ITALIAN HORROR FANTASY FEST: SEVENTH EDITION
The seventh edition of the Italian Horror Fantasy Fest recently concluded, in a superb and spectacular setting, surrounded by a large green area complete with an artificial lake.
The festival, sponsored by its patron, the producer Luigi Pastore, well known for his production company "Lupa Film", and for his career as a director (Pazzia, Come una crisalide, Violent shit: The Movie, etc.) took place in the magnificent and modern multiplex Stardust Village, a beautiful and welcoming location,
which welcomed numerous guests, such as the master of visual effects Sergio Stivaletti, as well as a skilled director, (M.D.C, the three faces of terror, Rage furiosa - Er Canaro, etc.), and the very nice comedian Alvaro Vitali, actor of numerous comedies of the 80s, (impossible not to connect him to the character of Pierino).
The Stardust Village was also the stage for a spooky event out of the ordinary. From 13 to 16 June 2024, Radiotaxi 3570, in collaboration with the IHFF, detoured into a frightening unknown, with drivers intent on seeking out the deepest and most sinister terror, and taking their passengers there. The initiative was a success, and passengers were rewarded with tickets to the festival and horror gadgets.
< 2>The final awards evening was brilliantly conducted by Paolo Ruffini, who with his undoubted exuberant spirit and charisma was able to entertain and involve, also thanks to a dazzling monologue that touched on crucial themes such as political correctness, censorship and the visual distortion imposed by social media.
The Quality Jury, in this edition was chaired by the director Eros Puglielli, by writer Alda Teodorani, by the journalist and film critic Roberto D'Onofrio, by the executive producer Moreno Menchi and by the artistic director of the Fantafestival Marcello Rossi, who after a careful evaluation, decreed the winners of the best feature film and the best short film in the competition.< 3>
Best Feature Film: I WANT TO BE A PLASTIC CHAIR by Ao Ieong Weng Fong
A crazy and original film, which captures the viewer's attention and drags him into an unexpected vortex of paranoia. A crazy and courageous metaphysical impulse, accomplished with impeccable formal balance.
Best Short Film: EVOCATOR by Francesco Gozzo
A horror/fantasy story with gothic elements, set in the Middle Ages, a location and theme little used in the last twenty years by Italian genre cinema. Awarded for knowing how to take risks by building an original story, based on ancient manuscripts.
The work of art created by Maestro Sergio Stivaletti for the new edition of the Festival.
Official partners: Stardust Village, Sergio Stivaletti Studio, Profondo Rosso, Flat Parioli, Rustblade, Cooperativa Radiotaxi 3570, Chin8neri, Globo Vintage, Neon Flow, Hotel Colombo Rome