Cleveland-shot 'Buddy' Brings Barney-Gone-Wrong Horror to Film Fest

The new horror film 'Buddy' puts a twisted spin on the beloved children's character.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A striking black silhouette of Barney the Dinosaur's iconic triangular head, set against a high-contrast background of bold red and white geometric shapes, conceptually representing the unsettling premise of the new horror film 'Buddy'.A twisted new horror film puts a dark spin on the beloved children's character Barney.Cleveland Today

Film producer Tyler Davidson's latest movie 'Buddy' is set to premiere at the upcoming Cleveland International Film Festival. The horror film puts a dark, unsettling twist on the beloved children's character Barney, with the story following a deranged man who dresses up as the purple dinosaur to terrorize a small town.

Why it matters

Davidson's Cleveland-based production company has found success in recent years bringing unique horror stories to the screen, often with a local twist. 'Buddy' continues that trend, tapping into the nostalgia of Barney while delivering a chilling take that is sure to unsettle audiences.

The details

In 'Buddy', a disturbed man named Marvin begins dressing up as the famous children's character Barney and carrying out a series of violent attacks around a small Ohio town. The film was shot on location in Cleveland, taking advantage of the city's diverse neighborhoods and landmarks to heighten the unsettling atmosphere.

  • The Cleveland International Film Festival is scheduled for April 12-23, 2026.
  • 'Buddy' is set to have its world premiere at the festival on April 15, 2026.

The players

Tyler Davidson

A film producer based in Cleveland whose previous horror movies have found success on the festival circuit.

Marvin

The deranged antagonist of 'Buddy' who dresses up as the children's character Barney to carry out a series of violent attacks.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to take something so innocent and beloved and twist it into something truly terrifying. Buddy is our way of putting a dark spin on childhood nostalgia.”

— Tyler Davidson, Film Producer

What’s next

Tickets for the Cleveland International Film Festival, including the world premiere of 'Buddy', will go on sale to the general public on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

By tapping into the unsettling potential of a beloved children's character, 'Buddy' promises to deliver a fresh and chilling horror experience for audiences at the Cleveland International Film Festival.