One of the East Coast’s foremost film festivals will be back in Annapolis this March, and passes are now on sale.
The Annapolis Film Festival is returning for its 13th year on March 27-30, 2025, presented by the Brian and Patricia Giese Foundation. Film industry insiders curate the very best work being produced, from feature-length narratives and documentaries to short films, bringing them right to the Bay region. Several short films screened in Annapolis have gone on to be nominated for Oscars. The festival draws known actors and directors, and in the past guests have included Rob Reiner, Edie Falco, Jennifer Esposito, Joanne Froggett, and many others. They also offer valuable opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
The Annapolis Film Festival is one of the largest, most diverse arts events in Maryland’s capital all year, its organizers say. 70+ films are screened over four days, at four locations that are mostly within walking distance of downtown Annapolis (but free buses are also available). Organizers strive to include films that appeal to many groups, including Chesapeake Bay enthusiasts. Some of their “Showcases” include a Sailing Experience hosted by world famous sailor and Annapolitan Gary Jobson, an Environmental Showcase with in-depth panel discussion, and a few military films, as the festival takes place in a Navy town.
Co-founders and Directors Lee Anderson and Patti White, say that the Annapolis Film Festival is a unique experience because of its direct access to filmmakers. There are panels, Q&As, and informal “Coffee Talks” where viewers can come face-to-face with creators.
“It’s not just like going to the movies,” Anderson says. “Actors, directors, and producers are here. We know we have something special. The programming is exemplary.”
The overall theme of this year’s festival is “The New World”. White explains, “In 2025 as we move forward, we’re looking at a world where we have to manage the future now. It’s not just what’s ahead, it’s what we’re coping with now.” She cites climate change, rapidly-changing technology, and a challenging political system. “It’s a cycle of change that doesn’t take a break,” she says. The festival’s goal is to “sew our new world together, and make change a good thing.”
The Annapolis Film Festival team is still hard at work selecting films, but you can buy festival-wide passes now. Individual tickets go on sale in early March. The film festival offers a Festival Pass (blue) ($195, plus discount for Annapolis Film Society members) that includes entry to the Opening Night Film and After Party, unlimited regular-priced Feature Films and Shorts, access to Industry Panels, and the Best of Fest awards show. The Silver Pass ($350, less member discount) includes the Opening Night Film and After Party along with a special pre-reception, unlimited films, priority line access for all films, entry to Coffee Talks with filmmakers, and more. Purchase all passes here.
Anderson and White say the festival draws between 10,000 and 14,000 people over the span of four days.
Chesapeake Bay Magazine is a proud media sponsor of the Annapolis Film Festival.