The New/Next Film Festival, scheduled for the first weekend of October at the historic Charles Theatre, has revealed its impressive lineup featuring over 160 films. This marks the fourth edition of the festival.
Running from October 1 to October 4, the film festival will utilize all five screens of the renowned theater to showcase more than 30 new films, including six world premieres and five premieres exclusive to the United States or North America. Attendees can look forward to an array of over 100 innovative short films and features, including titles such as “Chronovisor,” “Everytime,” “La Gradiva,” “The Lorraine,” and “Zi.” Additionally, the festival will present newly restored classics such as “Sitting Ducks” and “The Shepherds of Berneray.”
The festivities kick off on Thursday, October 1, with the opening film “Eternity One,” created by local filmmaker Marnie Ellen Hertzler. This documentary focuses on a vanishing community on the Chesapeake Bay, accompanied by an original score from Baltimore’s dream pop duo, Beach House. The festival will conclude on Sunday, October 4, with “The Projectionist,” directed by Alexandre Rockwell. This mesmerizing film tells the story of an isolated elderly man confronting his past while reflecting amidst the haunting remains of an old movie theatre. Rockwell, along with some of the cast members, will be present during the screening.
Among the world premieres are “Riptides,” a dark comedy by Alex Karpovsky featuring Steve Little, “You Don’t Know My Name,” an emotionally resonant documentary from Tommy Franklin, and “The Tower,” a regional film produced by Auden Lincoln-Vogel and Philip Rabalais.
The festival will also showcase several North American premieres, including “Kiss and Be Friends,” a comedic work set in Lisbon, and “The Arrow at Rest at Every Instant of its Flight” directed by Theodore Schaefer.
“We’re incredibly excited and honored that so many talented filmmakers have chosen our festival for their premieres,” stated Eric Allen Hatch, co-founder and programming director of New/Next. “This event is not centered on red carpets; rather, it is about uncovering new cinematic experiences. Every film, whether it’s making its debut or its fiftieth showing, stands as a testament to the vibrant state of filmmaking as an art form and celebrates the joy of moviegoing.”
A limited quantity of All-Access Passes are currently on sale, offering special access to all screenings, as well as the Opening and Closing Night Parties and various exclusive events with filmmakers. For a complete list of films, events, and ticketing information, please visit the New/Next Film Festival’s website. Below is a schedule of special events associated with the festival.
- October 1: Opening Night screening at The Charles and party at Metro Gallery featuring DJ Ami Dang
- October 2: Exclusive filmmaker & All Access passholder party at Baltimore Improv Group with DJ The Soft Pink Truth (Drew Daniel of Matmos), including drinks
- October 3: New/Next Dance Party featuring DJ Dan Deacon at Baltimore Improv Group (exclusive to filmmakers and All Access passholders), drinks included
- October 4: Closing Night screening at The Charles and party at Metro Gallery featuring DJ Mills
