Actor and filmmaker Asia Argento will be the guest of honor at this year’s Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF). This decision, according to NIFFF director Pierre-Yves Walder, is emblematic of the festival’s own self-image and ethos.
“Asia is an icon,” says Walder. “She’s someone we ourselves have grown up with, and whom we watched grow up. She’s established herself as an artist who makes few concessions, who practices her profession with absolute freedom and who is always ready to take big risks. She has a punk side and never hesitates, and because of her career – which stretches back to the foundational horror films of her father [Dario Argento] towards something more contemporary – she also bridges versions of NIFFF past and present.”
Argento’s career is indeed multifaceted. She has made significant contributions as an actor, director, author, activist, and musician. Her involvement in the MeToo movement, which brought to light many difficult moments, has also been a defining aspect of her journey. Walder notes, “She has had some shadows on her journey, and those are important as well. She’s somebody that might have suffered a great deal, leaving her with an acute sensitivity and giving her the kind of raw, flayed and vivid nature this festival very much appreciates.”
As the guest of honor, Argento was given carte blanche to program her own section of the festival. She selected a lineup of films that have significantly influenced her artistic vision. These include Michael Powell’s “Peeping Tom,” Georges Franju’s “Eyes Without a Face,” Carl Theodor Dreyer’s “Vampyr,” and Shinya Tsukamoto’s “Tetsuo: The Iron Man.” These films, according to Walder, will set a powerful foundation for the festival as they explore great contemporary films in other sections.
“We were very curious what she would come up with,” says Walder. “Her work is so varied and eclectic, but at the same time, she’s really into the fundamentals of fantasy.”
The festival will not only showcase films but will also host a number of events and conferences related to digital imagery, contemporary art, and literature. Through the NIFFF Extended conference program, the festival has long placed significant emphasis on both the history of visual effects and new innovations within the field. Walder believes this is intrinsic to the festival’s identity.
“Fantasy cinema has always been deeply connected to scientific and technological progress in terms of image creation, shooting techniques, and film production,” he says. “We want to explore the cutting edge, and with that, all forms of digital culture and storytelling not just limited to film production.”
The conferences will include VFX breakdowns with the teams behind “The Last of Us” and “3 Body Problem,” as well as practical workshops with prop designer and layout artist Simon Weisse. Weisse, known for his work with Guillermo del Toro, the Wachowski sisters, Steven Spielberg, and particularly Wes Anderson, will offer insights into the craftsmanship behind live action, 3D, and practical effects.
“Weisse is a craftsman in every sense of the word,” says Walder. “His work incorporates live action, 3D, and practical effects, so we can really offer a 360-degree vision of everything that goes into creating fantastic on-screen images in cinema, series, online, and in games. It’s all connected.”
Argento’s selection of films for the festival reflects her deep understanding and appreciation of the fantasy genre. Carl Theodor Dreyer’s “Vampyr” (1932) explores the delicate boundary between the dream world and reality, while Michael Powell’s “Peeping Tom” (1960) delves into the protagonist’s obsession with images. Georges Franju’s “Eyes Without a Face” (1960) is a poetic and terrifying tale of identity and transformation, and Shinya Tsukamoto’s “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” (1989) is an intense, unique horror/sci-fi hybrid.
In addition to these films, several movies in which Argento has acted will also be part of the festival’s program. This comprehensive approach underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating the diverse and eclectic nature of fantasy cinema.
The NIFFF’s focus on digital culture and storytelling extends beyond traditional film production. The festival aims to explore the cutting edge of image creation and shooting techniques, reflecting the deep connection between fantasy cinema and scientific and technological progress.
By honoring Asia Argento, the NIFFF not only celebrates her contributions to the film industry but also highlights the festival’s own multidisciplinary remit. Argento’s career, marked by her willingness to take risks and her commitment to artistic freedom, mirrors the festival’s dedication to exploring the boundaries of fantasy cinema.
As the NIFFF 2024 guest of honor, Asia Argento will present a carte blanche of some of the movies that have inspired and influenced her as an artist. Carl Theodor Dreyer’s “Vampyr” (1932) is a classic that delves into the delicate boundary between the dream world and reality, while the psychological thriller “Peeping Tom” (1960) is all about its protagonist’s obsession with images. Festivalgoers will have an opportunity to see Asia Argento at the Open Air, where she will present Georges Franju’s poetic and terrifying tale of identity and transformation “Eyes Without a Face” (1960). Her most recent pick is “Tetsuo: The Iron Man” (1989), Shinya Tsukamoto’s cult film – an intense, unique horror/sci-fi hybrid. Finally, several films she acted in will also be part of the festival’s program.
In conclusion, the NIFFF’s decision to honor Asia Argento as a special guest underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating the diverse and eclectic nature of fantasy cinema. Argento’s multifaceted career and her willingness to take risks make her an ideal representative of the festival’s ethos. The NIFFF promises to be a celebration of fantasy cinema, digital culture, and storytelling, with Argento’s curated selection of films providing a powerful foundation for the festival’s exploration of contemporary and classic fantasy films.
Source: Variety, Artforum
