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.
The Buried Alive Film Festival is more than just screenings; it’s a community experience of those who love horror. Thursday attendees can look forward to the Sinema Challenge, where filmmakers had only 13 days to craft their own terrifying films, pushing the limits of creativity under pressure. Our festivities kick off with a filmmaker party at The Mambo Zombie, followed by a weekend packed with engaging panels, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. The festival will have an awards ceremony on Sunday, honoring the best films and talents, and an exciting wrap party to celebrate another year of cinematic nightmares. Join us for an unforgettable event that haunt your dreams of indie horror.
SINEMA CHALLENGE PREMIERES
THURSDAY NOV. 7th, 2024 at 5:00pm
The Sinema Challenge is a test of creativity and skill, where 20 filmmakers had just 13 days, from September 10th to the 23rd, to create their own original horror films. This year, their cinematic nightmares will come to life on the big screen with a special premiere on November 7th at the iconic Plaza Theatre. During the premiere, we’ll present the Sinema Challenge Award, honoring the standout achievement among these rapid-fire productions. Each filmmaker will also move into their respective categories for the chance to win additional awards at the Buried Alive Film Festival.
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
OPENING NIGHT MEET & GREET (party)
THURSDAY NOV. 7th, 2024 at 9:30pm
Kick off party for the Buried Alive Film Festival at the Meet and Greet party at Mambo Zombi, Atlanta’s premier horror tiki bar. Mingle with fellow horror enthusiasts and networking with other filmmakers while enjoying horror themed drinks, and spooky décor. The night will come alive with a special performance by the horror rock band The Tomb Tones, providing the perfect soundtrack to an evening.
Mambo Zombi
420 Edgewood Ave SE Suite B,
Atlanta, GA 30312
FILM BLOCKS
FRIDAY NOV. 8th, 2024 at 1-10 pm
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
FILM BLOCKS
SATURDAY NOV. 9th, 2024 at 1-7 pm
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
FILM BLOCKS
SATURDAY NOV. 9th, 2024 at 8:00pm
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
FILM BLOCKS
SATURDAY NOV. 9th, 2024 at 9-11pm
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
FILM BLOCKS
SUNDAY NOV. 10th, 2024 at 1-6 pm
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
AWARDS
SUNDAY NOV. 10th, 2024 7:00 pm
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
AFTER PARTY
SUNDAY NOV. 10th, 2024 8-11 PM
The Plaza Theatre
1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE,
Atlanta, GA 30306
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.
