New/Next Film Festival is a 4-day festival held in Baltimore at the historic Charles Theatre. The festival is curated by creative director Eric Allen Hatch (Maryland Film Festival's director of programming, 2007-2018) and produced by Baltimore Public Media.

New/Next has built a public home-viewing guide of all the films screened in its previous editions at newnextfilmfest.com/archives. It provides free full-color PDF downloads of each year's New/Next program guide, and indicates where each film screened is now available for viewing online, streaming, and/or on physical media.

New/Next is always happy to provide entry-fee waivers for filmmakers whose work has screened in prior editions of the festival. If you are a New/Next alum who would like to submit new work, please get in touch with your New/Next programming contact for a FilmFreeway fee waiver.

Rules & Terms

Films selected by New/Next Film Festival will be Maryland premieres; films that have already screened in the state of Maryland or secured a Maryland premiere prior to New/Next's festival dates should not apply. This applies to both features and shorts.

Feature films selected by New/Next will not be available online (streaming, rent, or purchase) prior to New/Next's festival dates; features that are or will be available prior to New/Next's festival dates should not apply. All genres are encouraged to submit.

Short films selected by New/Next will show preference for work not available online prior to New/Next's festival dates. Films that will be available online prior may still submit, but should mention any availability in their submission materials, and understand that this availability will be taken into consideration during the programming process. All genres are encouraged to submit.

Festival alum: we are always happy to waive the entry fees to consider your new films. Please reach out to your New/Next contact directly before submitting to request a waiver code.

22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Zoe Hammel

    New/Next was an incredible experience, as my first time screening at and attending a festival like this they have set the bar absurdly high. The program was full of spectacular, unmissable films. My only regret was not being able to be in two places at once! Thank you New/Next!

    March 2026
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  • Aishat Abiri

    This was such a great experience. The events were so well coordinated and communication was excellent. It felt like the organizers anticipated everything and answered questions before I even asked them.

    I also got to meet a diverse group of talented filmmakers both in and out of Baltimore, and made useful connections. What a lovely experience!

    November 2025
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  • Alexander Atienza

    It was a delight to premiere my short film Chilmark at the 2025 New/Next Film Festival. Eric and the programming team put together a first-class lineup, and it was a privilege to screen my work alongside so many filmmakers whose works I admire. The event was well organized, the venues were accessible and intimate, and the staff and volunteers made me feel welcome and at home. It’s clear the organizers prioritized crafting a filmmaker-forward experience, and I look forward to submitting to future editions of the festival!

    October 2025
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  • An Nguyen

    Amazing festival with incredible curation and such a great community. New/Next truly embodies the indie spirit. I left feeling inspired and can’t wait to come back with a new film.

    October 2025
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  • Joshua Locy

    There are no greater festivals.

    October 2025
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