From June 8 to 11, at the Art League on 94th street (and possibly a few satellite locations), Ocean City will see…drum roll, pleaseโฆits first ever film festival.
The talented artists and filmmakers that we know to exist on the shore have been sleeping, or hiding, or outsourcing themselves to Baltimore and other cities, for far too long. Ocean City may be an All-American Family Vacation Destination, but thereโs a community of artists of every age and background here, too.
Weโre inviting filmmakers from all around the world to submit their pieces (for free, right here) to the inaugural Ocean City Film Festival, but we also want to emphasize the regionโs local artists who have made films that take place right on the beaches and boardwalks of Delmarva. The festival is artist-oriented, and will feature discussion panels from local and visiting artists (see the tentative schedule of events right here).
While this first annual festival doesnโt have a specific theme, weโre prioritizing diversityโof filmmakers, themes and genresโas well as uniqueness of the films and the messages behind them.
Ocean City Film Festival Categories
Weโre here to create and support a network of artists and film people, from directors to audio technicians to actors, in and around the Ocean City area. While this is our number one priority, thereโs also a slight (slight!) competitive edge to the festival, and several awards will be given on Saturday, June 10, including:
The Verdict โ Judge’s choice
The Inky Tentacle โ Best screenplay
The Celluloid Crab โ Best use of either analog equipment or practical effects
The Pink Flamingo โ Film thatโs most uniquely reflective of Maryland life
The Damn Fine Film โ Audience choice
Still, fostering a community of artists who help artists is more rewarding than any award we could hand out. Even if youโre not ready to submit anything to this yearโs festival, we more than encourage you to come hang out, say hi, see a few films and shake hands with a few directorsโand submit your own film in future!
The festival screenings, of course, arenโt just for filmmakers or aspiring filmmakers, but for anyone who wants to come and see movies from around the world, and maybe even from their own backyard. Passes will be on sale soonโfor updates, weโre on Facebook and on Instagram (@oceancityfilmfest).
Hope to see you soon!
