The Maryland Film Fest is now accepting submissions for our 28th Annual Festival, April 7-11, 2027. We are seeking excellent moving image work from Baltimore, from Maryland, and from all over the world, in short, feature-length, VR, AR, video game, interactive, and vertical formats.

Repeatedly named one of the "25 Coolest Film Festivals In the World" by MovieMaker Magazine, we're thrilled to be back in 2027! Get ready to screen your film live at the historic Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway Theatre and other select locations in Baltimore, Maryland.

Join hundreds of fellow filmmakers – including alums like Barry Jenkins, Greta Gerwig, Kathryn Bigelow, Stanley Nelson, Josephine Decker, Terence Nance and more – in a unique, accessible, competition-free atmosphere created solely for the love and enjoyment of film.

Rules & Terms

We are seeking excellent and original moving image work, narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, hybrid, episodic, emerging technologies and media-based performance. We are looking for unique stories, in feature, short, and expanded reality formats.

All information should be entered on FilmFreeway. Vimeo links are preferred for preview screeners.

Each submission should be entered separately on FilmFreeway. If you are submitting more than one entry, please complete a separate entry for each submission.

Since submission of a project constitutes acceptance of these Entry Rules & Regulations (by you and your agents), please review all of these items carefully.

FILM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. We require regional premiere status, meaning that ALL submitted projects must not have screened or exhibited publicly in the state of Maryland prior to April 7, 2027.

2. By submitting your work to MdFF, you grant us a nonexclusive license to use an excerpt of your submission of up to two minutes in length, for promotional purposes only, including but not limited to internet and television broadcast.

3. If artificial intelligence (AI) involved in the making of the project, please disclose, in full detail, how it was used within your director's statement or cover letter.

4. In an effort to increase accessibility and draw wider audiences, please be prepared to deliver a version with open (burned-in) English captions for the deaf and hard of hearing.

5. Still photos of your work are requested with your submission and are required for all films selected for the festival. Good stills make a difference in film placement and press coverage, particularly for shorts. Even the shortest short can get press coverage or festival prominence with a captivating still image. Stills should be in JPEG format and hi-resolution (at least 300 dpi).

6. You are also encouraged to enclose a synopsis, production credits, teaser/trailer, poster, past screening info, press clippings, and any other information regarding your film.

Questions regarding submissions may be directed to: Submissions@SNFParkway.org.
51 Reviews
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  • Katrina Binutu

    Thank you for selecting "Rite of Passage" for the Legacies Shorts block. MdFF is a truly special festival, and well worth the trip. Among the many highlights were the genuine sense of connection with audiences and camaraderie among fellow filmmakers. I must also say, "Saving Etting Street" and "When A Witness Recants" were also powerful experiences. Long live theatrical viewing.

    May 2026
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  • Ben Baker-Lee

    KJ, the team, the Baltimore film community and everything about the MdFF is wonderful. The Parkway theatre is incredible and historic, the perfect venue for such a celebration of film. The filmmaker conference was also a highlight. The receptions, the filmmaker lounge, the pitchfest and the many social events are wonderful opportunities to network and learn from each other. The programming is powerful and the presence of true love for film is palpable. Don't miss this one if you can make it.

    April 2026
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  • Paul Kimball

    MdFF is a wonderful festival. From the venue(s) to the staff to the films themselves, the event is masterfully curated. I highly recommend submitting to this festival if you are a filmmaker and attending it if you are a patron of cinema.

    April 2026
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  • philip steiger

    I’lm told negative comments are often deleted but here is my experience, all of my screenings were poorly attended and plagued with technical issues. Several films screened in full without sound in an academic auditorium after a 45 minute delay. Then, at the last minute apology screening on closing night, only five people watched my film presented cropped, in the wrong aspect ratio, and in mono sound. I truly wish I had not applied or flown from LA to attend this festival. Save your money and play New/Next instead, especially they require Baltimore premiere status and playing MDFF disqualifies you. This was truly such a bummer.

    April 2026
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  • Kathy Meng

    Had a blast. Local community was so strong. Loved the energy and events at Baltimore hangouts. Gorgeous Parkway theaters!

    April 2026
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