Year two of the New/Next Film Fest at The Charles Theatre—which began as a placeholder while the Maryland Film Festival was on hiatus in 2023—kicked off with a packed house for a screening of Alexi Wasser’s film Messy, followed by a filmmakers’ party at Metro Gallery on Thursday night. There, directors, stars, film fans, and John Waters hung out until after midnight with New York DJs The Ion Pack. With help from local arts icons James Nasty and Dan Deacon, the weekend’s after parties continued at the Baltimore Improv Group space Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.
Here’s a look at the filmmakers, collaborators, and attendees who celebrated the festival’s return in Station North, captured on film.