This year’s Buried Alive Horror Film Festival was packed with talent from all over the world. Here are among the most noteworthy entries…

“An Evening With My Comatose Mother”

This short had great atmosphere and a fantastic performance by newcomer, Wendy Macy. I don’t know what the central thesis of this story is supposed to be, and I don’t care. Though not perfect, “Comatose Mother” is a must for lovers of cerebral horror.

“I Didn’t Come Here To Die”

This was the first feature-length shown at the festival, and I hadn’t heard much about it. The opening sequence had me anticipating a pretty cut-and-dry supernatural grindhouse homage, but it really wasn’t. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I will just say that the film goes in an original and much different direction than I anticipated. The only thing that really grated on me was the use of this “color wash” filter that almost makes the film difficult to watch. But overall, a great and original independent horror story.

“Satanic Panic: Band Out Of Hell”

From Atlanta’s own Eddie Ray, “Satanic Panic” has been highly anticipated locally. However, it’s unlikely that anyone could have foreseen the bizarre turn that this film was going to take. Funny, crass, and plain f**king nuts, “Satanic Panic” reminds one of a modern, but slightly sweeter work from early John Waters.

“Banana Motherf**ker!”

The Portuguese filmmakers known as Clones are brilliant, and BMF! is no exception. There are so many deaths by banana in this film, I will stop eating them for at least a month.

“Chillerama”

“Chillerama” is a good time with nostalgic tones. It wasn’t one of my personal favorites at the festival, but it had the highest production value of a feature and is generally well-received among viewers and critics. So my hemorrhoids must have been acting up or something when I watched it.

Props to everyone that put the fest together, the attendees, and the filmmakers. You all made the event a memorable experience.

For a more articulate breakdown of all the films shown, visit my buddy Nathan Hamilton at Son Of Celluloid!