Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival – Switzerland 2026

Background & History

• Origins and Founding: Established in 2000 by Anaïs Emery, Pierre-Yves Jeanneret, and Oliver Muller, the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) was created to celebrate fantastic cinema, filling a gap in Switzerland’s cultural landscape for genre films. Inspired by a passion for imaginative storytelling, it quickly became a national and international reference point for fantasy, Asian cinema, and digital creation.
• Evolution and Growth: From its debut with modest attendance, NIFFF has grown to attract over 45,600 visitors by 2025, screening 127 films from 42 countries. It expanded from a film-focused event to include multidisciplinary programs like NIFFF Extended (launched 2014) for industry talks, NIFFF Invasion for public engagement, and NIFFF On Tour for nationwide screenings.
• Cultural Significance: As Switzerland’s only festival dedicated to genre films, NIFFF champions the power of imagination, blending mainstream blockbusters with auteur-driven works. It has hosted luminaries like George A. Romero, Joe Dante, Terry Gilliam, and Hideo Nakata, fostering a dialogue between filmmakers, audiences, and innovators.
• Programmatic Pillars: The festival revolves around three axes: fantastic cinema (horror, sci-fi, fantasy), Asian cinema (thrillers, comedies, kung fu), and digital creation (exploring technology’s role in film). This broad approach redefines “fantastic” as any work transcending ordinary reality, per Luis Buñuel’s ethos of imagination protecting freedom.
• Community Engagement: NIFFF engages local and international communities through free screenings, workshops, and youth programs like Fantastic Web Contest (2014–2019), which produced web series such as La Suisse Interdite. It supports Swiss filmmakers via competitions and promotes inclusivity with initiatives like “Frissons sans frousse” for squeamish viewers.
• Sustainability and Innovation: The festival emphasizes eco-conscious practices, such as sustainable venue setups at Place des Halles and partnerships with local institutions to reduce environmental impact. It pioneers digital creation through its Imaging the Future symposium (since 2004), addressing media convergence and creative technologies.
• Awards and Recognition: NIFFF has earned acclaim for its curated programming and industry influence, joining the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation in 2001. It awards prestigious prizes like the H.R. Giger “Narcisse” and Silver Méliès, enhancing the visibility of genre films in Switzerland and Europe.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • International Competition: Showcases feature films (minimum 60 minutes) with Swiss premieres, often including world or European premieres. Past winners include The Ice Tower (2025, Lucile Hadžihalilović) and The Indigo Parallel (2022, Chris Danelon).
  • Asian Competition: Features diverse genres like thrillers, comedies, and swordplay films from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond, highlighting underrepresented Asian cinema.
  • Short Film Competitions: Includes Swiss Fantastic Short Film Competition (SSA/SUISSIMAGE), Best European Short Film, and Swiss Video Art Competition (Actual Fears, since 2008). Examples include TV oder die Ruhestörung an der Waldburgstrasse (2025, Frederic Siegel).
  • NIFFF Extended: A multidisciplinary program with talks, workshops, and performances on cinema, science, literature, and technology. Notable 2025 guests included Aleksi Briclot, Emil Ferris, and Ketty Steward, with roundtables on environmental challenges.
  • NIFFF Invasion: Free public events at La Villa, featuring exhibitions, virtual reality experiences, and kid-friendly activities to democratize fantastic genres.
  • Open Air Screenings: At Place des Halles, offering up to 1,000 seats with free and ticketed screenings under a new, elegant setup with deckchairs and local restaurant partnerships.
  • Retrospectives and Special Programs: Thematic programs like “Scream Queer” (2022), “Female Trouble” (2023), and “Eat the Rich” (2024), showcasing genre history and social commentary.
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Opening ceremony at Théâtre du Passage, featuring premieres like The Residence (2025, Yann Gozlan), with dignitaries like Céline Vara and Carine Bachmann.
  • Closing ceremony with awards like the H.R. Giger “Narcisse” (CHF 10,000) and Silver Méliès, followed by celebratory events at the OFFF area.
  • “Frissons sans frousse” selection for thrill-seekers avoiding horror, ensuring accessibility for all audiences.
  • NIFFF On Tour extends the festival’s reach across Switzerland, screening curated films in other cities post-event.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Exploration of Neuchâtel’s historic venues, blending medieval charm with modern cinema.
  • Interactive experiences like VR installations and live talks with global filmmakers and artists.
  • OFFF area at Jardin Anglais, a social hub with bars, animations, and a VIP platform for networking with industry professionals.

Date & Duration

• Dates: July 3–11, 2026 (confirmed for 25th edition, per official sources).
• Duration: 9 days, encompassing screenings, competitions, talks, and public events across multiple venues.

Venue / Location

• City: Neuchâtel, Switzerland, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval castle, lakefront, and cultural innovation.
• Main Venues:
  • Théâtre du Passage: Passage Maximilien-de-Meuron 4, 2000 Neuchâtel. Hosts opening/closing ceremonies, screenings, and NIFFF Extended conferences.
  • Cinéma des Arcades: Faubourg de l’Hôpital 5, 2000 Neuchâtel. Primary screening venue for feature films, partnered with Cinepel SA.
  • Cinéma Rex: Faubourg de l’Hôpital 16, 2000 Neuchâtel. Additional screening space for diverse programs.
  • Cinéma Studio: Faubourg du Lac 7, 2000 Neuchâtel. Focuses on shorts and special screenings.
  • Place des Halles (Halles Obscura): Central square with a new open-air setup for 1,000 spectators, featuring free and ticketed screenings, partnered with local restaurants.
  • La Villa (La Petite Rochette): Avenue de la Gare, 2000 Neuchâtel. Houses NIFFF Invasion’s free public programs, including exhibitions and kids’ events.
  • OFFF Area (Jardin Anglais): Lakefront social hub with bars, animations, and VIP areas for networking.
• Notable Areas:
  • Screenings across 10+ locations in Neuchâtel’s old town, near Lake Neuchâtel, blending historic charm with modern setups.
  • Strategic meeting points for industry professionals, including Théâtre du Passage’s conference spaces and La Villa’s creative hub.
• Google Maps Address: Théâtre du Passage, Passage Maximilien-de-Meuron 4, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland (main venue for ceremonies).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online via https://nifff.ch or partner platforms (e.g., Eventival for accreditations, vp.eventival.com/nifff/2025 for submissions).
  • On-site at box offices in Théâtre du Passage, Cinéma des Arcades, or Place des Halles during the festival (July 3–11, 2026).
  • Presales open June 19, 2026, for Festival Pass and Multipass; limited quantities, early booking advised.
• Admission Type:
  • Free for NIFFF Invasion events at La Villa and select open-air screenings at Place des Halles.
  • Paid for cinema screenings, grandstand seating, and accreditations (industry/press).
• Ticket Pricing (USD, converted at 1 USD ≈ 0.85 CHF):
  • Minimum Price: $0 USD for free events (e.g., NIFFF Invasion, select open-air screenings).
  • Maximum Price: ~$294 USD (Support Pass, CHF 250).
  • Festival Pass: ~$229 USD (CHF 195), non-transferable, grants one seat per screening, bookings required.
  • Support Pass: ~$294 USD (CHF 250), includes all screenings, VIP area access, and two closing ceremony invitations (not PMR-accessible).
  • Multipass 4: ~$68 USD (CHF 58), transferable, four screenings, ideal for groups.
  • Multipass 10: ~$153 USD (CHF 130), transferable, ten screenings.
  • Accreditation: ~$94 USD (CHF 80), for industry/press, includes NIFFF Extended access.
  • Service fees apply (~$2–$5 USD online); pass locks after three no-shows.
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Reserved seating via Festival/Support Pass; bookings mandatory, released if not claimed at start time.
  • VIP area at OFFF (Jardin Anglais) for Support Pass holders, offering networking with guests (not PMR-accessible).
  • Accessible seating for disabled attendees; contact ticketing@nifff.ch for arrangements.
  • AANIFFF membership (~$50–$100 USD annually) offers priority booking and exclusive events.

Contact Information

• Email: info@nifff.ch (general inquiries); ticketing@nifff.ch (tickets); presse@nifff.ch (press); features@nifff.ch (feature film submissions); shorts@nifff.ch (shorts submissions).
• Phone: +41 32 730 50 31 (general); +41 32 731 07 74 (ticketing).
• Website: https://nifff.ch
• Social Media: @nifffestival (Instagram, 13.5K followers); @NIFFF (Facebook, 13,477 likes); @nifffestival (Twitter/X).
• Key Staff:
  • Pierre-Yves Walder (CEO & Artistic Director)
  • Hugues Houmard (Administrative & Operational Director)
  • Julien Moeschler (Interim Communications Manager)
  • Marine Guillain (Head of Press, presse@nifff.ch)
  • Gaia Boeri (Marketing Coordinator, partnerships)
  • Loïc Valceschini (Shorts Programming, loic.valceschini@nifff.ch)
• Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to presse@nifff.ch; volunteer applications via website (open spring 2026, roles include logistics, guest support).
• Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English/French support; accessibility info via ticketing@nifff.ch.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Annual celebration of genre cinema since 2000, rooted in Neuchâtel’s artistic and innovative heritage, with a focus on pushing imaginative boundaries.
  • Opening/closing ceremonies at Théâtre du Passage, blending formal presentations with film premieres, attended by Swiss cultural officials and international filmmakers.
  • Community-driven OFFF area at Jardin Anglais, fostering social interaction with bars and animations, a staple since the festival’s early years.
• Music and Performances:
  • Soundtracks and live music enhance screenings, with past events featuring experimental audio-visual performances (e.g., at NIFFF Invasion).
  • Talks and performances at NIFFF Extended, such as live artist discussions or digital creation showcases, add a dynamic layer to the festival.
• Costumes:
  • Attendees often embrace genre-inspired attire (e.g., sci-fi, horror, or fantasy-themed outfits), especially at themed screenings or OFFF area parties.
  • Industry guests and jurors (e.g., Emil Ferris, Aleksi Briclot in 2025) may wear artistic or professional attire, reflecting the festival’s creative ethos.
• Local Customs:
  • Respect for Neuchâtel’s historic venues; modest dress encouraged in theaters like Théâtre du Passage.
  • Engagement with local culture through partnerships with restaurants at Place des Halles, offering regional cuisine during open-air screenings.
  • Emphasis on inclusivity, with free events and kid-friendly programs to broaden access to fantastic cinema.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Neuchâtel Fondue: Creamy cheese fondue with local wines, served at nearby restaurants like Maison des Halles (~$20–$30 USD).
  • Saucisse Neuchâteloise: Smoked sausage with potatoes, a regional favorite (~$12–$18 USD).
  • Tarte aux Noix: Nut tart with honey, a Swiss dessert (~$5–$8 USD).
  • Absinthe: Locally produced, historically significant spirit (~$6–$10 USD/glass).
  • Lindt Chocolate: Swiss chocolates from nearby shops (~$3–$7 USD).
  • Vin du Jura: Local white or rosé wines from Neuchâtel vineyards (~$6–$10 USD/glass).
• Event-Specific Offerings:
  • Food stalls and bars at OFFF area (Jardin Anglais) offer Swiss and international dishes: Raclette, burgers, vegan options (~$5–$15 USD).
  • Pop-up restaurants at Place des Halles during open-air screenings, serving local specialties and craft beers (~$4–$10 USD).
  • Eco-friendly initiatives: Reusable cups and sustainable packaging emphasized to reduce waste.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Geneva Airport (GVA), 120 km, ~1.5-hour drive or train via SBB (~$22–$44 USD).
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH), 150 km, ~2-hour drive or train (~$33–$66 USD).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: SBB trains to Neuchâtel station from Geneva (~1.5 hours, ~$22–$44 USD) or Zurich (~2 hours, ~$33–$66 USD); 5-min walk to Théâtre du Passage.
  • Bus: Local buses (TransN) connect venues; day pass ~$5 USD via TN app.
  • Tram: Line 215 to Place des Halles or Théâtre du Passage (~$2 USD/ride).
  • Bike: VeloNeuchâtel bike-sharing (~$2 USD/hour); stations near venues.
• Parking:
  • Limited at venues; public lots at Place du Port or Seyon (~$10–$20 USD/day).
  • Book via Neuchâtel Parking app; eco-parking incentives for low-emission vehicles.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Uber or local taxis (~$10–$20 USD in city); book via +41 32 731 07 74 or apps.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Beau-Rivage Hotel (Neuchâtel lakefront), ~$250–$450 USD/night, with spa and lake views.
  • Hôtel Palafitte (on Lake Neuchâtel), ~$300–$550 USD/night, unique stilted pavilions.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Best Western Premier Hôtel Beaulac (near venues), ~$150–$250 USD/night, modern with lakefront dining.
  • Hôtel Alpes et Lac (near station), ~$120–$200 USD/night, scenic views and easy access.
• Budget Options:
  • Ibis Budget Neuchâtel (city center), ~$80–$120 USD/night, affordable and central.
  • Airbnb apartments in old town, ~$60–$120 USD/night, with kitchens.
  • Youth Hostel Neuchâtel, ~$40–$80 USD/night, budget-friendly near lake.
• Unique Options:
  • La Maison du Prussien (historic inn, 5 km), ~$100–$200 USD/night, rustic charm.
  • Camping Neuchâtel (lakefront), ~$30–$60 USD/night, with festival shuttle options.
• Booking Tips:
  • Book 3–6 months ahead via Booking.com or nifff.ch for festival discounts.
  • Choose old town or lakefront for walkability to venues; check for festival packages.