The Columbia Maryland Film Festival is set to return for its eighth season from September 7 to September 13, showcasing over 55 films from local, national, and international filmmakers.
All screenings will be held live and in-person at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center located at Howard Community College, as well as at the Maryland Innovation Center and The Collective Encore. Additionally, audiences will have the opportunity to watch the films virtually via the Eventive online platform.
The festival features a diverse selection that includes feature films, short films, and documentaries. The themes covered are extensive, ranging from dramatic narratives and comedies to stories focused on the LGBTQ+ community, music, and international perspectives.
Organizers emphasize that the central theme of this year’s lineup revolves around people: “filmmakers translating their own experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments into relatable stories,” as stated in a news release.
Robert Neal Marshall, the executive producer and creator of the film festival, expresses hope that the festival will inspire significant dialogue surrounding the topics presented both on and off the screen.
“This year’s films serve not only as entertainment but also as conversations about how individuals evolve, connect, cope, and create, both on-screen and within this community,” remarked Marshall, who recently served as co-chair of the Film Industry Task Force in Howard County. “We aim to foster stronger connections within our community here in Howard County, bringing together filmmakers, students, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, local businesses, and audiences through the transformative power of storytelling.”
The festival will kick off on Monday, September 7, at 6 p.m. at The Collective ENCORE. The inaugural night will feature The Best of the 48 Hour Film Project, a global challenge where emerging filmmakers produce a short film in just 48 hours.
Founded by Mark Ruppert in Washington, D.C. in 2001, this initiative has expanded to more than 100 cities annually, resulting in the creation of over 70,000 films during the 48 Hour Film Project, according to information available on the competition’s website.
Ruppert is expected to be present at the opening night event, where he will discuss the development of what is widely recognized as the world’s largest and longest-running filmmaking contest.
On Friday, September 11, festival attendees will be treated to a special evening screening of “Colors & Curves,” a documentary by director Walter Johnson Jr. exploring themes of human creativity. This event will commence at 6 p.m. at the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center and will feature a double bill with the short film “Masterpiece,” followed by a live panel discussion involving Johnson and local business and creative professionals from Howard County.
The festival will conclude on Sunday, September 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the Horowitz center. The closing celebration will highlight short films crafted by Maryland filmmakers, followed by a filmmaker Q&A session and a community reception.
Ticket prices vary, including options for virtual screenings ($12 for short films, $20 for feature films), live in-person screenings ($20 for feature films and various multi-film packages, and $30 for the Opening Night and Maryland Shorts Filmmaker Celebration). An all-festival pass is available for $75, which grants unlimited access (both virtually and in person) to over 55 films, as well as admission to the Opening Night and Maryland Shorts Filmmaker Celebration.
Due to limited seating, organizers highly recommend purchasing tickets early.
For a complete schedule of events, please visit the festival’s website.
