Annapolis Film Festival 2025 Launches “A New World” Shorts Challenge Theme

The Annapolis Film Festival proudly announces the 2025 Shorts Challenge theme: A New World. This exciting
competition invites filmmakers to pitch short film concepts (narrative or documentary) exploring innovative storytelling
that captures the essence of navigating, coping, and creating in our evolving world. What does A New World mean to
you?

This year, we find ourselves navigating a changing world. There are too many reasons to name them all, but our
world is shifting in ways that challenge how we live, connect, and grow.

Storytelling is key to understanding and navigating these circumstances. We’re calling on filmmakers to pitch their
ideas for short films (Narrative or Documentary) that capture the essence of A New World.

Show us your vision of what A New World means to you—how we will navigate, cope, create, evolve, or even
embrace A New World? The future is ours to shape—what story will you tell?

Five lucky finalists will present live pitches in front of industry judges and a live audience at the 13th annual Annapolis
Film Festival, competing for an incredible prize package that includes camera, lighting, and post-production support.
The winning film will premiere at the 2026 Festival, showcasing cutting-edge talent.

The Shorts Challenge also highlights the incredible technical resources available in Maryland, with sponsors such as
Red Star Pictures, Henninger Media, Studio Unknown, and Serious Grip and Electric contributing nearly $30,000 in
in-kind services for the prize package. Supported by the Maryland Film Office, this competition underscores the
state’s commitment to fostering innovative filmmaking and showcasing the best of its industry resources and
infrastructure and tax incentives that encourage production in Maryland.

“Seeing independent filmmaking continue to grow in Maryland is really inspiring. It’s exciting for us that Red Star gets
to support the creative community here,” says Jon Klein, Marketing Director for Red Star Pictures, a national camera
and film gear rental house.
“Submissions are open now open,” according to longtime Director of Programming, Derek Horne.

With a deadline of February 14, 2025, each finalist will receive airfare, hotel accommodations, industry passes, and laurels.
Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision of A New World to life! Unleash your creativity and redefine the future
of storytelling.
Submit to: Submit now to [email protected]

The Annapolis Film Festival is a vibrant platform for the best independent and new release films that recognizes
emerging and established filmmakers, fostering connection, innovation, and bold storytelling. Join us March 27-30,
2025, for a world-class celebration of cinema.

Website: www.annapolisfilmfestival.org

Social Media: @annapolisfilmfestival, @annapolisfilmfest, @annapolisff