TOHorror Fantastic Film Fest 2027 – Turin, Italy

What to expect

Long-running Italian festival focused on fantastic and horror movies: TOHorror Fantastic Film Fest is a long-running Italian festival focused on fantastic and horror movies. It was born in 1999 and is based in Turin, the city where Dario Argento shot his renowned Deep Red, as well as the city where the Italian National Museum of Cinema stands. The festival, born in 1999 baptized by master Dario Argento, is now a main event focused on fantastic and horror culture, promoted and organised by cultural association DEINOS – Cultura e Cinema.

A celebration of genre culture beyond cinema: The program develops between feature films, short films, guests, meetings, talks and concerts and, as usual, will offer a wide overview of fantastic culture. Recent editions have featured 29 feature films divided into 5 sections, 50 short films between live action and animation, 9 special events including 4 concerts and 5 talks, with panels dedicated to literature, videogames, comics and new technologies. The festival presents Italian premieres of great international genre films and supports fresh young filmmakers dealing with different genres, styles and vibes.

Historic venues and community growth: After Master Argento, famous guests have honoured festival with presence, including Massimo Picozzi, Claudio Simonetti, Sergio Stivaletti, Antonio Caronia, John Duncan, Federico Zampaglione, Ivan Zuccon, Alda Teodorani, Claudio Chiaverotti, Jean Rollin and many others. The festival has seen significant growth, with 37 percent increase on intakes and 33 percent increase in total admissions between cinemas, meetings, concerts and side events in recent editions.

Festival dates

Festival window: October 2027 (Dates TBD)

Duration: Six days of screenings and events, with activities concentrated in evening and night slots, plus afternoon talks and concerts.

Historical timing: The festival takes place in October, at Cinema Massimo in partnership with Italian National Museum of Cinema, with recent editions held from mid to late October.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venues & festival locations

Cinema Massimo: The main venue is Cinema Massimo, via Giuseppe Verdi 18, 10123 Turin, Italian historic theatre related to National Cinema Museum, with multiple rooms including Room 3 for awards and large screen for opening films. Opening films such as 4K restored version of Videodrome have opened dances at Cinema Massimo.

Circolo dei Lettori and Blah Blah Club: Additional venues include Circolo dei Lettori and Blah Blah Club, long-standing locations that host meetings, talks and concerts. These intimate clubs provide atmospheric settings for genre culture discussions.

Cinema Ambrosio and city circuit: Recent editions have used four different locations, including Cinema Massimo, Cinema Ambrosio, Circolo dei Lettori and Blah Blah Club, creating a diffuse urban circuit that connects historic centre with contemporary cultural spaces.

National Museum of Cinema connection: Partnership with Italian National Museum of Cinema reinforces Turin’s identity as city of cinema, with festival benefiting from museum’s historic theatre and cultural prestige.

Full programme

Feature and short competitions: Program includes feature films divided into categories such as Main Competition, Out of Competition, Freakshow dedicated to most bloodily fun titles, American Nightmare focus on US independent fantastic cinema, and short films and animated short films from all over world.

Literary competitions and talks: Program includes literary works in competition, including tales and screenplays taking part in writing competitions, with panels dedicated to literature, videogames, comics and new technologies.

Special events and concerts: Special events include 4 concerts and 5 talks, with concerts featuring genre-related music and talks with guests such as Dave McKean, guest of honor, with meetings organized in collaboration with POPstore comic book store.

Opening and closing screenings: Opening entrusted to restored classics such as Videodrome by David Cronenberg, while closing includes double screening of cult titles and awards ceremony in Room 3 of Cinema Massimo.

Featured films & premieres

Italian premieres of international genre films: Featured films include Italian premieres of great films such as Prisoners of the Ghostland by Sion Sono, Videodrome 4K restoration, Donnie Darko director’s cut and other international genre titles that have not yet been released in Italy.

Feature and short panorama: 20 feature films and 49 short films from all over world in recent edition, with 29 feature films divided into 5 sections and 50 short films between live action and animation in other editions, focusing on fresh young filmmakers.

Themed focus: Themed focus of editions pays homage to sub-genres such as cyberpunk, with program exploring what is often reduced to simple science fiction sub-genre but continues to be much more, developing between feature films, short films, guests and concerts.

Cult and restoration: Festival presents 4K restorations of cult classics, unreleased in Italy films such as Luna by Dave McKean and other genre restorations that celebrate horror history.

Directors, actors & guests

Dario Argento and genre masters: Born in 1999 baptized by master Dario Argento, festival has honored guests including Dario Argento, Massimo Picozzi, Claudio Simonetti, Sergio Stivaletti, Antonio Caronia, John Duncan, Federico Zampaglione, Ivan Zuccon, Alda Teodorani, Claudio Chiaverotti, Jean Rollin, John Carr and many others.

International guests and guest of honor: Recent guest of honor Dave McKean, with meeting organized in collaboration with POPstore comic book store, free entry followed by special screening of feature film. Other guests include directors of Italian premieres and US independent fantastic cinema.

Comics, videogames and literature experts: Panels dedicated to literature, videogames, comics and new technologies bring experts from different fields of fantastic culture.

Young filmmakers: Focus on fresh young filmmakers dealing with different genres, styles and vibes, providing platform for emerging talent in fantastic and horror cinema.

Screening schedule

Daily structure: Screenings are typically scheduled in evening blocks at Cinema Massimo, such as opening at 9 pm, with daytime talks and concerts at Circolo dei Lettori and Blah Blah Club.

Competition blocks: Feature films divided into 4 categories, short films and animated shorts screened in separate blocks, with 20 long movies, 40 shorts and other programs in recent editions.

Special events and concerts: Evening concerts and talks scheduled after screenings, with 4 concerts and 5 talks in recent edition, creating continuous flow from cinema to music and discussion.

Award ceremony: Closing ceremony at 6 pm in Room 3 of Cinema Massimo, awards given to films and literary works in competition, followed by double screening of cult titles.

Ticket types & accreditation

Single screening tickets: Based on previous editions, tickets at $8.14 USD full price, $5.42 USD student concessions, for opening films such as Videodrome 4K restoration at Cinema Massimo. General festival tickets have been $7.50 full price, $5 student.

Festival pass and membership: Festival pass covering all screenings has been offered at approximately $27.10 USD to $43.40 USD, providing savings for dedicated attendees. Membership to cultural association DEINOS may provide additional discounts.

Free events: Some events such as meetings organized in collaboration with POPstore comic book store are free entry, including talks with guest of honor and special presentations.

Submission fees: For filmmakers submitting works, entry fee from $8.67 USD, with early fee $10.87 USD, standard $16.30 USD, late $21.73 USD, with 8% discount for Festhome members, reflecting standard practice for genre festivals.

Industry & professional access

DEINOS cultural association: Promoted and organised by cultural association DEINOS – Cultura e Cinema, based at Via Servais 126/i, 10146 Torino, festival acts as industry hub for fantastic and horror cinema.

National Museum of Cinema partnership: Partnership with Italian National Museum of Cinema provides industry networking, access to museum’s resources and collaboration with national film heritage.

International networking: As long-running Italian festival focused on fantastic and horror movies, it facilitates networking between Italian and international genre filmmakers, distributors and festival programmers.

Young filmmakers support: Focus on fresh young filmmakers provides platform for emerging talent, with screenings program of selected works published on official website before beginning of festival.

Red carpet & special events

Genre red carpet: Instead of traditional red carpet, festival offers horror-themed red carpet at Cinema Massimo, where guests walk among fans dressed in genre-inspired costumes, creating festive and inclusive atmosphere.

Opening with restored classics: Opening entrusted to restored classics such as Videodrome, with special presentations and Q&As that celebrate horror history and restoration work.

Guest of honor and special screenings: Special events include guest of honor presentations, such as Dave McKean, with free entry meetings followed by special screenings of unreleased films.

Concerts and talks: Special events include 4 concerts and 5 talks, with concerts featuring genre-related music and talks on comics, videogames, literature and new technologies.

Festival rules

Eligibility and format: Fantastic and horror movies of any length and technique are admitted, with preference for Italian premieres and works that explore fantastic culture. Films must be available in DCP or digital HD with Italian and/or English subtitles.

Submission and selection: Films are selected by selection committee, with screenings program of selected works published on official website before beginning of festival. Early, standard and late deadlines apply with increasing fees.

Copyright and promotional use: Participants authorize use of photographs and excerpts up to three minutes for press and promotional purposes. Screening and music copyright remain author’s responsibility.

Conduct and respect: Audience must respect venue rules, including historic theatre and clubs, with age restrictions for certain horror content, silence during screenings and compliance with safety instructions.

How to get there

By train: Torino Porta Susa and Porta Nuova railway stations are served by high-speed and regional trains from Milan, Bologna, Turin, Florence and Rome. From stations, Cinema Massimo is reachable by bus, tram or short walk through historic centre.

By bus and tram: GTT operates urban bus and tram lines connecting railway stations, historic centre and festival venues, with frequent services during festival period.

By car: Turin is accessible via A4, A5, A6 and A32 motorways with exits at Turin. Parking areas are available near historic centre, with paid parking and limited traffic zones to consider.

By air: Turin Caselle Airport is located a few kilometers from city centre, offering domestic and international flights, with bus and taxi connections to festival venues.

Public transport & parking

Local public transport: GTT buses and trams provide comprehensive coverage of Turin city, with tickets available at automatic machines, tobacco shops and via mobility apps. Festival period sees increased frequency.

Parking facilities: Public parking near Cinema Massimo includes multi-storey garages such as Parcheggio Santo Stefano, Parcheggio Palazzo and street parking along Via Verdi, with reserved spaces for visitors with reduced mobility near venues.

Sustainable mobility: Organizers encourage use of public transport, bicycles and walking, especially for historic centre where vehicle access is limited. Bike racks are available near main venues.

Information points: Festival information points at Cinema Massimo provide maps and assistance for navigating between venues, with clear signage and volunteer support.

Accommodation areas

City centre and historic hotels: Hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Turin’s historic centre and near Via Verdi offer convenient access to Cinema Massimo and other venues, often within walking distance.

Near stations and university: Hotels near railway stations and university district provide affordable alternatives with easy bus and tram connections to venues.

Cultural tourism: Staying in Turin allows visitors to combine festival with visits to National Museum of Cinema, Mole Antonelliana and other cultural attractions.

Booking advice: Due to high demand during autumn cultural season, early booking is recommended. Partner hotels often include shuttle services and breakfast options.

Food & dining

Historic centre dining: Restaurants, trattorias and osterias in Turin’s historic centre serve Piedmontese cuisine, including bagna càuda, tajarin, vitello tonnato and local wines, with many offering fixed-price lunch menus convenient between screenings.

Festival aperitifs and bars: Bars and cafes near Cinema Massimo host festival aperitifs where filmmakers and audiences meet informally, with local wines and cicchetti providing relaxed networking environment.

Quick bites: Pizzerias, sandwich shops and bakery outlets near venues provide fast options between afternoon and evening screenings.

Accommodation dining: Hotels with restaurants offer breakfast and half-board options, convenient for attendees watching multiple films per day.

Accessibility

Venue accessibility: Cinema Massimo is equipped with ground-floor access, designated spaces for wheelchair users and accessible restrooms. Circolo dei Lettori and Blah Blah Club may have limited accessibility due to historic building constraints, but staff are available to assist.

Hearing and visual support: Screenings include Italian and English subtitles as per festival requirements, and printed programs provide detailed synopses. Upon request, staff can provide orientation for visually impaired visitors.

Inclusive ticketing: Reduced price tickets for students ensure economic accessibility, with free entry for some talks and meetings.

Contact and support: Visitors requiring specific assistance are advised to contact organizers in advance via festival@tohorrorfilmfest.it to arrange support. Official website https://www.tohorrorfilmfest.it/en/welcome-2/ provides detailed information.

Best screenings to attend

Opening with restored classics: Opening screening with 4K restored version of cult classics such as Videodrome offers unique opportunity to see genre history on big screen at Cinema Massimo.

Main competition and Freakshow: Main Competition and Freakshow dedicated to most bloodily fun titles provide best overview of contemporary fantastic cinema, with Italian premieres and Q&As.

American Nightmare focus: American Nightmare focus on US independent fantastic cinema showcases innovative low-budget US genre films.

Award-winning and closing double screening: Closing double screening of cult titles and award ceremony provide culmination of festival, with awards given to best films and literary works.

Previous year’s highlights

22nd edition growth and awards: 22nd edition closed with awards given in Room 3 of Cinema Massimo, with 37 percent increase on intakes for previous edition and 33 percent increase in total admissions between cinemas, meetings, concerts and side events, demonstrating growing popularity.

Videodrome opening and guest of honor: Opening entrusted to 4K restored Videodrome by David Cronenberg and guest of honor Dave McKean, with free entry meeting followed by special screening of Luna unreleased in Italy, highlighting festival’s commitment to both restoration and new talent.

Diverse program and venues: Program with 29 feature films divided into 5 sections, 50 short films, 9 special events including 4 concerts and 5 talks across three main venues, Cinema Massimo, Blah Blah Club and Circolo dei Lettori, created diffuse urban festival.

Italian premieres and community: Presentation of Italian premieres such as Prisoners of the Ghostland by Sion Sono and Donnie Darko director’s cut sold-out screening reinforced festival’s role as discovery platform for fantastic cinema in Turin.

Official tickets & accreditation

Official channels: Tickets are sold through Cinema Massimo box office, official website https://www.tohorrorfilmfest.it/en/welcome-2/ and at venue one hour before screenings. For information, contact festival@tohorrorfilmfest.it.

Pricing reference: While final pricing for upcoming edition will be confirmed closer to event, reference pricing from previous editions converted to USD is as follows: full price approximately $8.14 USD, student concessions approximately $5.42 USD, festival pass approximately $27.10 USD to $43.40 USD, free entry for some talks $0.00 USD, submission fees approximately $10.87 USD early, $16.30 USD standard, $21.73 USD late.

Accreditation process: Filmmakers, press and students can request accreditation via official email, providing proof of activity. Approval is communicated via email with instructions for collecting badges at Cinema Massimo.

Location

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