For 17 years, the Buried Alive Horror Film Festival has been a celebration of independent horror, sci-fi, and thriller killer cinema. Held annually in Atlanta, GA, this festival is a showcase for the most nightmarish and imaginative films from around the world. We welcome submissions of all kinds—features, short films, web series, animations, and music videos—for our four-day event in the fall. Every film is meticulously reviewed by our selection committee and panel of judges to ensure only the best entries are screened. This year’s festival will take place at the historic Plaza Theatre from November 7-10, 2024, providing a platform for both seasoned to student filmmakers and emerging voices in the genre.
Tickets on sale now for full day and weekend passes.
Individual events will go live in October.
Special Guests
GABRIELLE ECHOLS
Gabrielle Echols made her feature film debut opposite Hugh Jackman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ REMINISCENCE, directed by Lisa Joy and produced by Jonathan Nolan. She was then seen in a supporting role in the highly anticipated fifth installment of Sam Raimi’s cult classic EVIL DEAD franchise – EVIL DEAD RISE. Gabrielle is also an accomplished ballet dancer.
JEREMY PALKO
Jeremy Palko is an American actor known for his work in both film and television. Jeremy’s first speaking role came in the film Never Back Down (2008), and since then, he has appeared in numerous television shows including The Vampire Diaries, Are We There Yet?, Burn Notice, The Middle, and Sleepy Hollow. He is best known for his role as Nicholas Widmark on the Emmy-nominated series Bloodline and as Andy in The Walking Dead.
JOHNATH DAVIS
Johnath Davis was born and raised in the heart of Newark, NJ. Johnath scored a memorable story teller role in the film “The Bill Murray Stories: Life Lessons Learned from a Mythical Man” (Netflix). In 2019, all paths would lead to an appearance on “This Is Us” (NBC). Since then, he has starred in numerous films and commercials. Most recently, Johnath can be seen in a recurring role on “Reasonable Doubt” (Hulu), and “Power Book II: Ghost” (Starz), and on the feature horror film “Terrifier 2”.
SPEAKERS & TALKS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2024 AT 4:15 PM
Untapped Resources for Filmmakers in Georgia’,
Speaker Lee Cutherbert
Lee Cuthbert Director of Operations for the Georgia Film Office, a division within the Georgia Department of Economic Development—the state’s sales and marketing arm. In her job Lee sends custom packages of photos for projects based on script requirements, scouts with clients, updates the locations database, assists shows with finding crew and stages, and acts as a liaison with tourism to assist with film tourism projects. She joined the office in 2009 and is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, 2024 3 PM
SAE INSTITUTE
Speaker Ron Robinson
Ron Robinson is the Department Chair for Film at SAE Institute, where he uses his extensive experience to enhance students’ learning. He also works as a Ballpark Camera Operator for Major League Baseball, capturing the dynamic energy of live sports. With over 20 years in television, Ron has advanced through roles like News Director and Assistant Director for live broadcasts. He’s worked on more than 40 cable TV shows, documentaries, and films, and has military experience as a Combat Cameraman. Ron also manages production workflows and directs live events with Frame88 Multimedia, contributing to major networks like MTV, BET, and HGTV.
FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR
FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9th, 2024 at 7:00 – 7:45 PM
Meet Gregg Bishop. Buried Alive’s 2024 Filmmaker of the Year. Gregg’s remarkable contributions to the film community, particularly with his latest award-winning shorts, The Many Worlds of George Goodman and Howl at the Dead. Although he resides in California, Gregg has chosen to film in Georgia, giving back to the local community and enriching the state’s cinematic landscape. His films not only entertain but also showcase the unique talents of Georgia’s filmmakers and actors. From exploring themes of loyalty and courage in the face of supernatural forces to navigating the complexities of alternate realities, Gregg’s work resonates deeply with audiences. His commitment to using the power of cinema to inspire and connect people makes him a standout figure in the industry and a fitting honoree for this Filmmaker of the year award…
TICKET PRICES
Block $10
Saturday $20
Weekend $65
THURSDAY, NOV. 7th, 2024
2024 SINEMA CHALLENGE PREMIERES
In the 13 Day Sinema Challenge, filmmakers create films in just 13 days using a subject card and a Card Against Humanity. Watch 24 teams premiere their unique films, like a serial killer abducted by Peter Pan, followed by an awards ceremony where winners advance to the Buried Alive Film Festival!
THURSDAY, NOV. 7th, 2024 at 9:30pm
OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Join us for the opening night party and Sinema Challenge winners celebration at the Pink Coffin Door at Mambo Zombi! Network with filmmakers and enjoy spooky tunes from Atlanta’s The Tomb Tones, blending Halloween punk rock with a fun, retro vibe inspired by The Cramps, Ramones, and B-52s. Don’t miss it!
FRIDAY, NOV. 8th, 2024 at 11:00 am – 12:50pm
Mr. Midnight
Where Angels Fear to Tread
It’s Better This Way
RABIES
Death of an Editor
The Brothers Grim
Forgive Me
Directors Q&A
FRIDAY, NOV. 8th, 2024 at 1:30 – 3:30pm
CHHAYA
Lorelei
Sincopat
Stay Quiet
Evil in Residence
Umami
The Ossan
Rabbit Season
Vile
The Red Stone
Directors Q&A
FRIDAY, NOV. 8th, 2024 at 4:00 – 6:00pm
Pocket (Short)
Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire (Feature)
Directors Q&A
FRIDAY, NOV. 8th, 2024 at 6:30 – 7:40pm
HONK
Where the Angels Fear to Tread
I Could Just Die, and That would Be All Right
The Reclaimers
In My Side
FRIDAY, NOV. 8th, 2024 at 8:00 PM
BAFF PRESENTS EVIL DEAD RISE WITH GABRIELLE ECHOLS
Gabrielle Echols will be joining us throughout the weekend at the Buried Alive Film Festival, November 7th – 10th! Don’t miss a special screening of Evil Dead Rise, including a behind the scenes look and Q&A with Gabrielle! She’ll also be signing autographs at her table (additional cost) throughout the festival.
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th, 2024 at 12:00 – 2:00pm
Caustico
Cakes!
Chickenboy
Interitus Adfectus
Lost Boys Pizza
Cupholder Companion
Cheat Meal
Brothers Beastly
FERMENTO
Directors Q&A
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th, 2024 at 2:30 – 4:15pm
Mansect
Vampire Zombies…from Space!
Directors Q&A
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th, 2024 at 4:45 – 6:25pm
THE HUNTED
Patches
Canvas
Trunk
Slice of Life
Kalimba
Lure
Cat Sitter
Sweaty Larry
Directors Q&A
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th, 2024 at 7:00 – 7:45 PM
FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR
The Many Worlds of George Goodman
Howl At The Dead
Directors Q&A Gregg Filmmaker of the Year
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th, 2024 at 8:15 – 9:15 PM
SPONSORED SAE COMPETITION
American Gothic
SAE Student Competition Winners
Directors Q&A
SATURDAY, NOV. 9th, 2024 at 9:45 – 12:35 – WTF (with a break)
Erecting A Monster 2: Bride Of The Monster
Wheek Flesh
Dweller
The Parcel
Curiosity
FISHMONGER
Roadkill Jamboree
Good Boy
Erecting A Monster 3: The ResErection
Directors Q&A
SUNDAY, NOV. 10th, 2024 at 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Tales From The End! (Short)
AMYGDALA
Sun (Feature)
Directors Q&A
SUNDAY, NOV. 10th, 2024 at 3:30 – 5:40 PM
Bush
The Outsider
Love and the All Night Horror Show
The Queen of Sod
The iTch
Pretty Kitty
Out of Body
Les Bêtes
VHX
Directors Q&A
SUNDAY, NOV. 10th, 2024 at 6:10 – 8:00 PM
True Crime Fan
The Lost Episode (WORLD PREMIERE)
Directors Q&A
SUNDAY, NOV. 10th, 2024 at 8:30 PM – AWARDS
The Award Ceremony at the Buried Alive Film Festival is a highly anticipated celebration of cinematic excellence, where filmmakers gather too recognized for their hard work and creative talent. Each trophy is handcrafted, each one a unique piece of art, symbolizing the creativity and dedication of the filmmakers. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome a lineup of esteemed celebrities and guest speakers, including Gabrielle Echols, who will be presenting the award for Best Performances. Join us as we honor the outstanding contributions to the world of horror and celebrate the passion that drives this vibrant community of filmmakers!
After the ceremony, everyone is invited to continue the festivities at Mambo Zombi for drinks and networking, creating an opportunity to connect and share ideas in a lively atmosphere.
With a terrifyingly large amount of content on the festival schedule, how does a horror fan make sense of Buried Alive’s madness? It doesn’t take a scientist like Dr. Frankenstein to dissect.
Fear Potion #9: Buried Alive Film Festival UnEarth’s World’s Best Horror to Atlanta. Nov 19th, 2014 “With a host of filmmakers in attendance, this year promises to be a glorious celebration of horror, further sealing Atlanta’s place as the horror capitol of the nation!”
The Fifth Annual Buried Alive Film Festival invaded Atlanta’s historic Plaza Theater, showcasing the best in international short and feature length independent horror films. Hosted by author and horror evangelist Phil Nutman, the festival boasted the southeastern premiere of Frank Hennenlotter’s “Herschell Gordon Lewis, The Godfather of Gore” documentary, as well as screenings of Terry Gilliam’s short, “The Legend of Hallowdega,” and Greg Nicotero’s “United Monster Talent Agency.”
Their mission is to promote true underground filmmaking in the Southeast and beyond, while providing the Atlanta area with the best independent horror has to offer.
A lot of film festivals though tend to show the same old thing despite their venue and location differences. However, in Atlanta, GA, there is a truly inspired festival called The Buried Alive Film Festival which is scheduled for November 12 & 13 at the historic Plaza Theater.
