CALIFORNIA, Md. — Filmmakers across Southern Maryland are reminded that the deadline to submit entries for the 10th annual Southern Maryland Film Festival is fast approaching. Submissions must be received by June 21, 2025, through FilmFreeway.
The festival, set for Aug. 15–16, 2025, at R/C Lexington Exchange Movies 12 in California, Maryland, highlights films created by local talent or featuring strong ties to Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Categories are open for all ages and genres, including short films, documentaries and youth projects from elementary, middle and high school students.
Eligible submissions must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The credited cast or crew of the film must have resided for at least one year in Charles County, St. Mary’s County or Calvert County; or
- The credited cast or crew is currently or has been a student of a school that is located in Charles County, St. Mary’s County or Calvert County; or
- The film was shot at least partly in Charles County, St. Mary’s County or Calvert County; or
- The subject of the film occurs or has occurred primarily in Charles County, St. Mary’s County or Calvert County.
Films not meeting these regional connections may still be considered for exhibition-only status.
All films must be submitted in MP4/H.264 format. Adult filmmakers are required to include a press kit and may also provide a short promotional trailer. Youth filmmakers, those 18 and under at the time of submission, are exempt from the $10 entry fee.
Awards presented at the festival include a Jury Award, an Audience Award and a Youth Award. Finalists will be notified by July 11, 2025.
For more information on rules and to submit your film, visit the Southern Maryland Film Festival page on FilmFreeway.
About the Southern Maryland Film Festival
The Southern Maryland Film Festival was created to support and showcase local filmmaking talent from Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. It is organized by a volunteer steering committee co-chaired by Maria Fleming and Bill Stea, with support from members David Norton, Eric Millham and Jada Davis.
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