The New/Next Film Festival in Baltimore is back and bigger than ever! With an extended four-day schedule, the festival will showcase a diverse range of films and host visiting filmmakers. Don't miss out on this exciting event at the Charles Theatre from October 3rd to 6th.
The Return and Expansion of the New/Next Film Festival in Baltimore
( Credit to: Baltimoresun )
Baltimore Public Media is excited to announce the return and expansion of the New/Next Film Festival. Originally created as a temporary replacement for the troubled Maryland Film Festival, the New/Next festival will now take place from October 3rd to 6th at the Charles Theatre in Baltimore.
The New/Next festival has been extended to four days in order to showcase more films and host visiting filmmakers. The event has also opened a call for entries, inviting filmmakers to submit their work. In addition, the festival will include at least two free screenings for the community to enjoy. While the Charles Theatre will serve as the main venue for New/Next, organizers are planning to coordinate activities with other local venues such as the Baltimore Improv Group, Metro Gallery, and Mobtown Ballroom.
Excitement for the Upcoming Festival
Eric Hatch, New/Next's programmer and co-founder, expressed his excitement for the upcoming festival. "New/Next's first year was a truly remarkable experience, and I am thrilled that we will be back at The Charles Theatre for an even bigger and better second edition this October," said Hatch in a press release. "The independent cinema landscape is constantly evolving, and I cannot wait to bring the work of some of the most exciting new voices in film to our amazing audiences."
The Success of the New/Next Film Festival
The Maryland Film Festival, which previously attracted over 12,000 visitors, had to cancel its 2023 event in order to recover financially. During this time, the arts community rallied behind the New/Next Film Festival. The festival featured a lineup of 23 feature-length movies and 53 short films, drawing in around 3,000 attendees over three days.
Now celebrating its 25th year, the Maryland Film Festival is scheduled to take place from May 2nd to 5th at The Parkway Theatre in Station North.
Multiple Festivals Thriving in Baltimore
"We initially conceived of the New/Next Film Festival as a temporary replacement for the Maryland Film Festival, which went on hiatus last year for reorganization. However, the response was so overwhelmingly positive that we had to bring New/Next back," said Craig Swagler, Baltimore Public Media president and general manager. "Baltimore has a vibrant community of filmmakers and film lovers, and there is plenty of room for multiple festivals to not only coexist but thrive."
Get Ready for an Exciting Fall Season
With the return of the Maryland Film Festival and the expansion of the New/Next Film Festival, Baltimore film enthusiasts will have even more opportunities to celebrate the art of cinema. Both festivals are set to showcase a diverse range of films and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. Get ready for an exciting fall season filled with captivating movies and engaging discussions at the New/Next Film Festival.