Fantafestival has reached its 45th edition and now celebrates this extraordinary anniversary with a program full of captivating initiatives, presented today, November 14, in the cinema spaces of the Lazio Region. From November 21 to 30, 2025, the renowned Roman festival dedicated to science fiction, horror, and fantasy cinema returns to Spazio Scena, doubling its duration and expanding its offerings with premieres, masterclasses, retrospectives, professional meetings, and a strong focus on the history of the genre.
The 2025 edition, under the direction of artistic directors Marcello Rossi and Luca Ruocco, presents itself as a true journey through the past, present, and future of the fantastic, with high-profile guests, special projects, and a strong celebratory imprint. But the festivities begin even a day earlier: on November 20, the underground spaces of Forum Studios will host the evocative Frizzi 2 Fulci – Zombie Immersive Concert, marking the return of maestro Fabio Frizzi to Rome with his F2F Orchestra, for a 360° immersive concert inspired by the atmospheres of Lucio Fulci's "Zombi 2".
Among the main events stands out the great tribute to Lamberto Bava, who will receive the Golden Bat for his career. This recognition comes in the year of the 40th anniversary of his iconic "Demons", the film that defined an era and that Fantafestival will celebrate with a special screening during the closing night. Present in the hall will be Bava himself, Dario Argento, special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti, and other historic collaborators, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated evenings of the festival.
The official poster of Fantafestival 45 pays homage to "Demons": designed by Federico Perrone and created in collaboration with Bugs Comics, it reimagines the infernal creatures that invade the screen in the cult film of 1985 in a sci-fi key, once again evoking the happy combination of horror and sci-fi that has characterized the festival since its inception.
The festival will officially open with Johannes Roberts' new film, "Ben – Animal Rage", a high-tension horror produced by Paramount Pictures and set to be distributed in Italy by Eagle Pictures in January. Written by Roberts himself along with Ernest Riera, the film promises a crescendo of anguish and survival that brings the director back to the beastly and claustrophobic territories of "47 Meters Down" and "The Strangers: Prey at Night". With ten days of screenings, meetings, music, international guests, exhibitions, and tributes, Fantafestival confirms its role as a beacon for the culture of the fantastic in Italy. A festival that not only preserves the memory of the genre – recovering forgotten films, historical figures, and horror artisans – but continues to look to the future, support young talent, explore new languages, and expand the boundaries of imagination.
From November 21 to 30, Rome once again becomes Italy's capital of the fantastic, and Fantafestival's Bat once again takes flight. You can view the complete program of the 45th Fantafestival by visiting the official website www.fanta-festival.it.
Here is the trailer for "Ben – Animal Rage" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qye6YAOpC8&t=1s