Annapolis Film Festival Returns This Weekend, Bringing 70+ Movies In 11th Year

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Annapolis Film Festival returns to the state capital this weekend.

Now in its 11th year, the event will screen more than 70 films and host panels with industry experts. The festival, hosted by the Annapolis Film Society, runs Thursday through Sunday in seven different venues.

"We're a beautiful town on the water, so our festival comes with a lifestyle," Mayor Gavin Buckley said in a promotional video. "It comes with a walkability that you can go to different venues and walk past restaurants and really, you know, take it all in on foot."

Executive Director Laura Richards said three of last year's films were nominated for Oscars.

"The Annapolis Film festival continues gaining the attention of the film industry as we pursue our goal of becoming an Academy Award qualifying festival," Richards said in this year's program. "Sadly, the pandemic has caused many film festivals, both across the country and here at home, to shutter or take time off to regroup. Fortunately, because of your support, ours is the little festival that could, does, and will continue chugging ahead."

The festival starts Thursday at 7:15 p.m. with a screening of "Chevalier" in Maryland Hall's main theater. Based on a true story, this movie follows the illegitimate son of a French plantation owner and a person who was enslaved. The son reaches new heights as a composer before falling into a love affair.

Other spotlight films include:

"Flamin' Hot"

Directed by Eva Longoria, this movie tells the true story of a Frito Lay janitor who channels his Mexican-American heritage to catapult Flamin' Hot Cheetos into a global snack. (Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Boys & Girls Club Theater)

"The Grotto"

A woman loses her job and her fiancé at the same time, but she inherits half ownership of a struggling nightclub in the California desert. This adventure introduces her to captivating performers and a heartbreaking secret. (Friday at 7 p.m. in Maryland Hall's main theater)

"Two Tickets to Greece"

Teenage best friends from Paris reunite years later to take their dream trip to the Greek islands. (Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Maryland Hall's main theater)

"What's Love Got To Do With It?"

A documentary maker struggles to find love on dating apps, disappointing her mother. (Saturday at 8 p.m. in Maryland Hall's main theater)

Showcases will highlight the Black experience, the Jewish experience, environmentalism and sailing.

There are also seven series of short films with each collection exploring a common topic.

Tickets are $15 for one full-length movie or one collection of shorts. Panels cost $15, and coffee talks are $20.

Admission to the opening night film and afterparty costs $50. Attendees can watch every short film collection for $75. The $25 Best of Fest event on Sunday will award top films and show the favorite movies once more.

$195 buys general admission to every event, while $350 gets you full VIP access. The student pass costs $100, and the industry pass is $150.

More details and tickets are available at annapolisfilmfestival.com.