Buffet Infinity

In a series of cheap, locally produced television commercials, a story unfolds, beginning with a simple business rivalry between small-business owners and the looming threat of Buffet Infinity. As Buffet Infinity endlessly expands, swallowing everything in its path, a sinister conspiracy unfolds at the margins, and unfathomable powers begin to worm their way into the vulnerable community of Westridge County, Alberta. A throwback to the VHS days of the 80s commercials, Simon Glassman's Buffet Infinity is truly a one-of-a-kind viewing experience, once you can buy into its campy premise of self-made, late-night commercials and the brewing restaurant wars turned alien invasion fiasco. This microbudget, almost one-person production (written, directed, produced, and edited by Mr. Glassman in his feature debut), features what seems to be a sweet-natured, average small town, with mom and pop stores and the restaurant with a long-running family recipe, which gradually turns upside-down with the arrival of 'Buffet Infinity,' a conglomerate with certain ulterior motives. Yes, it's silly, but the audience can't help but follow the unfolding of a preposterous sci-fi tale with glee. (Jongsuk Thomas Nam)