This event is called a festival for a reason, and we are here to celebrate great moving image storytelling and our return to watching these wonderful films together on the big screen. We started devoting our Opening Night program to short work in 2002, because the short form is where most filmmakers get their start and establish their creative identity. Over the years, our opening night shorts block has featured such accomplished filmmakers as Angel Kristi Williams, Bob Odenkirk, Bill Plympton, Laura Wolkstein, David Lowery and Terence Nance, all of whom have gone on to create celebrated feature work.
We continue to support and advocate for short films and filmmakers throughout their careers and are thrilled to showcase the work of seven up and coming directors whose work delighted, moved and stunned us. This year’s Opening Night program includes extraordinary narrative and documentary work, stellar, stirring performances, moments of hilarity, and a taste of Baltimore’s unique charm.
COVID-19 POLICIES
All Festival attendees must follow our COVID-19 health and safety protocols at ALL MdFF venues. These policies are subject to change based on local and regional metrics.
NEW in 2022:
- You must reserve your seats in advance for all film screenings and premium events at this year’s festival.
- Face masks are required at all times in all venues
- Proof of vaccination (and booster shot, if eligible) OR proof of negative PCR test dated a maximum of 72 hours before the festival