BUFF seeks films that celebrate alternative visions and sounds, offering a platform that connects filmmakers with one another and our intelligent, engaged, and incredibly passionate audience, and encourages new ideas in celebration of work that pushes the envelope in style and content.
We are looking for challenging & exceptional independent features and shorts in the categories of: Dark comedy, genre, bleak sci-fi, cerebral and/or psychedelic horror, strange documentary, fantastic music video, mature animation, and/or films that defy description (preferably with a WTF) from all over the world.
Since 2012, BUFF's primary screening venue has been the historic Brattle Theatre in Cambridge, MA. In addition to film screenings, BUFF hosts receptions and parties all over Cambridge and Somerville for attending filmmakers, industry guests, audience members, and media.
We pride ourselves on the caliber of the content we exhibit, the hospitality of our dedicated and 100% volunteer staff, and the passionate community we've fostered here in New England; we hope you'll check us out!
Rather than giving cash or trade value prizes for awards, BUFF doles out a trophy in the shape of a demonic black bunny (after the festival's evil rabbit mascot, Bacchus).
The annual award categories are:
Audience Choice Award: Best of Fest Short, Best of Fest Feature
Best First Feature
Director's Choice (BUFF organizers): Best Short, Best Feature
Best New England Film
Occasionally, special awards (e.g. Lifetime Achievement) are selected as well.