For immediate release:
Contact: Julie Westendorff
jwestendorff@alleganyarts.org
301-777-2787
Allegany Arts Council Announces Juried Filmmakers in Inaugural Mountain Maryland Film Festival
CUMBERLAND—The Allegany Arts Council is once again expanding its support of the arts by establishing the inaugural Mountain Maryland Film Festival, to take place November 8-9, 2024, with most events occurring at local music venue, Loft 129.
Says Julie Westendorff, executive director of the Arts Council, “When the long-running Queen City Film Festival announced it would be taking an indefinite hiatus, we wanted to continue the promotion of filmmaking in our community, recognizing the incredible role film and cinema play in telling the stories of our lives and communities. With such inspiration around us, we want to attract filmmakers not just here for scenic beauty, but to live and work amongst us.”
Taking on the subject of music in this year’s call for submissions, the Arts Council enlisted the support of three local residents who served as jurors for the competition - Griffin Detrick, a filmmaker and member of the Arts Council’s Board of Directors; Ty DeMartino, an award-winning playwright and screenwriter; and Dave Romero, owner of Vibrant Image, who works with individuals, companies and institutions to use film, video, photography and website development to enhance and elevate their work.
Eight total submissions were selected to be screened as part of the Mountain Maryland Film Festival including filmmakers Maria Hite and Jack Glisan of Cumberland; Liv Childs and Desmond Denton of Frostburg; Ethan Romaine; formerly of Frostburg; and films submitted by the Maryland State Arts Council.
The weekend events include screening of a documentary film, Firebird: Built to Burn, which explores how the construction of a wooden phoenix saved a community from economic hardships and worries about its future, and the festival will bring the director and filmmaker involved in this production, Colleen Brady of Little Echo Productions, and Charlie Hudson, to speak about the film and its impact on Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The weekend will also include screenings of cult-classic films American Graffiti and Saturday Night Fever, as well as a shorts block highlighting the juried filmmakers included. Late night events include a film-themed trivia night at Centre Street Collective and a 70’s-themed dance party with DJ Rob Zembower.
Tickets for the event are $25.00 per person and include admission to all activities related to the festival. Free popcorn will be available during the film screenings and a cash bar will be available. Tickets may be purchased at the Allegany Arts Council’s website or by calling 301.777.2787.
The event is being held in partnership with Loft 129.
