Atlanta’s longest‑running celebration of indie horror, sci‑fi, and underground cinema is back. The 18th annual Buried Alive Film Festival (BAFF) will take over the historic Plaza Theatre from November 6–9, 2025, delivering four nights of boundary‑pushing genre films, educational sessions, and industry networking.

Festival director and “Woman of Horror” Shannon Thompson has broadened BAFF’s scope for 2025, promising fresh programming partnerships and hands‑on workshops alongside international film premieres. “We’re doubling down on discovery—new voices, new ideas, and new ways to connect filmmakers with fans,” Thompson notes.

Sinema Challenge Becomes a Standalone Festival
The festival’s wildly popular 13‑Day Sinema Challenge graduates to its own event this year. Launching September 10, 2025 at the newly revitalized Tara Theatre, the challenge tasks teams with creating a complete horror short in just 13 days. The hybrid kick‑off party will run 6 PM–11 PM and feature networking, food, drinks, and vendor booths before teams receive their secret prompts.

“Demand keeps growing, so giving the Sinema Challenge its own platform felt inevitable,” says Thompson. “It’s horror with a deadline—raw, intense, and 100 percent Atlanta.”

Submissions and Tickets

Film entries for both BAFF and the Sinema Challenge are now open. Filmmakers and fans can find submission details, deadlines, and ticket information at buriedalivefilmfest.com.