Events will be held at venues across the resort from March 7th to 10th.
Of the 105 independent films shown at the 2024 Ocean City Film Festival next week, 46 were made in Maryland by Maryland directors.
The film will be screened during the festival's eighth edition, which runs from March 7th to 10th, and will be screened at various venues in Ocean City.
“We are very excited and pleased that the more than 40 films that will be screened at this year's OC Film Fest are from Maryland filmmakers,” said Jack Garbs of the Maryland Film Office. the director said in a news release. “We encourage movie fans in the region to come see the next wave of Maryland talent tell their stories on the big screen.”
The film festival is organized annually by the nonprofit Art League of Ocean City. Movies are not rated and some movies contain adult content. Viewer discretion is advised.
Below is a list of 46 movies made in Maryland, along with their origin, director, and a brief synopsis. Showtimes, ticket sales and other information are available online.
“Get on the bus!”
A feature film by Galena native Justinian Matthew Dispenza about the James Taylor Justice Coalition of Chestertown.
“Mark and Mandy”
A six-minute short story about a great first date by Frederick's Jacob Costrow.
“sugar”
A seven-minute short film by Baltimore residents Nathan Shinholt and Adam Willem about competitive lemonade salesmen.
“Up and down”
An 8-minute short story by Matt Barry of Baltimore. Slapstick comedy.
“Do you believe me?”
A six-minute short by Severn resident Ronald James, it depicts virtual strangers embarking on a date.
“Janna”
A 51-minute film by Maryland native Brooke Linsalata about a young Italian-American tomboy.
Poster courtesy of Art League of Ocean City
“tying a knot”
A two-minute short film by Berlin-based Ryan Wilton Zlatniski about a string of characters who are overwhelmed by the tedium of their lives.
“Jesse”
A 19-minute film from Baltimore's Zach Lachkin about a teenager's tensions with his mother.
“From pain to passion”
A 21-minute film by Severn resident Brandi Hall about University of Maryland lineman Jordan McNair and his death from heatstroke at age 19.
“Shark Week”
A 6-minute short story by Valley Lee's Adria Brunson. It's about a confident high school student, periods, and an important math quiz.
“The echo we see”
A 10-minute short story by Halethorpe's Andres Mejia about school lockdowns and safety concerns.
“The Last Epic Ride”
An 11-minute short by Woodbine's Rick Kain, it tells the story of a terminally ill man's final motorcycle ride.
“what did you say?”
A seven-minute short film by Johns Hopkins medical student Oscar Lee that follows two people and their hearing health journeys.
Poster courtesy of Art League of Ocean City
“Squall”
A 15-minute film by Emi Shockley of Ocean City. The film depicts the journey of an addict to reunite with her younger brother.
“Familiar”
An 18-minute film about a groundskeeper and a mysterious cat from Upperco's Rebecca Mlinek.
“Midnight Oil”
A nine-minute short film by Salisbury resident Trevor Taylor about a detective hunting down a mysterious murderer.
“Ray of Sunshine”
A 31-minute film from Owing Mills' Tyler Jennings and John Kemmerer about abused and fed up children.
“red yellow blue”
A 19-minute film by Baltimore native Julia E. Cook. It depicts a young girl possessed by her own demons.
Poster courtesy of Art League of Ocean City
“Art Center”
A 50-minute film by Ocean City's BL Strang-Moya about the founding and history of the Art League of Ocean City.
“Homecoming”
This 10-minute short story by Baltimore resident Alban Obici is about a high school teacher rushing home to make dinner for his wife.
“I don’t know what I look like.”
An 18-minute film by Severna Park's Rachel Lotricher, it depicts the exploration of an artist's mind.
“Mama's Kiss”
A 10-minute short story about a mother, daughter, and their love of cooking by Hagerstown resident Jimmy Dominique Anthony.
“Aloha”
A four-minute short music video by Baltimore resident Eli Michael Copperman about bad bagel service.
“Music from a dream”
A 10-minute short by Upper Marlboro's Jyoshika Kier, it tells the story of a struggling musician finding his true voice.
“Baltimore Screen Painting Folklore Apprentice”
A five-minute short piece about Baltimore screen painter John Iampieri of Wicomico County produced by Baltimore's Wide Angle Youth Media for the Maryland Arts Council.
“Cultural Heritage Award: Waterfowl Festival”
A four-minute short produced by Baltimore's Wide Angle Youth Media for the Maryland Arts Council about the Talbot County Waterfowl Festival.
“HBCU fashion is everything!”
Bridget Clinton Scott's 34-minute film about a college student studying fashion at a historically black college in Maryland.
“Roots: Nurturing the Nature of Maryland”
A 27-minute film by Bishopville residents Fiona O'Brien, Sebrena Williamson, and Zoe Coulombis that explores Maryland through dance.
“Intrusive”
An eight-minute short story by Baltimore resident Jacob Greene about facing anxiety while preparing for a date.
“My own”
A 13-minute film about an LGBTQ speed dating event by Westminster resident Jack Calvin Girod.
“Father's Day: The Kirk Franklin Story”
A 35-minute film about Berlin resident Josh Chamberlain's quest to find his real biological father.
“Codachrome (W) wrapper”
A 24-minute film by Hannover resident Willie Conley. This work depicts the bond between a hearing-impaired mother and her hearing son.
“Women have to fight too”
A 26-minute film by Upper Marlboro resident Karen Turner. We are showing valuable historical footage taken by North Vietnamese combat photographers.
“Swamp Creatures”
A 10-minute short film by Salisbury couple David and Tara Gladden about bringing kitchen magnets to life in a fight for the soul of America.
“Stupid grudge”
A three-minute short story by Annapolis native Thayer Alexander Baca. The film is about two of her friends who argue as they co-produce their final film.
Poster courtesy of Art League of Ocean City
“10 Films from the 2023 Ocean City Film Challenge”
10 short films produced locally or by Ocean City locals, totaling 103 minutes. Director: Jackson Dutton, Brian Kozak, Fiona O'Brien, Will Rothermell, Davis Mears, Joe Joyce, Brian Fuchs, Erin Welch, Holden Connor, Marlon Wallace, Mya Stokes, Christian Walters .
“Look inward”
Black History and Art – A 30-minute film about the Kent Cultural Alliance by Justinian Matthew Dispenza of Galena.
For more information, including a complete list of all 105 movies and links to purchase tickets, visit us online or call 410-524-9433.
This article will appear in the March 1, 2024 print edition of OC Today-Dispatch.
