The Italian Horror Fantasy Fest 2025, the prestigious festival dedicated to the culture of horror and fantasy cinema, celebrates its eighth edition with a special tribute to Dario Argento, the undisputed Master of international cinema.

During the official press conference, scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Palazzo Valentini, the Rome City Council will present the director with the Medal of the Presidency of the Capitoline Assembly—an institutional award that acknowledges his exceptional contribution to world film culture. This tribute is not only a recognition, but also an act of gratitude toward an artist who has revolutionized the language of horror and thriller, bringing Italy’s name beyond national borders and inspiring generations of filmmakers and enthusiasts.

The award will be presented by Hon. Fabrizio Santori, a strong supporter of the event, who stated:

«The city of Rome should be proud to host a festival of this kind and to present it in an institutional setting. The Italian Horror Fantasy Fest aims to highlight the best expressions of horror, thriller, and fantasy cinema, both Italian and international, celebrating and paying homage to the great masters—whose works have spread Italian filmmaking across the world—as well as the new talents who continue its glorious artistic tradition. On this occasion, it will be an honor to bestow upon Maestro Dario Argento the Medal of the Presidency of the Capitoline Assembly, a prestigious award from the City Council. A prize that underscores the extraordinary contribution he has given to cinema through a career marked by artistic intensity, vision, and cultural commitment.».

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Theme and Philosophy

Since its early editions, the Festival has paired its program with social awareness campaigns, addressing crucial issues such as femicide, environmental pollution, responsible drinking, and bullying. This year, the message is renewed with the claim: “We like fake blood and star wars- not real ones”—a clear statement of distance from real violence, promoting an art form that uses fantasy as a means of narrative and imaginative exploration.

«I thank Hon. Fabrizio Santori for his concrete support and closeness to the Festival,” said Luigi Pastore, founder and artistic director, “and in particular Rome’s Department of Culture, Fondazione Cinema per Roma, and Regione Lazio for recognizing the importance of a project that does not glorify horror and violence, but rather enhances the art and culture this genre has spread worldwide».

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Official Promo

Much anticipation surrounds the Festival’s official promo, directed by Luigi Parisi, well known for successful TV dramas such as Il bello delle donne and L’onore e il rispetto. Starring Mihaela Anisoara, a Romanian-born actress discovered by Pastore as a new revelation in horror and fantasy, the promo also features Cecilia C. Maesano Monorchio as the killer. The film closes with a surprising finale that includes two exceptional cameos: Luigi Cozzi, longtime collaborator of Dario Argento, and Sergio Stivaletti, special effects master and creator of the Festival’s logo and award.

In addition to directing the promo, Luigi Parisi will be among the Festival’s guests with a special showcase of his horror and fantasy short films—an opportunity to explore his artistic vision and connection with the genre.

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What’s New in 2025

Among the highlights of this edition is the collaboration with Black Mandala, the renowned New Zealand distribution company, which will present the European premiere of The Summoning of Baby Blue, a chilling horror film inspired by a popular creepypasta legend.

The partnership with Flat Parioli is also confirmed, promoting the “Flat Parioli Award”, given to an author capable of innovating the grammar of their genre. The prize will cover the post-production costs of a future work.

The Festival further benefits from the collaboration of prestigious partners: Etiopia Lab, which hosted the Festival’s launch conference on September 6; Cooperativa Radio Taxi 3570, providing guest logistics; Chin8 Neri, the official beverage, offered free to audiences; the Profondo Rosso Store and Dario Argento’s Museum of Horrors, with artistic consultancy by Luigi Cozzi; and finally Divina Hairdresser and Barbara Basciano Atelier, responsible for style and fashion at the event.

Adding further prestige is the official media partnership with Nocturno Magazine, which will help promote and enhance the Festival’s content.

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A Must-Attend Event

Among the protagonists of this edition will be director Francesco Costabile, who will represent Italy at the Academy Awards with his film Familia. He will be honored with the “Bruno Mattei Award”, presented by the Festival’s artistic direction as a recognition of his talent and contribution to contemporary cinema, with a work that conveys the drama of a true story through a vision deeply rooted in the language of thriller and horror.

The free-admission event is set to take place on Saturday, November 1st at the Casa del Cinema in Rome. Presented by actor and director Paolo Ruffini, it will feature an international competition of feature films and short films.The jury, presided over by the Manetti Bros., will be officially announced during the press conference, where the full program will also be unveiled. For the competition call and regulations, please visit the Festival’s official website and social channels.

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