Imagine Fantastic Film Festival 2026: Here's What We Can't Stop Thinking About
We are gearing up for another iconic year of genre films coming out of Imagine Fantastic Film Festival. Kicking off it's 42nd year, Imagine will be taking place from October 29th to November 8th in LAB111, FilmHallen and HAL West in Amsterdam. With the theme Ghost in the Feed, the fest will explore the anxiety and desires that resurface with every new form of media technology. It focuses on five stages of media technology over the past century: the rise of television, the VHS era, the early years of the internet, the world of the constant online feed, and our current immersive times. The festival examines these stages through films, talks, an immersive program, an exhibition, and more. Sounds like a cinephile's dream!
We will be covering Imagine remotely this year and are looking forward to kicking back and having the opportunity to not only watch some amazing genre films but talk about them with you! Here are a few we are looking forward to:
Hot Spot, Dir. Agnieszka Smoczynska
The opening night film is Hot Spot: In a near future ruled by sentient AI, private detective Djonny is investigating a brutal murder inside a refugee camp when he meets Rana, a mysterious rebel who wants to disrupt the system. As Djonny's search deepens, reality fractures, threatening his identity, his family, and the artificial order of things.
Victorian Psycho, Dir. Zachary Wigon
The year is 1858. Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House to take up her new post as governess to the Pounds family. She’s to tutor Andrew, the spoiled young heir, and perhaps his neglected sister Drusilla too. But Winifred has very different intentions.
Never After Dark, Dir. Dave Boyle
Wandering medium Airi helps restless spirits find peace. Summoned to a secluded house, she confronts a powerful, grotesque apparition – nothing new. But the estate's dark history uncovers a secret that turns the tables: Airi’s greatest adversary could very well be human, not supernatural.
Ghost in the Cell, Dir. Joko Anwar
One of Indonesia’s toughest prisons, led by a tyrannical warden, is rocked by a slew of gruesome murders, with victim’s bodies put on morbidly spectacular display. Overcoming gang rivalry, the prisoners must join forces to fight off a vengeful ghost and stay alive. A fun, socially conscious action-horror-comedy.
The Cycle, Dir. Jordan Downey
Thirty-six years after her father’s disappearance, forensic pathologist Meg is asked to examine his body. Something about the crime scene doesn’t feel right, and against her better judgement Meg decides to join the investigation. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers things she could never have imagined.
The fest has so much more to offer, especially if you're able to attend in person. Check out the fest website and lineup for more details.