Bari International Film Festival Introduces Horror Section Amid Genre's Mainstream Recognition
The Bari International Film & TV Festival (Bif&st) launched its inaugural 'Notti Horror' section during its 17th edition, running until March 28 in Bari. Directed by Oscar Iarussi and produced by Apulia Film Commission, the festival featured Italian premieres of horror films including 'Obsession' by Curry Barker and 'They Will Kill You' produced by Andy Muschietti, alongside retrospectives of Italian horror classics by Mario and Lamberto Bava. This programming shift coincides with horror cinema gaining institutional recognition, exemplified by Ryan Coogler's vampire film 'Sinners' receiving 16 Oscar nominations and winning four awards at the 2026 Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. Research from Aarhus University's Recreational Fear Lab suggests horror films serve as emotional simulations that help audiences process anxiety in controlled environments.
Key facts
- Bif&st festival introduced first-ever horror section called 'Notti Horror' in its 17th edition
- Festival runs until March 28 in Bari, directed by Oscar Iarussi and produced by Apulia Film Commission
- Featured Italian premieres of 'Obsession' by Curry Barker and 'They Will Kill You' produced by Andy Muschietti
- Horror film 'Sinners' by Ryan Coogler received record 16 Oscar nominations in 2026, winning four awards
- Research indicates horror films function as emotional simulations that help audiences develop coping strategies
Entities
Artists
- Oscar Iarussi
- Curry Barker
- Andy Muschietti
- Mario Bava
- Lamberto Bava
- Ryan Coogler
- Michael B. Jordan
- Amy Madigan
- Zach Cregger
- Guillermo del Toro
- Kirill Sokolov
Institutions
- Bari International Film & TV Festival (Bif&st)
- Apulia Film Commission
- Universal Pictures Italia
- Warner Bros
- Academy Awards
- Recreational Fear Lab at Aarhus University
Locations
- Bari, Italy