports tour ends up on the turf of degenerate killers. But the see- mingly easy preys can actually kick a whole lot of ass. You ain’t ready for this.

RIOT GIRLS WORLD PREMIERE

Juvanka Vuckovic, Canada, 2019, 82’ Cast : Madison Iseman, Paloma Kwiatkowski, Ajay Friese Producers : Clique Pictures (CA) World sales : AMP International (UK) In an alternate reality where adults have been decimated by a disease, two rival gangs are en- gaged in a merciless war for land and resources. An extreme tale of survival.

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ULTRA MOVIES

RISE OF THE MACHINE GIRLS WORLD PREMIERE

Kobayashi Yuki, Japan, 2019, 75’ Cast : Sakaguchi Tak, Tsukimiya Himena, Hanakage Kanon Producers : Nikkatsu Corporation (JP), Nishimura Motion Picture Model Makers Group (JP) World sales : Nikkatsu Corporation (JP) Get ready for blood and guts with this tale of two gunslinging sisters who wage war on organ traf- ficking. Your eyes have never witnessed such an insane amount of gore and unthinkable weapons!

THE LEGEND OF THE STARDUST BROTHERS SWISS PREMIERE

Tezka Makoto, Japan, 1985, 100’ Cast : Takagi Kan, Issay, Togawa Kyoko World sales : Third Window Films (UK) After too long a time spent in obscurity, this completely zany musical is finding the fame it de- serves. An irresistible and colourful take on Faust that will have you tap your foot.

THE POOL SWISS PREMIERE Ping Lumpraploeng, Thailand, 2018, 91’ Cast : Theeradej Wongpuapan, Ratnamon Ratchiratham Producers : TMoment Studios (TH) World sales : Mono Film Co., Ltd. (TH) You think waking up from a nap is difficult? Wait till you see what Day has to go through: trapped in a huge, empty swimming pool, he must escape and avoid getting eaten by a crocodile.

TONE-DEAF INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE Richard Bates Jr., USA, 2019, 87’ Cast : Amanda Crew, Robert Patrick, Hayley Marie Norman Producers : Best Medicine Productions (US), Circle of Confusion (US) World sales : Lightning Entertainment (US)

Olive is not exactly being realistic: she dreams of a music career even though she is tone deaf. On a countryside trip to find herself, she remains oblivious to the locals’ animosity…

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ULTRA MOVIES

TOUS LES DIEUX DU CIEL SWISS PREMIERE

Quarxx, France, 2018, 102’ Cast : Jean-Luc Couchard, Melanie Gaydos, Thierry Frémont Producers : Tobina Film (FR) World sales : Films Boutique (DE) In the presence of Quarxx Simon cannot live with the responsibility of having caused his sister’s disability. He comes up with an unbelievable plan to alleviate her suffering. A film that will leave its mark.

WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE? SWISS PREMIERE

Kirill Sokolov, Russia, 2018, 95’ Cast : Aleksandr Kuznetsov, Vitaliy Khaev, Evgeniya Kregzhde Producers : White Mirror Film Compagny (RU) World sales : Reel Suspects (FR) What wouldn’t you do for love? As far as Matvey is concerned, he’s ready to kill his new girlfriend’s dad. Unfortunately, things don’t exactly go as planned... Chaos has rarely been so exhilarating.

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EL DORADO

Extending NIFFF 2016’s programme “El Dorado”, these films offer a window on what the Latin American genre cinema has to offer.

BREVE HISTORIA DEL PLANETA VERDE SWISS PREMIERE Santiago Loza, Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Spain, 2019, 75’ Cast: Romina Escobar, Paula Grinszpan, Luis Sodá World sales : The Open Reel (IT)

Accompanied by her childhood friends, Tania returns to her hometown following her grandma’s death. She discovers the woman was keeping a strange secret...

MONOS REGIONAL PREMIERE

Alejandro Landes, Colombia, Argentina, Netherlands, Germany, Swiss release: 22.08 (G) Sweden, Uruguay, 2019, 102’ Cast: Julianne Nicholson, Moises Arias, Julian Giraldo World sales : Le Pacte Distributor: Trigon Films (CH) A paramilitary group made up of drifting teenagers must take care of an American prisoner and a dairy cow. Insanity lies in wait in this fascinating film where nothing goes according to plan.

MORTO NÃO FALA SWISS PREMIERE Dennison Ramalho, Brazil, 2018, 110’ Cast: Daniel De Oliveira, Fabiula Nascimento, Bianca Comparato World sales : Stray Dogs (FR)

When an embalmer starts using his gift for speaking with the dead with bad intentions, he sets off a tragic series of events. Bone-chilling.

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DANES DO IT BETTER!

Founded in 2003 with the objective of stimulating experimentation and inspiring new talents, the funding and development initiative NEW DANISH SCREEN has given way to one of the most dynamic cinematic movements in the world. The NIFFF offers to explore this cinema of innovations through a selection of titles.

A HORRIBLE WOMAN BRIDGEND Christian Tafdrup Jeppe Rønde Denmark, 2017, 86’ Denmark, 2015, 95’ Long time bachelor Rasmus falls for the char- Newcomer Sara befriends a group of local ming Marie. But insatiable love soon transforms youths, which makes her father uneasy as more into something more unwholesome, as the wo- and more of the village teenagers have been man has more than her fair share of secrets... committing suicide. A mesmerizing thriller.

CUTTERHEAD FLOW Rasmus Kloster Bro Fenar Ahmad Denmark, 2018, 84’ Denmark, 2014, 89’ Following an incident, a journalist and two wor- A young man who dreams of becoming a rap kers are trapped in a gigantic underground singer takes his first steps in the industry by site. To survive, they must work together… A becoming a ghost writer. But this will progres- hard-hitting, claustrophobic chiller. sively push him further away from his close ones and from his values. Things will inevitably come crashing down…

SHELLEY THE GUILTY Ali Abbasi Gustav Möller Denmark, Sweden, 2016, 90’ Denmark, 2018, 85’ In the presence of Ali Abbasi Kasper and Louise wish to have a child more The night of a cop working emergency calls than anything. To make their dream come true, goes south when he is contacted by a woman they make a pact with a Romanian servant, but who was abducted, and he must engage in an things don’t exactly go as planned… exhilarating race against time.

WINTER BROTHERS SONS OF DENMARK Hlynur Pálmason Ulaa Salim Denmark, Iceland, 2017, 93’ Denmark, 2019, 119’ In the presence of Johnny Andersen During a very cold winter, two brothers take up Denmark, 2025. As the far-right wins ground, employment as workers. Conditions are harsh, 19-year-old Zakaria is talked into joining a ter- but the situation worsens when a conflict erupts rorist cell. An astounding and realistic look into with another family. A film which story is as bi- the future. ting as its visuals.

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REFLECTIONS OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - THE EDGE OF FANTASY

This year, the NIFFF invites its audience to look towards the film industry that is probably the least well-known in the world. Far from being comprehensive, this retrospective can be seen as an invitation to explore a few works that have had an impact on sub-Saharan African cinema, and which act as a testament to the myriad ways fantasy can be used in films. From the an- ticolonial farce (TOUKI BOUKI, 1973) to the mythological western (FIVE FINGERS FOR MAR- SEILLE, 2017), and from a reinterpretation of Dürrenmatt (HYÈNES, 1992) to a zany musical (COZ OV MONI 2: FOKN REVENGE, 2013), this programme will open up a new door with each singular vision it offers.

ASHAKARA AU NOM DU CHRIST Gérard Louvin Roger Gnoan M’Bala Burkina Faso, Togo, Switzerland, 1991, 91’ Côte d’Ivoire, Switzerland, 1993, 80’

A doctor envisions to use a traditional medicine After he nearly drowns, a pigman starts ha- to produce a new drug. He will have to contend ving hallucinatory visions. He renames himself with local beliefs as well as a pharmaceutical ‘Christ’s cousin’ and founds a new religious cult trust… in his village.

COZ OV MONI 2: FOKN REVENGE FIVE FINGERS FOR MARSEILLES King Luu Michael Matthews Ghana, 2013, 63’ South Africa, 2017, 120’ In the presence of the Fokn Bois Two friends walk around searching for good An ex-con returns to his home village to live a food, love, and vengeance. A refreshing come- good life. But the reigning tyrant will force him dy propelled by the musical genius of the Fokn to take up arms again. A tale of redemption that Bois. explores the frontiers of the western genre.

HYÈNES OJUJU Djibril Diop Mambéty C.J. Obasi Senegal, Switzerland, France, 1992, 110’ Nigeria, 2014, 95’

Daily life in a village is disrupted when a former Romero and his loved ones learn that their servant returns home with more money than home is in bad shape, as their drinking water one could even imagine. Her comeback is a sly has been contaminated and turns people into front for vengeance. beastly animals. Thus begins their fight for sur- vival.

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REFLECTIONS OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA - THE EDGE OF FANTASY

TOUKI BOUKI VIVA RIVA! Djibril Diop Mambéty Djo Tunda Wa Munga Senegal, 1973, 85’ Republic of the Congo, France, Belgium, 2010, 98’

A former shepherd and a student set out to find Riva plans on getting his hand on hidden fuel, a money to buy one-way tickets to the Old World. rare commodity in Kinshasa. But then he meets A seminal and iconoclastic comedy. Nora, and his troubles with the local mafia start.

WHO KILLED CAPTAIN ALEX? YEELEN Nabwana I.G.G. Souleymane Cissé Uganda, 2010, 64’ Mali, Burkina Faso, 1987, 105’

Search no more: this is the festival’s most A young man is gifted with ancient abilities improbable cinematic object. Somewhere from his tribe, but his father disapproves. The between ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ and ‘masterpiece’ clash between both men will be inevitable. levels of filmmaking, the first Ugandan action movie is like nothing you’ve ever seen.

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AMAZING SWITZERLAND

As an overview of the best fantasy or related genre films that aims at promoting Swiss cinema, AMAZING SWITZERLAND will screen two innovative gems. This year, a special project will also be part of this section. Piloted by Yann Gonzalez, the CONTES MIROIRES DE LA JEUNESSE workshop allowed eight ECAL students to dive in the depths of fantasy.

DAS HÖLLENTOR VON ZÜRICH REGIONAL PREMIERE Cyrill Oberholzer, Switzerland, 2018, 93’ Cast : Lara Stoll Producers : tellfilm GmbH (CH) World sales : tellfilm GmbH (CH) In the presence of Cyrill Oberholzer and Lara Sholl

As she is getting ready for Eurovision, the artist Lara Stoll gets her finger stuck in the bathtub. No matter what she tries, it won’t move. Is this a good time to start panicking?

DER UNSCHULDIGE Simon Jaquemet, Switzerland, Germany, 2018, 114’ Swiss release: TBC Cast : Judith Hofmann, Naomi Scheiber, Christian Kaiser Producers : 8horses GmbH, Augenschein, Filmproduktion GmbH, ZDF Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, SRF Schweizer, Radio und Fernsehen, ARTE, Teleclub AG Distributor : Ascot Elite Entertainment (CH) In the presence of Simon Jaquemet

Ruth is a simple mother whose life is turned upside down when the religious and patriarchal sys- tem she lives by is called into question by unfathomable events. A touching tale of self-discovery.

CONTES MIROIRS DE LA JEUNESSE WORLD PREMIERE Eight films directed by students from ECAL under the guidance of Yann Gonzalez offer their own vision of the fantasy genre. Discover the diverse richness of the new Swiss artists. Screening in the presence of Yann Gonzales

À LA CRÊTE DES LAMES BLOC B FOLLIA Rodrigo Muñoz, 2019, 10’ Nora Longatti, 2019, 11’ Lucas Giordano, 2019, 8’

JEGAN LA RENARDE ON SE LE DIT POUR LA Keerthigan Sivakumar, 2019, 16’ Coline Confort, 2019, 8’ DÉTRESSE Lou-Théa Papaloïzos, 2019, 7’

SHAMANIN XX VIRUS Nikita Merlini, 2019, 8’ Kimyan Flückiger, 2019, 11’ World premiere World premiere

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CARTE BLANCHE A SWISS CELEBRITY: LAURENCE SUHNER

Among the rare female authors of Planet Operas and influential figures of the Swiss comic book industry, Laurence Suhner made a name for herself with her series QUAN TIKA. The NIFFF gives carte blanche to the Geneva-based artist, who invites you to discover the cosmic worlds that influenced her.

ARRIVAL Denis Villeneuve United States, Canada, 2016, 116’ When alien ships appear in various places in the world, a linguist is tasked with understanding the reason for their presence.

CONTACT

Robert Zemeckis United States, 1997, 150’ A brilliant scientist intercepts a message of extra-terrestrial origin, which gives birth to the greatest challenge in human history: to decipher it and make first contact...

DISTRICT 9 Neill Blomkamp South Africa, United States, New Zealand, Canada, 2009, 112’

Contaminated with a strange substance, an agent for a global corporation will be forced to seek refuge in District 9, a Johannesburg township where aliens are segregated.

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AMAZING STORIES OF CINEMA

Four enriching documentaries that dive into the seminal worlds of the artists that have shaped the modern American imagination. This programme will dissect ALIEN and SHOWGIRLS, it will go back to THE EXORCIST and SORCERER, but also to SILENT RUNNING and BLADE RUN- NER! Equally informative and entertaining, it gives an overview of the greatest artists that have forged cinematic history.

FRIEDKIN UNCUT

Francesco Zippel Italy, 2018, 107’ World Sales: Doc&Film International (FR)

What do the great works The French Connection, Cruising and The Exorcist have in common? The genius at the helm: William Friedkin, the documentary filmmaker who reinvented genre cinema.

MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN Alexandre O. Philippe United States, 2019, 95’ World Sales: Indie Sales (FR) In the presence of Alexandre O. Philippe

This film invites audiences to discover how the masterpiece Alien came to be, and touches upon its massive impact.

TRUMBULL LAND

Grégory Wallet France, 2018, 52’ World Sales: Grégory Wallet (FR)

Douglas Trumbull is a complete filmmaker: as a visual effects supervisor and director, he played an essential part in timeless masterpieces. This visionary deserved a documentary that did him justice.

YOU DON’T NOMI

Jeffrey McHale United States, 2019, 92’ World Sales: XYZ Films (US)

Relive the ecstasy of Showgirls, the Paul Verhoeven movie that was panned upon release but has since (justly) been reinstated as a cult classic.

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INTERNATIONAL SHORTS

DELIRIUM EL CUENTO HOW TO BE ALONE Vahid Nami, Navid Nami Lucas Paulino, Ángel Torres Kate Trefry Iran, 2019, 15’ Spain, 2019, 9’ United States, 2019, 11’ Prod: Ark Film Company (IR) Prod: Caribe Estudio (ES), El Prod: 4WT Media (US) EUROPEAN PREMIERE Ruso de Rocky (ES) EUROPEAN PREMIERE SWISS PREMIERE

MÉLOPÉE PLEASE SPEAK CONTI- SOUS LE CARTILAGE DES Alexis Fortier Gauthier NUOUSLY AND DESCRIBE CÔTES Canada, 2019, 18’ YOUR EXPERIENCES AS Bruno Tondeur Prod: Art & Essai (CA) THEY COME TO YOU Belgium, France, 2018, 13’ WORLD PREMIERE Brandon Cronenberg Prod: Take Five (BE), Autour Canada, 2019, 9’ de Minuit (FR), Schmuby Pro- Prod: Film Forge Productions ductions (FR) UNDER COVERS (CA) SWISS PREMIERE Michaela Olsen SWISS PREMIERE United States, 2018, 7’ Prod: Mighty Oak (US) SWISS PREMIERE NEW SHORTS FROM ASIA

BEING OF NEGLECTED CENTIPEDE NOISE GALAPAGOS Jakkrapan Sriwichai Kim Min-seok Hur Bum-wook Thailand, 2018, 9’ South Korea, 2019, 8’ South Korea, 2019, 15’ Prod: Jakkrapan Sriwichai (TH) Prod: Korea National Univer- Prod: Hur Bum-wook (KR) SWISS PREMIERE sity of Arts (KR) WORLD PREMIERE WORLD PREMIERE

PIECE OF MEAT SECRET LIVES OF ASIANS SPIRIT OF THE DROWNING Jerrold Chong, Huang Junxiang AT NIGHT GIRLS Singapore, 2019, 12’ KEFF Cao Runze Prod: Finding Pictures (SG) Taiwan, United States, 2019, 18’ China, 2019, 11’ SWISS PREMIERE Prod: Shock and Awe (TW), Prod: Escape Velocity Anima- New York Tisch School of the tion Studio (CN) VINEGAR BATHS Arts (US) WORLD PREMIERE Amanda Nell Eu EUROPEAN PREMIERe Malaysia, 2018, 14’ Prod: Astro A-List (MY) SWISS PREMIERE

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FANTOCHE: LA FOLLE MÉNAGERIE

The Baden Fantoche International Animation Film Festival presents its madcap menagerie! Dogs, cats, sheep and octopuses will be joined by a trio made up of a musician bear, a wolf and a rabbit, who will be singing and playing the drums… A colourful programme to enjoy from 6 years of age.

BAT TIME LOG JAM: KJFG LOG JAM: MOON Elena Walf, DE, 2015, 4’ Alexey Alexeev, HU, 2008, 2’ Alexey Alexeev, HU, 2008, 1’

LOG JAM: SNAKE LOG JAM: THE LOG LOG JAM: THE WIND ALEXEY Alexey Alexeev, HU, 2008, 1’ Alexey Alexeev, HU, 2008, 1’ Alexey Alexeev, HU, 2008, 1’

LOG JAM: THE WOODPECKER MONSTERS’ SYMPHONY OH MY DOG Alexey Alexeev, HU, 2008, 1’ Kiana Naghshineh, DE, 2012, 3’ Chloé Alliez, BE, 2013, 6’

SIMON’S CAT: A DAY IN THE THE LITTLE COUSTEAU THE NEW SPECIES LIFE OF A CAT OWNER Jakub Kouril, CZ, 2014, 8’ Katerina Karhánková, CZ, Simon Tofield, UK, 2017, 17’ 2014, 6’ TWINS FROM BAKERY VERY LONELY COCK WAVE OF CARE Mari Miyazawa, JP, 2014, 5’ Leonid Shmelkov, RU, 2015, 6’ Alexandra Hetmerová, CZ, 2007, 2’

FANTASTIC SWISS AWARD

Winner of the Fantoche 2018 (Fantastic Swiss Award, presented by the NIFFF), CIRCUIT will be presented as the pre-program of LES FAUVES.

CIRCUIT Delia Hess, CH, 2018, 9’

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NIFFF EXTENDED

A free complement to the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF), the NIFFF EXTENDED label is a series of conferences that aim at exploring the future of cinema and the audiovisual industry. The various topics (digital creation, new information technology, audio- visual screenwriting, and contemporary literature) make this multidisciplinary forum for re- flection and networking the perfect opportunity to gather about a hundred experts who will be sharing their vision of what is to come.

GSGS’19 GAMIFICATION AND SERIOUS GAME SYMPOSIUM (GSGS) : GAMIFICATION OF SOCIETY 04.07.19 – 05.07.19, 08:00 - 18:00 / Amphi., HE-ARC, Espace de l’Europe 21, Neuchâtel

The GSGS symposium is a pole for observing the 70 national and international players partake. changes game processes and technologies will In addition to the 40 presentations and demos, bring to tomorrow’s workspace. It bridges the the audience will be able to actively participate gap between industry and academia by brin- through conferences and roundtables. ging original answers to the major challenges affecting the health, economy, education, eco- logy, culture and tourism industries through the playful and technological possibilities ahead. As part of the NIFFF19, this event will have over

Timetable and detailed programme : www.gsgs.ch

IMAGING THE FUTURE DIGITAL CREATION - NEW TECHNOLOGIES DAY 1: NEW LIMITS OF PERCEPTION, 08.07 / THÉÂTRE DU PASSAGE

IMMERSIVE LAB (10:00 - 11:15) Created by The Institute for Computer Music and Donald Glowinski. and Sound Technology (Zürich University of the Arts), this installation is a unique matrix for • Dr. Daniel Bisig, Zurich University of the Arts, Institute research in perception and interaction. This im- for Computer Music and Sound Technology, CH mersive lab influences both arts and sciences. • Jan Schacher, Composer and Digital artist - Resear- During the ITF event, two never-seen-before cher, CH • Donald Glowinski, Senior Researcher, Coordinator Mu- projects will be introduced: LES MAINS NÉGA- sic & Science, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, Uni- TIVES (2017-2019) from Anne DUBOS & Jan versity of Geneva, CH SCHACHER, as well as BEYOND THE WALL: • Simon Schaerlaeken, PhD Student, Swiss Center for Af- THE UNSEEN COORDINATION, specifically de- fective Sciences, University of Geneva, CH veloped for the NIFFF by Simon Schaerlaeken

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CONFERENCE IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS: STEREOSCOPY AS A PRECURSOR OF FAN- TASTIC CINEMA (11:30 - 12:30) The enthusiasm for stereoscopy that started in larious satire of society. The retrospective is 1850 made it possible for audiences to disco- dedicated to this pioneering phenomenon. ver worlds through 3D lenses. In the meantime, some inspired photographers and publishers • Denis Pellerin, Historian of photography, Custodian of Dr. Brian May’s collection of Stereo photographs, Direc- decided to explorer the fantasy genre. Ghosts, tor of the London Stereoscopic Company, UK fairies and demons engaged in day-to-day acti- vities started to appear and became instantly The conference will be followed by a book signing with popular. These mythological scenes, fairy tales Denis Pellerin at the Péristyle de l’hôtel de ville, 17:00 - and other Diableries worked as a brutal and hi- 18:00

STARTING A ROBOT WAR, FOR PLEASURE AND PROFIT — THE MAKING OF DR. GRORDBORT’S INVADERS FOR MAGIC LEAP ONE (14:00 - 15:00) Member of Weta Workshop since 2002 (as developing an innovative mixed reality game a designer, artist/sculptor and writer), Greg in collaboration with American start-up Magic Broadmore made a name for himself in major Leap. Discover the inception of Dr Grordbort’s projects such as DISTRICT 9 (Neill Blomkamp, by Greg Broedmore. 2009), KING KONG (Peter Jackson, 2005), THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA (Andrew Adam- • Greg Broadmore, Studio Director, Weta Workshop, NZ son, 2005), and THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (Steven Spielberg, 2011). Now in charge of the New Zealand studio gaming department, he is

HE-ARC PRESENTATION: FIGURA (15:15 - 15:30) • Kim Aurore Biloni, He-Arc, CH • Marc Mandril Ferrario, Conception, CH • Antoine Induni, Conception, CH

DEPARTURE FOR AN IMMERSIVE GUIDED VISIT OF THE INSTALLATIONS WITH ALL SPEAKERS (15:30 - 17:00) • Kim Aurore Biloni, He-Arc, CH • Marc Mandril Ferrario, Conception, CH • Antoine Induni, Conception, CH

DAY 2: IMAGINATION EMPOWERMENT, 09.07 / THÉÂTRE DU PASSAGE

GLOBAL SCI-FI VFX (10:00 - 11:30) Delve into the visual effects of Germany’s first • Nicolas Leu, VFX Supervisor, RISE, DE Netflix original, DARK (2nd season coming • Julia Strack, Compositing Supervisor, RISE, DE June 2019) and of sci-fi blockbuster THE WAN- • Samir Ansari, VFX supervisor, PIXOMONDO, UK DERING EARTH, China’s second-highest box Moderation: Ian Fails, Author, Journalist, AU office hit in history (700 millions dollars), which debuted on Netflix in April 2019.

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COMPUTER-GENERATED ACTORS IN DISCUSSION (11:45 - 13:00) A demo/discussion on the use of visual effects • Kamen Markov, VFX Supervisor, MPC, UK to digitally recreate actors, whether they be • Andy Wood, President of Cubic Motion, UK dead, unavailable or willing to change their • Michael Lum, Animation Supervisor on Avengers, ILM, UK appearance. This overview covers everything Moderation: Ian Fails, Author, Journalist, AU from Elton John to Siren, the world’s first high fidelity digital human!

CONVERGING UNIVERSE: UTOPIA OR REALITY (14:15 - 15:45) • Domenico La Porta, Chief Editor, Cineuropa.org, Ga- Nowadays, video games, animations, virtual rea- ming manager, Wallimage, BE lity, cinema and television call on the same tech- • Laurent Grumiaux, Executive Producer at Fishing Cac- nicians working with real-time 3D engines. What tus, EU expert reviewer, Digital Wallonia Champion, BE are the real opportunities in terms of conver- • Mike Wuetherick, Head of Tech, Media & Entertainment gence? State of play, live demo and discussion Division at Unity Technologies, CA between artists, creators, technicians and tools • Pierre Zandrowicz, writer, director, ATLAS V, FR developers.

STORYWORLDS AUDIOVISUAL STORYTELLING AT THE ROOTS OF INNOVATION: CONTENT AND INSPIRATION, 10.07 / THÉÂTRE DU PASSAGE

NEW MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT (14:00 - 15:15) Explore the Scandinavian model through two pre- • Johnny Andersen, Producer, New Danish Screen DK sentations from producers who have accomplished • Piodor Gustafsson, Producer, Spark Film & TV, SE • Valeria Richter, Creative producer, Scriptwriter, Nordic great things by thinking outside the box: Piodor Factory Copenhagen, DK Gustaffson (REAL HUMANS, BORDER) and John- • In the presence of Danish directors selected in the ny Andersen (VALHALLA RISING, NEW DANISH DANES DO IT BETTER focus and Ali Abbasi, Director, SE. SCREEN). These will be followed by a discussion on initiatives that promote new generations of artists and innovation, with a special focus on Denmark.

FANTASTIC WEB CONTEST III: THE MOST EXTRA-ORDINARY PITCHING SESSION BACK AGAIN (15:30 - 17:00) In collaboration with the RTS, this epic pitching • EPIDERMIQUE, Océane Wannaz, IMAJACK session will help to identify the best fantas- • FAUCHAGE AU SOL, Pablo Delpédro & Robin Chessex, tic web series among those selected after the IMAJACK • LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES, Malou Briand & Raphaël FANTASTIC WEB CONTEST III call to projects. Meyer, BOX PRODUCTIONS This snapshot of the fantasy genre and the new • MILLENIAL TELECOM, Oskar Rosetti, ELEFANT FILM Swiss artists will submit to the audience’s and • PROJET KID, Luca Arzenton, Amandine Ngindu, Aude Bally, Jimmy Parisi, Bruno Preira & Valon Imeri, ALTA- the jury’s evaluation, before one project is se- MONT PRODUCTION lected for production. • STRANGE ZONE, Anaelle Morf, Cristina Müller & Audrey Bersier, TELL ME THE STORY

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FUTURE STORYWORLDS @CERN (17:15 - 17:45) Presentation of the NIFFF ON TOUR@CERN • ANOTHER SHORE, Théo Fischer & Pablo Perez (MSLS, 2019 call to projects and spotlight on the pre- Karlskrona & Alumni ECAL, Lausanne) vious two winners. • BLUE D, Salômé Guillemin, Alumni HEAD, Genève • Sten Saluveer, Founder of Storytek, EE

CINÉFOROM SUPPORTING INNOVATION IN ROMANDY (17:45 - 18:00) Presentation by Laurent Kempf, in charge of • Laurent Kempf, Innovation Support Manager, CINEFO- the support for innovation, CINÉFOROM, CH. RUM, CH NEW WORLDS OF FANTASY CONTEMPORARY FANTASY LITTERATURE 11.07 / THÉÂTRE DU PASSAGE

WHY DO WE PLAY? TIME TO THINK ABOUT THAT. (14:00 - 15:00) Marc Attalah, Director of the Maison d’Ailleurs, • Marc Atallah, Director of LA MAISON D’AILLEURS, As- will discuss the anthropological role of games sociate Professor and Researcher, UNIL, CH through the lens of contemporary theories. He will also tackle the misunderstandings that have been casting a shadow on games since Antiquity. The conference will be followed by a public game of legendary arcade game SUPER SMASH BROS ULTIMATE. A unique, playful conference.

THE INFLUENCE OF ROLE-PLAYING GAMES ON STORIES (15:15 - 16:15) Writer, novelists and RPG players will partake • Coralie David, Publisher, Researcher, Writer, Co-mana- in this roundtable dedicated to writing (idio- ger of RPG company Lapin Marteau, FR • David Javet, Co-founder, UNIL Gamelab, Game Desi- syncrasies, adaptations, co-writing with the gner, Tchagata Games, CH players, links to video games) and the influence • Julien Blondel, Games creator, Journalist and Comic of RPGs on literature. book writer, FR Moderation : Boris Bruckler, RTS archivist, Librarian for the Centre BD de la Ville de Lausanne, and Comic book history teacher at HED (Haute École de Gestion de Ge- nève), CH

PANORAMA OF CONTEMPORARY SF LITERATURE (16:30 - 17:30) In collaboration with the Éditions l’Atalante Two authors who are well-versed in sci-fi, an • Olivier Paquet, Auteur, FR editor for L’Atalante and a journalist from the • Laurence Suhner, Auteure, CH “Point Barre” show on Couleur 3 will discuss the state of contemporary SF literature. • Yann Olivier, Éditions l’Atalante, FR The conference will be followed by a book signing • Laurent Dormond, Couleur 3, CH at the restaurant Max et Meuron (Théâtre du Pas- sage), 17:45 - 18:30 Modérateur : Boris Bruckler, CH

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NIFFF INVASION

During the 9 days of the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival , NIFFF INVASION will animate the city through a series of free activities for all ages. Co-produced with the City of Neuchâtel, it stands as an invitation to experience the festival in the city’s most emblematic spots. The programme, which includes open air screenings of cult classics, exclusive groun- dbreaking interactive installations, augmented screenings for the little ones and music parties for their elders, will be a celebration of imagination through the lens of interdisciplinarity and innovation.

NIFFF OPEN AIR Five genre gems in gloriously restored versions will be screened free of charge on the iconic Place des Halles, in the heart of the historical part of Neuchâtel. The 360 tiered seats and other deckchairs await!

L’INCONNU DE SHANDIGOR SPACE IS THE PLACE Jean-Louis Roy, CH, 1967, 90’ John Coney, US, 1974, 85’ Groovy Nuclear Thriller Funky Cosmic Opera Serge Gainsbourg in a Swiss comedic spy mo- In a distant galaxy, a planet offers asylum to vie? Everything is possible in this weird and African Americans. The music will guide them spellbinding film. there. Undoubtedly the craziest musical space 08.07, 22:15 odyssey ever committed to film! 09.07, 00:30

PULP FICTION LOONEY TUNES Quantin Tarantino, US, 1994, 154’ Various, US, 1935-1953, 71’ Quintessential Cult Movie That’s All Folks! Contract killers, a boxer, a drug addict... The We know you love them, and you know you can 1994 Palme d’Or was booed. It has become a never see too much of them: the Looney Tunes, must-watch for cinephiles worldwide. timeless classics of hilarity, are back! 10.07, 00:30 11.07, 22:15

ALIEN Ridley Scott, UK/US, 1979, 116’ Adrenalin Bomb In space, no one can hear you scream when a xenomorph is hunting you down. A lesson in ci- nematic fear. 12.07, 00:30

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EXPOSITION DIABLERIES : AVENTURES STEREOSCOPIQUES EN ENFER The NIFFF will offer an exclusive immersion in the depths of proto cinema, which inspired fantasy film pioneers. The exhibition will include 50 paintings, a dynamic slideshow and a 3D film made by Studios Unanico and the London Stereoscopic Company. As a collector of stereoscopic photo- graphs, Brian May spent decades gathering all 182 Diableries (dioramas composed of clay minia- tures that depict everyday life in hell), created between 1860 and 1900 in France. Seen through the lens of a stereoscope, they create an illusion similar to augmented reality.

PÉRISTYLE DE L’HÔTEL DE VILLE 05 – 13.07, 09:00 – 20:00

VIRTUAL WORLDS

VR CEMETERY Presentation of two VR games by the Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) GLOOMY EYES ABANDONED TEMPLE Jorge Tereso & Fernando Maldonado Cheng Wei-hao FR, 2019, 6’48 TW, 2018, 9’ The adventures of a half-human, half-zombie A young girl wakes up in an abandoned temple boy looking for his place in the everlasting night. filled with statues of deities. Suddenly, a sha- dow slips into the one representing the goddess Mazu, which starts speaking…

TEMPLE DU BAS 05 – 13.07, 14:00 – 20:00

THE IMMERSIVE LAB: AN INTERACTIVE AUDIO-VISUAL EXPERIENCE A high-level research project supervised by The Institute for Computer Music and Sound Tech- nology (Zurich University of the Arts) and the Swiss Centre for Affective Sciences (University of Geneva). This highly immersive and interactive installation will allow users to experience two projects that will make their world debut:

BEYOND THE WALL: THE UNSEEN COORDINA- LES MAINS NÉGATIVES (2017-2019) TION (2019) from Anne Dubos and Jan Schacher Specially developed for the NIFFF by Simon Schaerlaeken and Donald Glowinski

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DR. GRORDBORT’S INVADERS Adventure has never been bigger, gameplay has never been this immersive, and characters have never been so believable that you have to take cover behind the couch. Available exclusively on the Magic Leap One, Dr. Grordbort’s Invaders is set in the retro-science fiction universe of Dr. Grordbort - a world of rayguns, rocket ships and deadly robot miscreants. First unveiled during Magic Leap’s kick-off conference LEAP Con 2018, this pioneering experience boasts an all-star voice cast composed of Stephen Fry, Rhys Darby, and Lucy Lawless. The NIFFF joins forces with Weta Workshop to present an exclusive mixed reality demonstration in a spectacular setting. The action happens directly in the player’s surroundings, where life-size robotic threats abound. A unique opportunity to experiment this highly anticipated game!

TEMPLE DU BAS 05 – 13.07, 14:00 – 20:00

KIDS@NIFFF

KID-O-NIFFF In collaboration with AnimaFilms RPN Selection of short films (75’) About twenty animated films directed by Neuchâtel-based pupils aged 6 to 13 will revisit legends and folk tales through original and varied stop motion techniques.

CINEMA LES ARCADES 05.07, 17:00

LANTERNE MAGIQUE NEXT DOOR SPY Karla Von Bengtson, DK, 2017, 77’ 10-year-old Agatha is fascinated with police investigations. Her first case will soon prove to be more challenging than anticipated…

THÉÂTRE DU PASSAGE 06.07, 14:30

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MUSIC@NIFFF TEMPLE DU BAS The NIFFF will open the doors of the Temple du Bas for musical after parties with exceptional artists who will entertain you through the night. An opportunity to discover their world after the many screenings of the festival.

05.07 - SUNDAY MORNING BALLET CLASS, NEW WAVE / DARK DISCO, CH 06.07 - HATARI, DISCO / HOUSE / MICRO, BR-DE 11.07 - HIBIYA LINE, DISCO / TECHNO, CH-VN 12.07 - GROUND ETHEREAL SOUNDSCAPES, JP 13.07 - DAN LO AFRO / TROPICAL, CY-FR

TEMPLE DU BAS 00:00-04:00

JARDIN ANGLAIS From July 5th to 13th, more information on NIFFF.CH.

JARDIN ANGLAIS 05-13.07, 20:00 - 01:00

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PRACTICAL INFOS

PRICES : www.weezevent.ch LE MARCHÉ FANTASTIQUE Place du Port TICKETING On Tuesdays, July 2nd and 9th, Thursdays, July 5th and 12th, and Saturdays, July 6th and 13th, Théâtre du Passage: from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 05.07: From 2 p.m. until the start of the last showing OFF@NIFFF 06.07-13.07: From 10 a.m. until the start of the last showing JARDIN ANGLAIS Food and DJs NIFFF Open Air 05.07 — 06.07 / 11.07 — 13.07 : > 02:00 From 8 p.m. until the start of the last showing 07.07 — 10.07 : > 01:00 Cinémas Arcades, Rex, Studio Opens 30 min before the start of the first WIFI@OFF showing Video 2000 will offer free Wi-Fi access at the Closes after the start of the last showing Jardin Anglais throughout the festival.

PRICES TRANSPORTS 1 Film : CHF 14.— BY FOOT Terrasse Open Air (>00:00) : CHF 30.— Train station → Théâtre du Passage in 10 min Terrasse Open Air (<00:00) : CHF 60.— PUBLIC TRANSPORT (drinks and service included) Train station → Théâtre du Passage, Bus 106 / Multipass 4 Films : CHF 50.— 107 / 109 direction Place Pury, stop Terreaux Multipass 10 Films : CHF 110.— Muséum, in 5 min Festival Pass : CHF 170.— SOFT MOBILITY — NIFFFROULE PLACES The NIFFF by bicycle! Neuchâtelroule stations VIRTUAL WORLDS are located near the Temple du Bas, Passage Temple du Bas des Arcades, and Jardin anglais. More info on 05.07 — 13.07 : 14:00 — 20:00 www.neuchatelroule.ch EXHIBIT SPECIAL DISCOUNT AT THE PARKING DU Péristyle de l’Hôtel de Ville PORT 05.07 — 13.07 : 09:00 — 20:00 Festival-goers pay only CHF 5 for a whole day’s parking. Just leave your car there and come get NIFFF OPEN AIR your discounted parking ticket at the Théâtre Place des Halles du Passage.. 472 seats (360 covered). Screenings: from 10:15 p.m. regardless of the TAXICAB TAXIS weather, audio headsets provided Taxicab is available throughout the duration of Terrasse : Opens at 9:30 p.m. the NIFFF to pickup the festival-goers at their chosen location. Call: 032 724 12 12. A taxi sta- MUSIC@NIFFF — TEMPLE DU BAS tion can be found near the Jardin Anglais. NIF- DJs & drinks FF rate up to 30% lower than the official city 05.07 — 06.07 / 11.07 — 13.07 : 00:00 — 04:00 rate.

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ORGANISATION

BOARD NIFFF EXTENDED Jean Studer, President Audrey Powell, Coordinator Pierre-Yves Jeanneret, Vice-president & Founder Eric Salberg, Assistant Michel Vust, Secretary Vincent Frei, Consultant (Imaging the Future) Christelle Michel, member Boris Bruckler, Consultant (New Worlds of Fan- Anaïs Emery, CEO & Founder tasy) Jehanne Rousseau, Consultant (Imaging the Fu- DIRECTION ture, video games) Anaïs Emery, CEO & Founder Fanny Guichard, Communication & Sponsoring MUSIC@NIFFF Director Yan Luong, Coordinator Juan Diaz, Administrative Director ADMINISTRATION & HUMAN RESOURCES PROGRAMMING BOARD Juan Diaz, Administrative Director Anaïs Emery, Artistic Director Désirée Domig, Administrative Assistant Alice Moroni, Program Coordinator Camille Pellaud, Assistant Loïc Valceschini, Program Coordinator Gaëlle Richard, Assistant Justine Baudet, Database Coordinator Marie-Elodie Frochaud, Staff Coordinator Anne Delseth, Correspondent Laetitia Gauchat, Staff Coordinator Assistant Fran Gayo, Correspondent Joanne Giger, USA Correspondent COMMUNICATION & SPONSORING Eric Salberg, Assistant Fanny Guichard, Communication & Sponsoring Mikiko Tomita, Japan Correspondent Director Stéphanie Trepanier, Correspondent Zoé Dupraz, Marketing Coordinator Pauline Bessire, Marketing & Promotion Assis- COMMISSIONS tant FEATURE FILMS COMPETITIONS : Roxane Fleury, Digital Coordinator Lucas Arpin, Arnaud Aubelle, Frederike Dellert, James Berclaz-Lewis, Social Media Coordinator Fran Gayo, Manlio Gomarasca, Christelle Mi- Alexandre Gambarini, Communication Assistant chel, Stéphanie Trépanier, Anaïs Emery, Loïc Valceschini, Pierre-Yves Walder PRESS SHORT FILMS PROGRAMS : Bastien Bento, Press Coordinator Justine Baudet, Sébastien Gerber, John Hsu, Christian Stroehle, Press Attaché Carlo Francisco Manatad, Christelle Michel, So- Melissa Girardet, Press Assistant nia Pfeuti, Raphaëlle Pralong, Alexandre Rallo, Loïc Valceschini ACCREDITATION Jennifer Siegrist, Accreditation Coordinator NIFFF INVASION Marie Klay, Coordinator HOSPITALITY Thibault Otz, Coordinator Nicolas Wittwer, Coordinator Matthieu Béguelin, Guest coordinator Frédéric Ravier, Driver Coordinatore

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WEBSITE DIGITAL SUBTITLING Sébastien Kapsopoulos, VNV SA, Web developer Manlio Lapi, Dialoghi di Luce TICKETING INFRASTRUCTURES & EVENTS Àdria Puerto i Molina, Ticketing Coordinator TavelEvenements, Festival Off Coordinator Elisa Barbosa, Ticketing Assistant Marc Chenaux, Tent Supervisor Elaine Pinheiro, Ticketing Assistant Emma Biloni, Tent Supervisor Donatien Roustant, Ticketing Assistant Mathieu David, Bars Coordinator Raphaël Meyer, Ticketing Assistant Sébastien Oulevay, Bars Staff’s Supervisor Medea Lopetuso, Bars Staff’s Supervisor CATALOGUE Bérengère Jeckelmann, Bars Staff’s Supervisor White Brand Design, Graphic Designer and Editor Florian Keppner, Bars Staff’s Supervisor Loïc Valceschini, Coordinator & Redactor Johnathan Ben Blal, Bars Staff’s Supervisor Redactors: Justine Baudet, James Berclaz-Lewis, Elodie Dupraz, Bars Staff’s Supervisor Pauline Bessire, Thibaud Ducret, Anaïs Emery, Mathieu Caillet, Bars Staff’s Supervisor Thomas Gerber, Fanny Guichard, Chloé Hofmann Johan and Maël Cattin, Cups Manager & Maryke Oosterhoff Linda Virchaux, Catering TRANSLATIONS Alexandre Rallo (English) POSTERS & NIFFF VISUALS Georges Wyrsch (German) White Brand Design Joseph Barnes (Interpreter) Virginie Angéloz & Manuel Romero

VENUES PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO Edna Epelbaum, Cinepel SA Miguel Bueno, Photographer José Aubry, Cinepel SA Claire Zombas, Photographer assistant Sandrine Liscia, Cinepel SA Motini Production, Video Robert Bouvier, Théâtre du Passage Frédéric Ambroisine, Video & Instagram Stéphane Cancelli, Théâtre du Passage Bernard Colomb, Théâtre du Passage COMPUTERS & INTERNET Baptiste Ruedin, Théâtre du Passage VNV, Computers Victor Blanc, NIFFF Open Air Coordinator Vidéo2000, internet Stéphanie Jeannet, Studio Coordinator Suzanne Richard, Rex Coordinator TROPHY Astrid Vanberg, Arcades Coordinator H.R. Giger, Design Matthieu Vouga, Passage 1 Coordinator Yves Cernuschi, Realization Camille de Dieu, Passage 2 & ITF Coordinator AANIFFF (NIFFF FRIENDS ASSOCIA- Gabriel Grossert, Temple du Bas Coordinator TION) COMMITTEE SCREENINGS AND PRINT Annich Challet-Jeanneret, Yvan de Marco, Mike Pfenninger, Technical Supervisor Luana Di Trapani, Cyrille Dos Ghali, Odile Duvoi- Marie Geiser, DCP Master sin, Jean-Bernard Hador, Yann Hulmann, Pierre- Clément Borel, Redhat Gnome Yves Jeanneret, Caroline Junier, Catherine Mon- Louis Jean, Live Recording Supervisor talto, Victoria Montalto, Marie-José Loprez, Sam Ishika Ladduhawetti, Live Recording Assistrant Rossetti, Lise Schaeren Decollogny, Loïs Siggen Issam Chouadhi, Projectionnist Lopez, Pierre Walder, Yayou Walder Marie Hippenmeyer, Print Traffic Coordinator

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