Boston Underground Film Fest, AKA BUFF, has a beefy lineup this year. BUFF platforms horror and experimental cinema from all over the world. It takes place at the beloved Brattle Theater, a small independent cinema with its own unique programming outside of BUFF that vows to “Show a diverse range of films that cannot and will not be shown anywhere else”.
Most notable at BUFF this year is its extensive shorts program. In addition to the expected horror and comedy shorts, the fest features a considerable music video block. The fest has a dedicated music video programmer, Shannen Ortale, who curated a selection of genre-inspired films that are a mix of likely familiar favorites, and underground submissions. Another gem of the shorts program is “Ragdoll Dance”, the animation block. BUFF’s selections exemplify how animation can open doors for creativity in genre filmmaking. Additionally, my personal favorite short of the last year, Make Me a Pizza, is being shown during the comedy block. If you missed it at Brooklyn Horror Film Fest, this is your chance to watch it.
In terms of features, Chain Reactions is a must watch. As a journalist and nerd, I never pass up a horror documentary. In Chain Reactions, some heroes of horror, including Takashi Miike (Audition) and Karyn Kusama (Jennifer’s Body) wax poetic about the influence Texas Chainsaw Massacre had on them and the culture around them. If you have any aspirations of making your own films, you will find inspiration and encouragement in this documentary.
The psychological horror film, Alma & the Wolf, is getting its world premiere at BUFF with director Michael Patrick Jann (Drop Dead Gorgeous) and actor Lukas Jann in attendance. The film is a dark mystery in which a wolf, or something more terrifying is ravaging a small town on the Oregon coast.
BUFF’s repertory program also has some exciting selections. Muerte en la Playa and Re-Animator are both being screened in never before seen ways. Originally released in 1991, the Mexican homoerotic slasher, Muerte en la Playa, is getting its first ever version with English subtitles, allowing it to be seen by a completely new audience. Re-Animator, the 1985 cult classic, is being re-animated in 4K with the world premier of this release being at BUFF. The illustrious Barbara Crampton will also be in attendance at the screening!
The last night of BUFF is packed with interesting films: you can go straight from Fucktoys to Escape from the 21st Century, two films not to miss. Fucktoys is a campy yet meaningful dark comedy shot on 16mm. Director Annapurna Sriram and actor Sadie Scott will be in attendance at the screening! Escape from the 21st Century is an action comedy, with editing similar to Scott Pilgrim. If you like quick witted jokes, sincere plotlines, and Street Fighter II, this movie should be on your list.
BUFF’s program has a little something for everybody. It’s also a good reason to get acquainted with the lovely Brattle Theater! The festival runs from March 19 to 23. Badges are available here.
