Prince George's Film Festival

About The Festival

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) and the Prince George’s Film Office present the inaugural Prince George’s Film Festival (PGFF): Take 1. Hosted in Prince George’s County, Maryland, this inaugural celebration of cinematic arts and culture is presented in partnership with Bowie State University and Experience Prince George’s. The festival is purposed to bolster filmmakers, provide a platform to showcase their films, and network with industry representatives and local creatives. Additionally, the Prince George’s Film Festival will highlight the collaborative partnerships between the academic, social, political, and business communities within the County.

The Prince George’s Film Festival is the premier event for new film works from up-and-coming and established independent filmmakers with diverse voices. PGFF is dedicated to presenting the best of cinema in Prince George’s County and creating transformational experiences for filmmakers, digital creators, and film enthusiasts.

As Prince George’s County becomes an attractive shooting destination for blockbuster films, PGFF aims to provide independent filmmakers the opportunity to participate in the film magic taking place throughout the county. PGFF: Take 1 is a curated space that will feature virtual and onsite film screenings, keynotes, panels, and interactive workshops as well as "Soul in Motion," an afternoon of programming dedicated to creative voices in animation, tech, storytelling, and entrepreneurship hosted by PGFF partner, Bowie State University’s Visual Communication and Digital Media Arts program.

In this first year, PGFF is expanding filmmakers’ toolkits with workshops dedicated to animation, cinematography, and acting, as well as panel discussions and talkbacks, focused on trends and the future of film. PGFF keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking events will take place in-person over a four (4) day schedule at various locations throughout Prince George's County. Films in Competition will be available for screening digitally on-demand in four (4) categories: Narrative Features, Short Films, Documentaries, and Long and Short Form Animation.

Selected filmmakers will have an opportunity to participate in live Q&A’s and press opportunities on-site at the PGFF.

********* Festival Schedule ********

Day 1 | Thursday 9/22:

Virtual Registration All Day

Virtual Screenings All Day All Day

Welcome Reception (National Harbor/MGM) 5:30p - 7:30p

Opening Night Film (National Harbor/MGM) 7:30p - 9:30p

Day 2 | Friday 9/23:

Virtual Registration All Day

Virtual Screenings All Day All Day

Panels (National Harbor/Sunset Room) 10:00a - 7:00p
Future of Filmmaking (Trends in filmmaking) + Q&A
Lights, Camera, and Action (Directing and Producing) +Q&A
The Perfect Eye (Cinematography)+ Q&A
Pen In Hand (Writing for the Visual Arts) + Q&A
Art of the Pitch (How to sell your idea) +Q&A

Networking Event: Meet the Filmmakers Sunset Room) 6:30p - 7:30p

Screening (National Harbor/MGM) (outdoors) 7:30p - 9:30p

Day 3 | Saturday 9/24:

Virtual Registration All Day

Virtual Screenings All Day

Workshops/Panels (Bowie State) 10:00a - 7:00p
Acting Workshop
Current Trends In Animation + Q&A
Animation Screenings
Is It In Writing+ Q&A (Legal and Protection)
What Will I Do With My Film + Q&A (Distribution)
All About the Money + Q&A (Financing your film)

Evening Event (Digital Projection Event) 7:00p - 9:00p
McCormick Drive

Day 4 | Sunday 9/25:

Virtual Screenings All Day
Brunch and A Conversation with… (National Harbor/MGM) 12:00p-2:00p