In its third year, Baltimore Public Media’s New/Next Film Festival (Oct. 2-5), reached new heights, welcoming more than 350 filmmakers—a record for Baltimore, according to co-founder and organizer Eric Allen Hatch—including some local, and some from as far as Cuba and Europe.
Throughout the fest’s four nights, an estimated 3,500 attendees headed to The Charles Theatre for more than 150 screenings. Highlights this year included the first Maryland showing of OBEX, written and directed by Baltimore’s Albert Birney, who premiered his black-and-white fantasy at Sundance. Another big moment: Greektown local-turned-comedic legend Stavros “Stavvy” Halkias hosted a revival of the 1985 Arnold Schwarzenegger film Commando.
But the festivities didn’t stop when the credits rolled. Per tradition, festival-goers stuck around the Station North Arts & Entertainment District for after-parties celebrating all of the featured work. This time around, DJs Amy Reid and Dan Deacon hosted post-show gatherings at Metro Baltimore and Baltimore Improv Group (BIG), respectively.
Photojournalist J.M. Giordano stayed out late with filmmakers and fans as they mingled and recapped their favorite screenings. Below, he captures all of the energy and enthusiasm on his Kentmere 400 and an Olympus Stylus—out of respect for the medium of film, of course.
