The Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the kickoff of its Spotlight Series on Feb. 27 at the Parkway Theater.
The Spotlight Series will feature the show “High on the Hog,” a series that delves into the impact and legacy of Black food in America. The show is hosted by chef and writer Stephen Satterfield and produced by Baltimore native Alexandria Queen Sneed.
The kickoff event promises an “enlightening journey, blending culture, food, history, and music into a captivating cinematic experience,” according to the press release.
“High on the Hog is a vibrant celebration of culture and history, presented through the lens of food. We’re excited to share this remarkable series, especially episodes produced by Baltimore’s own Alexandria Queen Sneed, with our audience,” said KJ Mohr, director of the Maryland Film Festival. “It’s a fitting start to our Spotlight Series and a warm welcome back to the Parkway for our 25th-anniversary celebration.”
Sneed has made significant contributions to Season 2 of “High on the Hog.” Her work will be highlighted in a post-screening discussion about the series, as will the work of her fellow producers Imani Johnson and Shirlyn A. Cesar.
There will be specialty beverages crafted by Cane Collective, a Baltimore-based, Black-owned pioneer in craft cocktails. They will bring their mixology expertise to the evening with cocktails specifically designed for the event, in keeping with the exploration of African American culinary traditions.
The kickoff aims to generate excitement for the upcoming festival in May, while celebrating the diversity of talent in Baltimore that make up the city’s film community. The MdFF is held annually at the Parkway Theater in Baltimore’s Station North Arts and Entertainment District. This year, the festival takes place May 2-5.
“MdFF is dedicated to showcasing a wide array of films and filmmakers, from narrative and documentary to animation, experimental, and hybrid forms, embodying the essence of this year’s theme by exploring the depth and breadth of cinema’s past, present, and future,” reads the press release. “Each screening is an opportunity for audiences to engage directly with filmmakers, enhancing the communal viewing experience.”
The Feb. 27 kickoff event featuring “High on the Hog” is open to all, and admission is free with a reserved ticket. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The 91-minute show will begin at 7 p.m.
For more information about the Spotlight Series and the Maryland Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, visit this link.
