“The Annapolis Film Festival will hold its first film festival from March 21-24, 2013. In partnership with the City of Annapolis and the local Arts and Business Communities, this non-profit Festival will bring a major new cultural event to our area.

For four days, The Annapolis Film Festival will transform the city with internationally acclaimed filmmakers, engaging guest speakers, panels and discussions. This nationally competitive festival will showcase all genres of film featuring celebrity guests and filmmakers while offering various opportunities for community-wide participation. “

- Annapolis Film Festival

Jessi Baroody, Volunteer Coordinator for the Maryland Film Festival and some of her volunteers. The festival could not be what it is today without the support from the local community. Do you have any photos from the festival? We’d love to share them!

This Thursday at 8PM, the Maryland Film Festival kicks off its opening night some short films screening at the MICA Brown Center followed by a raging party celebration of film and community.

Openset DMV will be there all weekend filming behind the scenes. We are very excited to work with MFF this year, and can’t wait to hear what your favorite films are at the festival!
 

Local feature film and Sundance selection LUV, Directed by Sheldon Candis, quickly sold out MICA’s 525 seat Brown Center.

Openset DMV has TWO FREE tickets to give away to see LUV this Saturday 8PM at the MICA Brown Center.

To enter the contest all you have to do is;

• Like Openset DMV on facebook.
• Tag yourself in our cover photo.
   

We will randomly select someone before Opening Night. Don’t miss a chance to show support for a great local film!

Read what MFF Director Jed Dietz has to say about LUV:

First-time feature filmmaker Sheldon Candis has assembled a stellar cast to tell this partially autobiographical tale of growing up African-American and male in Baltimore. Shot (remarkably) in 19 days, LUV focuses on the connection between young Woody (Michael Rainey, Jr.) and his Uncle Vincent (Common), who is fresh out of prison and is just beginning to face the challenges of raising venture capital so he can build a new life.

As important as raising the funds is to Vincent, he is equally devoted to helping Woody learn and grow the right way. As Vincent tries to steady his own life, he wants to show his nephew the world as it is. During their time together, Woody sees Vincent handle a wide variety of situations, and Vincent sets the bar high for Woody, fully expecting that Woody can succeed. The scenes between them are remarkable–Woody learning to drive is especially priceless—and will speak to anyone who has tried to fill the role of parent or mentor.

Shot in Baltimore, LUV premiered at Sundance 2012 and was included in the new Sundance London Festival. It is an honor to welcome home yet another accomplished Baltimore filmmaker.

- Jed Dietz (MFF Director)

Check out MFF’s film guide to plan your weekend. So, what are you going to see?