The Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) will celebrate Maryland Film Festival Day with a two-day event filled with screenings, community activities, and filmmaker-focused programming on May 2 and 3 at the SNF Parkway Theatre.
In 2024, Gov. Wes Moore declared May 2 the official “Maryland Film Festival Day,” highlighting the state’s film community and the Parkway’s commitment to uplifting independent storytelling.
This inaugural celebration of MdFF Day will feature theatrical debuts from local filmmakers, a student showcase, a free screening for families, and a screenwriters’ panel. There will also be an industry mixer and a House party — all the activities happening under one roof.
Highlights on Friday, May 2, include an Opening Night Sneak Peek at the movie “Stealing Cars.: On Saturday, May 3, there is a family screening of the animated feature “Flow,” along with the sci-fi comedy “Darla in Space.” There is also a student shorts showcase planned, a panel with Baltimore screenwriters, a Closing Night documentary movie premiere, “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House,” and more.
The details about the full lineup are listed below.
Friday, May 2
7 p.m. – Opening Reception – in the Parkway Lounge
All ticketholders for Stealing Cars are invited to kick off the weekend with drinks and conversation before the screening.
7:30 p.m. – Opening Night Community Sneak Peek – “Stealing Cars”
Directed by Marly Hernández Cortés and Stephen Schuyler, “Stealing Cars” follows a teenage car thief navigating life with an estranged father after the sudden death of his mother. A raw and moving exploration of identity and survival, the film was shot entirely in Baltimore and will screen with directors, cast, and crew in person.
Saturday, May 3
11:30 a.m. Free Family Screening – “FLOW”
Winner of the 2024 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, “FLOW” is a wordless visual wonder suitable for all ages. This poetic film follows a solitary cat who finds unexpected companionship on a boat of animals after a great flood.
12 p.m. – Baltimore Screenwriters Panel
Winners of the 20th Annual Baltimore Screenwriting Competition discuss storytelling, creativity and filmmaking. Presented by the Baltimore Film Office at BOPA, Morgan State University, and Johns Hopkins University.
2 p.m. – “Darla in Space”
The kooky sci-fi comedy that got away returns to the Parkway for its Baltimore theatrical premiere. Co-director Eric Laplante will be in attendance.
4:30 p.m. – Student Shorts Showcase
Showcasing standout work from Morgan State, Stevenson, UMBC, Towson, MICA, JHU, and BSA, this program celebrates the next generation of local talent.
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Filmmaker Mixer
Co-hosted by the Baltimore Film Office, Maryland Film Office, and Maryland Film Industry Coalition, this casual mixer invites area filmmakers, artists, and crew to connect, share some nibbles, and collaborate.
8 p.m. – Closing Night Baltimore Premiere – “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House”
Directed by Baltimorean Elegance Bratton and with producer Chester Algernal Gordon attending in person, this electrifying doc traces the rise of house music from Chicago’s underground to a global cultural movement.
10 p.m. – 11 p.m. – MdFF Day House Party
Close out the weekend with a late-night dance party in the Parkway Lounge featuring a live DJ set.
An all-access pass to the two-day event costs $43 and includes all events, plus one large popcorn. A two-pack costs $22 and includes access to any two events. Tickets to any individual event are also available. For either kind of pass or individual tickets, click this link.
The SNF Parkway Theatre is located at 5 W. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD.
