MARYLAND FILM FESTIVAL 2001
A CONTINUING TRADITION OF UNCOMMON EXPOSURES

Baltimore, Maryland - At a press conference held today at the Charles Theatre, plans for the Maryland Film Festival 2001, being held May 3rd-6th, were announced by Festival Director Jed Dietz.

Two years ago, the Maryland Film Festival stormed onto the film scene, leaving its attendees astounded by what they had experienced. Since then, the Festival has gained a reputation for being one of the most unique, exciting and important film festivals on the East Coast. This year, the Maryland Film Festival 2001 will further that tradition.

"Once again we will screen well over 100 movies during the Festival weekend," said Dietz, as he unveiled the 2001 poster art, the newest in a series of award-winning designs. "This will be one of the largest gatherings of filmmakers on the East Coast. These films come from all over the world. We have found them at great festivals - Sundance, Slamdance, Rotterdam, San Francisco - and through our film contacts, Advisory Board and our Filmmakers Council. Each screening is unique because every film will be hosted by filmmakers and other Special Guests. For anyone interested in the world of movies, this is a unique opportunity."

One of the emerging missions of the Maryland Film Festival is to advocate for its films. Dietz pointed out several films from last year's Festival that have had recent success. Currently in release at the Charles Theatre is Henry Bromell's "Panic" and as a result of the Maryland Film Festival, is doing well in release in several major markets. Other examples cited by Dietz were "The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me", which World-Premiered at the Maryland Film Festival 2000 and "Spring Forward", both of which are getting enthusiastic critical response in major markets. One of the recent Academy-Award nominated documentary films, "A Long Night's Journey into Day," played at last year's Festival and "Deere John", a short film that World-Premiered at last year's Festival has now become a hit on the festival circuit, most recently at Taos and South By Southwest.

Dietz introduced filmmakers Chris Hegedus and Jehane Nouhaim and producer DA Pennebaker, whose film "startup.com" will be shown both at the Festival in May and tonight at a special invitation-only, preview screening for The Rouse Company, a major Maryland Film Festival sponsor. This very special showing of this extraordinary and timely new documentary will be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers, just as it will be presented during the Festival.

Various members of the Advisory panel announced program highlights, a list of films being shown can be found here. Additional films will be listed on the website as they are added, including the opening night film. Please check the website frequently, as it will be updated regularly.

One of the most popular programs at the Festival is the unique Guest Host Program. Each year, notable people who are not in the film industry, are invited to host a screening of a film that has meant a great deal to them. Last year, highlights included screenings hosted by Orioles' pitcher Scott Erickson, legendary Fund Manager Bill Miller and Artist Joyce Scott. At today's press conference, Kelly Ripken spoke on behalf of the Festival's Guest Host Program, announcing some of this year's highlights, including the following: NPR's Scott Simon will be hosting a screening of a very rare print of Stanley Kubrick's great satire "Dr. Strangelove" and world-famous architect Richard Gluckman (Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh) will host a film whose title will be announced at a later date. Additionally, John Waters will also continue his tradition of hosting one of his favorite movies; this year the movie will be "Baxter," a French film about a dog that becomes a serial killer.

Dietz concluded the press conference with a brief description of Festival parties and filmmakers events. Opening night will be on May 3rd with a screening at the Senator Theatre (film TBA) and an after-party at the Evergreen House. Pat DiNizio, formerly of the Smithereens and the star of the World Premiere Festival film "Mr. Smithereen Goes to Washington," will perform at the Filmmakers' Party on Friday night at the Charles Palace. Closing night will be on May 6th with a screening (at a venue TBA), followed by a party at the National Aquarium. A new martini, the Blue Diamond, which has been created for the Maryland Film Festival by Brilliant Vodka, will be served free of charge at all parties.