Welcome, filmmakers, to the Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown. We are excited about our 15th year coming up on March 18 -21, 2027. We are considered Movie Magazine's top 50 festival worth their entry fee. For 15 years, we've been bringing in the finest films from around the world. The film festival became a 501(c)3 and launched in 2009.

The festival is conveniently located in downtown Hagerstown; we're in the middle of the arts and entertainment district. And after the films, we host some of the best after parties with live bands and fantastic food and drinks!

Hollywood director Joe Carnahan is the creative director for the festival. “It’s a great opportunity for directors and producers to get their work showcased. There are investors and production companies who attend the festival looking for new talent and we have seen many of the movies screened go on to be hugely successful,” Says Carnahan.

“Embrace,” “Equal Means Equal,” “Last Call at Murray’s” are just some of the movies that have gone on to receive accolades nationally and internationally following the festival.

Awards & Prizes

We offer to the winners some OUTSTANDING trophies for Best Feature, Best Short, Best Animation, Best Student (Middle/High school & College), Best Documentary, Best Local Film, and Best International Film! .

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines: Entries must be submitted online, through FilmFreeway's online screener option.

Entry Fees: Are NON REFUNDABLE.

Terms and conditions: The festival will accept works in progress but the final screener must be received 30 days prior to the festival and run time can only change by a few minutes from the original submission should your film be selected. All entry fees paid are non refundable. All entered films grant MDIFF non exclusive limited use agreement to use film titles or trailers or film posters for festival promotional use including online, print, broadcast media to promote the festival and selected films to the industry and general public. Filmmakers fully retain all rights, title and interest in their films and all intellectual property. Official selection films must provide their final exhibition copy to the festival programming department 20 days prior to the festival. The Maryland International Film festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. Any submitters shall indemnify and hold harmless the Maryland International Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos.

72 Reviews
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  • Nickon Hemati

    Such a warm, welcoming group of people that made this festival incredibly memorable. As soon as you roll into Hagerstown you feel a sense of community and connection to the indy film scene. Everybody I talked to was awesome, and had a great perspective to share.

    May 2026
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  • Cinema Collet

    We were truly honored to have FOR THE LIVING screen at the Maryland International Film Festival and to be recognized with the Best Documentary award.

    The festival’s communication was excellent throughout the entire process—clear, timely, and thoughtful, which made for a very smooth and positive experience from start to finish.

    We were incredibly disappointed not to be able to attend in person, as it’s clear this is a festival that really values filmmakers and creates a meaningful connection with its audience.

    Grateful to have been included and highly recommend to fellow filmmakers!

    April 2026
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  • Aleksa Ristovic

    The Maryland International Film Festival in Hagerstown is the kind of event you always want to return to. It leaves a lasting impression, not only as a film festival, but as a rich cultural experience.
    The town itself offers so much to explore, from its deep sense of history to its vibrant cultural atmosphere. The festival is beautifully organized, with screenings across multiple venues, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for filmmakers and audiences alike.
    I truly look forward to coming back next year, hopefully with my debut feature film and a Maryland premiere.

    April 2026
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  • Elliott Bales

    This festival is all about building community and telling stories meaningful to our region. Great job and well done. Very pleased to have our film be a part of it.

    April 2026
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  • Kelly Clendenon

    I was disappointed to have my film doc short Helpers, which is a serious effort/social commentary on addiction and homelessness, paired with a bunch of fictional shorts, it was pretty disappointing, and totally out of place. Not what I was expecting, and not even in a proper theatre, just a room with a bunch of folding chairs, very lame.

    April 2026
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