ATLANTA, GA — The Buried Alive Film Festival (BAFF), Georgia’s longest-running horror film festival, is set to return for its 18th annual celebration of genre-defying, spine-tingling cinema. Taking place November 6–9, 2025 at Atlanta’s iconic Plaza Theatre, this year’s event promises more thrills than ever with the launch of an exciting new addition: the Buried Alive Short Screenplay Competition.

For nearly two decades, Buried Alive has championed independent horror, sci-fi, and underground filmmaking, earning its place as a vital hub for bold cinematic voices. In 2025, the festival is expanding that mission by honoring the creative minds behind the stories—before they even reach the screen.

“Buried Alive Film Festival proudly introduces its New Short Screenplay Competition, celebrating the twisted minds behind horror’s most chilling tales,” announced the festival team. “Our goal is to recognize and elevate horror writers, giving their dark visions a platform to terrify, thrill, and inspire the genre’s future.”

A New Era of Horror Writing, Led by a Visionary Creative

Helming this thrilling new initiative is Dayna Noffke, a WGAE screenwriter and director widely known for crafting “horror with heart.” Noffke’s distinctive blend of gallows humor, emotional resonance, and fearless female perspectives has made her a standout voice in genre storytelling. Her debut feature, EIDOLON, is currently in post-production, and she is also set to release a novelization of Jack Hill’s cult classic SPIDER BABY.

“Dayna is the ideal creative force to champion this competition,” says Shannon Thompson, Buried Alive’s festival director. “She brings vision, empathy, and industry expertise to the table—helping both new and seasoned screenwriters craft stories that demand to be seen.”

From Script to Scream: How the Competition Works

The Short Screenplay Competition is designed to nurture horror screenwriting talent at every level. Finalists will gain access to career-building resources, including:

• Live script readings performed by professional actors
  
• Industry feedback and mentorship opportunities
  
• Networking with producers and filmmakers
  
• A chance to have their script considered for future production
  

Submissions are now open on FilmFreeway. Writers are encouraged to submit short screenplays that meet the following criteria:

• Must fall within the horror or thriller genre
• Maximum of 10 pages
• Written in English, submitted in PDF format, and properly industry-formatted
• Open to writers of all experience levels

Buried Alive: Still the Heartbeat of Indie Horror in the South

While the screenplay competition makes its debut, the Buried Alive Film Festival will continue its legacy of curating the most daring and inventive horror content from around the globe. The 2025 edition will also feature educational programming, local partnerships, special screenings, and live entertainment, all under the vision of creating a space for horror lovers to connect, create, and celebrate.

Both film and screenplay submissions are now being accepted, and all creatives are encouraged to be part of this thrilling new chapter in the Buried Alive story.

For submission details, schedule updates, and ticket info, visit https://filmfreeway.com/BuriedAliveFilmFestival