Since 1970 Argento has directed 17 influential films. His most celebrated film to date remains Suspiria (1977), a surreal art-house supernatural tale of witches terrorizing a German dance academy, which is currently the subject of a Hollywood remake.
Argento's long-time composer Claudio Simonetti will also be visiting Cine-Excess III to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on this horror classic.
A newly-restored version of the film will be screened at midnight on Saturday, May 2nd at the Curzon Soho, preceded by a Q & A with Argento at 11.30pm.
Xavier Mendik, Director of the Cine-Excess III said: 'Dario Argento is very simply a cult film phenomenon.“
Other highlights of Cine-Excess III include the UK theatrical premiere of Wes Craven and Sean Cunningham' s The Last House on the Left which then goes on national release on June 12th.
Suspiria releases on the new Nouveaux Pictures-Cine-Excess DVD label which is also being launched at the festival.
Notes to editors
Cine-Excess III takes place at the Odeon Covent Garden between Thursday 30th April -Saturday 2nd May, with additional screenings at the Curzon Soho Cinema during this period. See www.cine-excess.co.uk for further details.
Dario Argento will receive his Cine-Excess III Lifetime Achievement Award at a special award ceremony/onstage discussion at the Odeon Covent Garden on Friday 1st May at 4pm. A screening of the new print of Suspiria takes place at the Curzon Soho cinema on Saturday 2nd May at 11.30pm.
The UK theatrical premiere of The Last House on the Left takes place at the Odeon Covent Garden on Saturday 2nd May at 12 noon.
Requests for interviews, contact Brunel University Press Office, D/L: 01895 265585; email: press-office@brunel.ac.uk
For further details about Cine Excess III, contact Xavier Mendik, mob: 07713155646.
For further details on screenings at The Curzon Soho or for high or low res stills, contact Paul Smith on paul@the-associates.co.uk or Michael Pierce, email: Michael.pierce@curzoncinemas.com or 020 7438 9585