“One film festival for all the student filmmakers of NorCal.” This is how head organizer Curtis Bell describes his vision for the 2024 Butte Film Festival (BUFF).
Now in its second year, BUFF is building on last year’s foundation with a schedule and atmosphere that are sure to outshine its predecessor.
Set to run from December 6-8 at the historic State Theatre in Oroville, this year’s BUFF will be bigger and bolder.
With its Twilight Zone-themed ambiance, everything is in place for an event celebrating creativity while adding a sense of mystery. But don’t expect just sci-fi on the big screen—the theme is purely for aesthetic atmosphere.
The films will range across multiple genres, showcasing the best of what Northern California’s student filmmaking scene has to offer.
BUFF 2024 has received over 130 submissions from students across the region, from the Bay Area to Humboldt and beyond an impressive lineup of student films, BUFF will also host an array of special guests, bringing both credibility and insight to the festival. Among them is director Shaun Paul Piccinino, known for A California Christmas, which reached #1 on Netflix in 2020.
Piccinino will be there to connect with students and share his journey in the industry.
Redding local Tyler Faires, whose documentary Acid Canal recently won Best Environmental Documentary at the Cannes World Film Festival, will also attend BUFF.
This year marks a transition in BUFF’s leadership. While last year’s event was organized by the Butte Film Club, BUFF 2024 is now run by the newly established Butte Film Institute (BFI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Northern California’s next generation of filmmakers.
Curtis Bell, president of BFI, shared his ambitions for the festival: “I think people are gonna look back on this year’s festival in five or ten years and say, ‘I went to that festival when it was beginning,’ and that’s gonna be a bragging thing.”
With this vision, Curtis made it clear that BFI’s goal is to scale BUFF’s impact to a level where it becomes a staple of Northern California’s cultural calendar.
Behind such an inspiring festival is a community deeply invested in its success. Over $30,000 has been raised thanks to supporters like The Union, Tong Fong Low, the State Theatre, Ohm Solar Solutions, Metric Cosmetics, UTB Studios, Golden Valley Bank, and Silkshop Chico. This level of backing shows just how much the region values the arts and the growth of young talent.
For those ready to experience BUFF firsthand, tickets are now available.
A general pass is $20, granting access to all screenings and events throughout the weekend, while a $50 VIP pass includes exclusive merchandise, snacks, drinks, and premium seating. Students can attend the entire weekend for just $10 with a student pass.
With BUFF set to make its mark this December, now’s the time to get involved in an event that’s on its way to becoming Northern California’s go-to student film festival. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the region’s rising film culture.
So, whether you’re a film lover, an aspiring director, or just someone looking to support local talent, BUFF 2024 promises a weekend packed with the three big C’s: creativity, connection, and community.
Editor note–this article was written before BUFF became an advertiser in this publication.
