Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) kicks off 44th edition with a strong international programme

The BIFFF - Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival has got off to a roaring start at Brussels Expo. Belgium’s most popular genre event for freaky sci-fi, horror, thriller and grind films is entertaining fans until 18 April.

The 44th edition was officially opened on Friday by special guest Asia Argento. The Italian actress and director, along with American actress Adrienne Barbeau, will be officially welcomed into the festival’s Knights of the Order of the Raven in recognition of their female talent in the genre.

For 2026, the festival has adopted the theme ‘Life is Beautiful’ as a defiant stand against the financial constraints it faces, as well as a nod to the ongoing economic and high-priced energy crisis. 

This explains why this year's edition is restricted to one theatre at Brussels Expo, and why the festival is extended over three weekends to boost audience participation.

It was initially created in 1983 by a group of friends as a niche and intimate festival celebrating the dark thriller, gore, fantasy and horror genre. 

Over the ensuing decades, the BIFFF has gained worldwide recognition as well as popularity in Belgium. It now screens some 100 films a year, mostly international features.

This year, the BIFFF offers a number of competitions, including long features and shorts, each with their own jury. The most important ones, though, are the international selection and the European competition, in collaboration with the Méliès International Festivals Federation (MIFF). The festival closes with the American supernatural horror movie Obsession by Curry Barker that offers a dark take on toxic relationships.

Otherwise, the international competition features the following entries: The Red Mask by Ritesh Gupta (US); Imposters by Caleb Phillips (US); Back to the Past by Jack Lai & Yen Fai Ng (HK/Chi); Saccharine by Natalie Erika James (Aus); The Home by James Demonaco (US); Whistle by Corin Hardy (Ire/US); Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie by Matt Johnson (Can); Never After Dark by Dave Boyle (Jap); Gaua (The Night) by Paul Urkijo Alijo (Sp); Tristes Tropiques by Hoon-Jung Park (South Korea).

Meanwhile, the Critics Selection includes: Mârama by Taratoa Stappard (NZ); You are the Film by Makoto Ueda (Jap); The Restoration at Grayson Manor by Glenn McQuaid (Ire); Luger by Bruno Martin (Sp); Yesterday Island by Sam Voutas (Aus); Sicko by Aitore Zholdaskali (Kaz); Singular by Alberto Gastesi (Sp/Fin); Karmadonna by Aleksandar Radivojevic (Serb).

In a special programme for families on Easter Monday on 6 April, there are several screenings, as well as a fun Easter Eye candy hunt.

Despite the slight scaling back this year,  there is unlikely to be any audience restraint. The BIFFF is renowned for its noisy and engaging public who will not hesitate to clap, sing, howl and joke around throughout screenings. Nevertheless, a code of conduct is in place to avoid any excess of behaviour.

In a similar tradition, every guest during the festival is expected to sing at least one song on stage. Not complying with this demand risks definite disapproval from the public.

Along with its friendly ambiance and self-deprecating vibe, the festival is also known for its traditional closing cosplay Vampire Ball. Other highly anticipated fringe events include a make-up competition and an art contest.

BIFFF Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival
Until 18 April
Brussels Expo, Palais 10
Place de Belgique
Laeken

Photos: ©The Bulletin