The acclaimed Afrikaans horror has become the first African film to claim the top prize at Switzerland’s prestigious Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival
Switzerland (17 July 2026)- A South African film has made history after becoming the first African production ever to win the top prize at one of the world’s most prestigious genre film festivals.
Hen, the acclaimed Afrikaans arthouse horror directed by Nico Scheepers and produced by Nagvlug Films, walked away with the H.R. Giger Narcisse Award for Best Feature Film at the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival in Switzerland.
The victory marks a major milestone, with Hen becoming the first African film to claim the festival’s highest honour in its 25-year history. Scheepers travelled to Switzerland to accept the award, which also includes prize money of CHF10,000.
The latest accolade is the film’s 10th international award, adding to an already impressive run that has seen it recognised for everything from cinematography and editing to costume design and sound.
Set on an isolated farm, Hen follows a man who discovers a young boy locked inside a wooden chest surrounded by bodies before bringing him home to his wife. The haunting story has earned praise from critics both locally and abroad, with festival judges describing it as a striking and unforgettable exploration of evil within a deeply religious community.
Much of the story was inspired by Scheepers’ childhood growing up on a remote farm in Limpopo, where isolation and survival shaped many of his earliest memories.
The success of Hen continues an exciting chapter for South African filmmaking on the international stage. Recent years have seen local productions earning recognition at some of the world’s biggest festivals, proving that South African storytelling continues to resonate with audiences far beyond its borders.
For Nagvlug Films producer Zandré Coetzer, the award is about more than a single film.
“This is the first African film to win the top prize at Neuchâtel, but I doubt it will be the last. Our industry is export-ready.”
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