[BUFF ’25] The best short films from the Boston Underground Film Festival

While the feature presentations get all the attention, it is usually the short films that help a film festival truly stand out. Shorts can be just as creative as their longform siblings, but since they come in bite sized chunks, they really have the chance to stand out. This year’s Boston Underground Film Festival had five short film blocks for audiences to sample from. Here are some of the most memorable.

A Walk in the Park

A nice stroll with your dog can be incredibly relaxing. Unless your neighborhood turns into a nightmarish hellscape in which every step may be your last. This black and white animated entry looks good, tells a creepy story, and has that weird quality that every good midnight film needs.

Banjo

Apparently a banjo is more than a musical instrument. The banjo string is also a part of the penis. This is incredibly important in Banjo, the sensitive story of a man who is about to lose his virginity, and possibly something else in the process. Ridiculous and cringey, this short will leave audiences wincing. 

But He’s Gay

Less about horror and more about quick wit, But He’s Gay is about an unexpected party guest. These things happen, but there is also tension when it turns out her ex is there with his new boyfriend. Again, this is not unheard of, but when you add a can of pepper spray things can get a little out of hand.

Burn Out

This will be immediately relatable to anyone who finds themselves caught in the office rat race. An assistant has been working hard on a presentation for his boss. He will do anything to make sure it is seen…even set himself on fire. A surprising amount of tension is created in a short span of time leading to a wild ending.

Damn Handy

It does not take long to realize something is wrong when a plumber answers a call to help two sisters with their pipes. A remote setting is always a red flag and the siblings seem suspicious. The fears are completely founded, but the plumber has a trick up his sleeve that may save his life. Gory and fun.

Les Betes

Initially, this stop motion short is reminiscent of Tim Burton’s more popular output. The creatures are hideous, but still have a charm to them. As the story about a rabbit who summons the beasts to a king’s court continues, things become much darker. This unexpectedly emotional film is one of the better shorts from BUFF.

Rejected

An anthology done in less than fifteen minutes is a great idea. Rejected makes things a little more interesting by making each segment an advertisement for a digital camera that was turned down. The focus here is on the gore, and there is plenty to go around. It also knows how to have fun as the installments include a haunted painting, a witch, and Bigfoot.