During the day, among the hills of Cilento, a crowded group of enthusiasts, curious people and supporters admired the rich landscape of oaks, chestnut trees, holm oaks, olive trees and vines and the historic places, noble palaces, ruins and farmhouses; at night, in that darkness where fears come to life, the most fearless transformed into witch hunters. And then workshops, screenings, debates, new relationships and a big party. The Santecchia Horror Festival, the first horror film festival in Cilento, ended yesterday evening, Sunday 4 August. Created by ASD Off Limits, with the patronage of the Municipality of Gioi, the Province of Salerno and the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park and the synergy of Luigi Scarpa, director of the festival and award-winning horror director with the team of Anatema di Santa Santecchia, the event animated the medieval village for five days, giving all participants an unrepeatable experience.
The Awards Ceremony
At 21 pm, the awards ceremony crowned an evening of emotions. The jury, composed of Ilaria Monfardini, Antonio Tentori, Tania Bizzarro, Davide Pulici and Claudio Lattanzi (the latter passed away prematurely, leaving a void in the world of Italian horror) decreed the winners. The Best Horror Short award was assigned to “Liver” by the 32-year-old director from Ogliastra Alessio Cuboni, already presented at the David di Donatello and at the Italia Film Festival in Los Angeles. A dramatic film with horror undertones, “Liver” was developed by Cuboni over three years during the pandemic. Best Horror Script instead went to “Squame” by Vincenzo Pandolfi, a young author from Lazio with a passion for horror and thrillers.
Prizes and Awards
During the evening, in addition to the two main awards, twelve other awards were given to young and not so young protagonists of Italian and foreign horror. Brothers Daniele and Emanuele Ricci with “Juggernaut”, an immersive journey into a dark fantasy Middle Ages atmosphere, won Best Director and Best Cinematography. Best Special Effects went to Irishman Simon O'Neill with the short “Dispensary of Death”. Frenchman Axel Zeltser won Best Editing with “Embrace”, and the Best Actor award was given to Michelangelo Stivaletti for his performance in “Braccato”. Nunzia Plastino won Best Actress with “Angelica” by Gianni Carbotti.
International Prizes
Specials Best Soundtrack went to “Scomparire” by Daniele Nicolosi, while the Jury Prize was awarded to “La Nueva” by Spaniard Ivan Villamel. The Best Out of Competition award went to “Ego Te Absolvo” by Ugo Puglisi, and Best International Film was won by the Korean short “Will you come up?” by Hoseung Son. The Vespertilino, a special award, went to “Sacra Victima” by Danilo Greco, with a special mention to “Finché morte non ci separi” by Michele Martino.
Tribute to Claudio Lattanzi
Before the awards ceremony, an emotional tribute was dedicated to Claudio Lattanzi, known and respected in the horror world for his films and his collaborations with masters of the genre such as Dario Argento and Michele Soavi. A lengthy trailer retraced his life and career, followed by a discussion with Antonio Tentori and artistic director Luigi Scarpa. "Despite his poor health, he decided to be our jury president because he had a great love for genre cinema and his friends. We dedicate this first edition to him and are already imagining the 2025 edition following his footsteps," said Scarpa. The Santecchia Horror Festival successfully concluded its first edition, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of attendees and laying the foundation for an even grander future event.
