Horror Favourites – Federico Zampaglione

In modern European horror cinema, few filmmakers can seamlessly weave the threads of terror, mythology, and raw human emotion like Federico Zampaglione. Born into a creative family in Rome and making his mark first as a musician with the band Tiromancino, Zampaglione has carved a unique path through the Italian film industry with his distinctive blend of horror and suspense. When we caught up with him briefly for this interview, the excitement was palpable, not just for the insights into his cinematic influences but also for the impending release of his latest venture, The Well – a graphic supernatural horror that made its world premiere at the Sitges Film Festival 2023.

Zampaglione’s journey from the music stage to the director’s chair is a testament to his versatile talent and passion for storytelling. With films like Shadow, Tulpa – Demon of Desire, and now The Well, he has shown an adeptness at exploring the darker corners of the human psyche, all the while maintaining a lyrical quality that hints at his musical roots.

The Well is set for its grand UK unveiling at the upcoming FrightFest Glasgow event, featuring a cast led by Terrifier 2‘s Lauren LaVera and including Claudia Gerini and Giovanni Lombardo Radice among others. And to celebrate we delved into the horror favourites that have shaped Zampaglione’s vision.
From the classics that haunted his youth to the contemporary masterpieces that continue to inspire, join us as Federico Zampaglione reveals the films that have made his heart race and his mind whirl with wicked cinematic possibilities…

Horror Favourites – Federico Zampaglione

Federico Zampaglione: It’s not easy for me to make a short list of my favourite horror films. I’ve been a fan of this genre since I was a child and I would like to include many titles in the list. But I will select five which that struck me the most.

I start with a film that I saw when I was very young at the cinema and it shocked me. The film was Suspiria  by Dario Argento. A visionary esoteric film in which Argento investigates the supernatural and the occult and manages to move in an absolutely unpredictable way.

Another great Italian title is The House of Laughing Windows, a film that inspired me to make The Well; in fact even in The House of Laughing Windows there was a restorer and a cursed painting. This masterpiece belongs to Italian Gothic and I consider it one of the scariest Italian films ever.

Moving into more recent times, I would put Martyrs by Pascal Laugier on the list. A truly shocking film, a ferocious masterpiece that manages to  give the viewer emotions of frightening negativity; very well made and for this reason even more disturbing and terrifying.

Moving on to today, I really liked Speak No Evil and When Evil Lurks. Speak No Evil is a truly particular but chilling and unconventional film, a film that left me with a noticeable feeling of uneasiness. It’ s very well played and based on a completely original story. A film that I would definitely recommend.

When Evil Lurks by Damian Rugna is a new way of telling the demonic possessions. In this film you can feel the smells and its sick atmosphere gets under your skin. It’s a story that gradually becomes darker and more unnerving. Another great title of recent times.

The Well receives its UK premiere on Sat 9 March at FrightFest Glasgow, part of the Glasgow Film Festival.