🔮 Fantastic 7 Unveils 2024 Film Selection For Its 6th Edition Showcase in Cannes
The genre film showcase returns to Cannes to welcome 7 fantastic film festivals and their selection of 7 fantastic projects.
Fantastic 7, an event celebrating genre-bending films from around the world, is set to return to the Marché du Film – Festival de Cannes this year, unveiling a fresh new lineup. This year marks the 6th edition of the international showcase, organized by Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia and the Marché du Film.
Each year, seven renowned film festivals – recognized for their commitment to support groundbreaking genre films and fostering film talents – endorse a fantastic film project to be showcased in Cannes at the Marché du Film. These promising works-in-progress (in various stages of post-production) are presented by the filmmaking teams during a live pitching session, designed to bolster their film projects and connect them with potential investors, sales agents and distributors.
Continuing its tradition, Fantastic 7 annually elects a notable industry figure to serve as the Fantastic Godfather/Godmother of the event. This year, the honour is bestowed upon Tenerife-born writer, producer and director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, a pivotal figure when it comes to understanding the latest wave of Spanish genre films that have captivated global audiences over the past decades. Fresnadillo’s impressive portfolio includes such films as Linked, Intacto, 28 Weeks Later, Intruders and, more recently, Netflix’s new global hit Damsel.
Fresnadillo will join a diverse audience of industry professionals and genre film enthusiasts at the Fantastic 7 showcase, which will be held on Sunday, 19 May at 12:00 (Palais K, Palais des Festivals).
The presented film selection spans a multitude of genres – from romance to science fiction, horror to adventure, and beyond – while tackling challenging themes such as grappling with grief, the power of imagination, confronting disease stigma and navigating cultural misunderstandings. Audiences can also expect a captivating mix of magical realism, intense psychological drama, wry humor and evocative historical folklore.
INTRODUCING THE 2024 LINEUP
DANIELA FOREVER | by Nacho Vigalondo
Genre: Romance / Fantasy
Nicolas is going through the hardest moment of his life. His girlfriend died in an unexpected traffic accident. He gets the chance to test a drug, a pill that allows you to have complete control of your dreams. Now he can dream a relationship in which they are happier than ever.
Presented by Sitges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia
ESPER’S LIGHT | by Jae-hoon Jung
Genre: Teen Fantasy Documentary / Science-Fiction / Horror / Adventure
Around ten teenagers live in a world where anyone can be whoever they want and create any story they wish. Amidst the pitch-black night of Lisan City, Alstroemeria Forest, and Ashua Island, their imagined stories flow through myriad choices, seeking out faint glimmers of light.
Presented by Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival
A TALE OF A FEATHER AND A FISH | by Ahmed El-Hawarey
Genre: Mystery / Drama / Magical Realism / Disability Culture
Mahmoud & Laila inherit a rare genetic disease that causes severe paralysis, which has left their family in an endless circle of doubt and fear, desperately seeking salvation, which they find in abundance through Laila & Mahmoud.
Presented by Cairo International Film Festival
MALEFICARUM | by Antonio Gäehd
Genre: Horror / Drama
In the depths of the desert, Delia, a vengeful teenager, summons an ancient king who grants her a crown of seven flames, laden with seven curses, to use against the girls who have harassed her and her friend for years.
Presented by Guadalajara International Film Festival
MOMMY’S HOME | by James Morosini
Genre: Horror / Comedy / Sci-fi / Erotic Thriller
A horror comedy about a young dad whose life is upended when his young mom, resurrected as a hot 24-year-old, unleashes havoc on his family, marriage, and sanity.
Presented by SXSW South by Southwest Film & TV Festival
DOG OF GOD | by Raitis & Lauris Ābele
Genre: Adult Folk Tale
In a 17th century Swedish Livonian village, constant rain and drunkenness prevail. When a stolen relic sparks witchcraft accusations, an 80-year-old self-proclaimed werewolf named the Dog of God arrives with a mysterious gift: The Devil’s Balls.
Selected by PÖFF – Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
FOREIGN BODY | by Tom Sainsbury
Genre: Psychological Horror
A European gap-year student moves in with a New Zealand family to experience their ‘culture’, but quickly discovers the psychologically damaged and dangerous truth behind their polite smiles and warm hospitality.
Selected by New Zealand International Film Festival