AFGHAN STORIES - Director Taran Davies along with producer Walied Osman, an Afghan-American, set out to examine how decades of war have affected the Afghan people. From Queens, New York to the frontline in Afghanistan, the pair spend time with various Afghan families, from a member of the royal family who was tortured by the Taliban to a relief worker trying to rebuild Afghanistan one road at a time to a Muslim elder who has dedicated his life to peace and his warrior son who fought against the Soviet Union.

ALMA MATER - Set in the days leading up to the assassination of president John F. Kennedy, the film centers on Harvard professor, Arthur Knight, whose claim to fame is that he was Kennedy’s freshman roommate. Arthur’s career has stalled, and his marriage is crumbling as he is having an affair with another man. The announcement of Kennedy’s death leads to a turning point in the characters’ lives as well as in the history of the nation. Director Hans Canosa will present the film.

AMERICAN EUNUCHS (WHO NEEDS BALLS?) - Each year in the United States hundreds of men choose to be castrated and re-invent their sexual identity for reasons other than sexual reassignment. AMERICAN EUNUCHS asks who are these men, why do they do it, and how do they do it? Documentary filmmakers Franco Sacchi (who will be in attendance) and Gian Claudio Guiducci follow several men leading up to, during, and following castration.

ANNE B. REAL - Described as 8 MILE meets ANNE FRANK, this charming crowd-pleasing film about a young girl using her words as her defense against the trials of life in the inner city has been winning Festival and Audience Awards everywhere it goes. Ja Nice Richardson delivers a debut performance that announces her as one to watch, and she is surrounded by a stellar supporting cast.

L'AUBERGE ESPAGNOLE - From the director of WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY AND featuring AMELIE's Audrey Tuatou, this charming French comedy about a group of European students all living in the same apartment building in Barcelona.

BAADASSSSS CINEMA and BALTIMORE - Isaac Julien's documentary on the blaxploitation genre of the 1970s paired with the North American premiere of BALTIMORE, starring Melvin Van Peebles.

THE BEAT - When Flip's brother is killed in a robbery, his dad gives him the ultimatum of giving up his dream of becoming a rapper to get a "rea" job or being kicked out of the house and living on the street. What follows is a hip-hop fantasy where he lives out both destinies simultaneously.

THE BLACK PIRATE (with DRAGONFLIES, THE BABY CRIES) - Produced by and starring Douglas Fairbanks, this legendary silent film will be screened using a pristine new print and will be accompanied by live music composed for the film and performed by the legendary group Alloy. This premiered at last year's Telluride film festival, and joins a growing list of great silent films the festival has shown with live music especially composed for the movie.

BOOK OF DANNY - Danny is a stoned, disenfranchised, teenager and petty thief who gets sent to live with his father. His father, a not-too-reputable business man, interests Danny in the world of business, with drastic consequences. A coming-of-age tale about father-son relationships and finding one's place in society. Shot in Maryland by New York filmmaker, Adam Yaffe (who will be in attendance).

BROTHER OUTSIDER: THE LIFE OF BAYARD RUSTIN - Though he worked as a crusader for racial justice long before Martin Luther King, Jr. became a national figure, and he advised King on the ways of Gandhian nonviolent protest, Bayard Rustin was shunned by the civil rights movement he helped create because he was gay. As his homosexuality became a liability and a distraction, Rustin was forced to resign from the movement, though he still contributed behind the scenes, organizing the historic March on Washington that produced King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Documentary filmmakers Bennett Singer and Nancy Kates shed light on this important, but often overlooked figure of the Civil Rights movement.

A CERTAIN KIND OF DEATH - What happens to people who die with no next of kin? This unflinching documentary examines how Los Angeles county deals with such cases. Filmmakers, Blue Hadaegh and Grover Babcock, who will present the film, are present for every step of the process from the coroner’s visit to the death scene, to the cremation, to the county’s property auction. Since these are all handled by different departments, the documentary presents a more complete picture of the process than even those who work within it see.

CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON IN 3D - The classic 1954 monster feature in dual projector 3D.

FUNNY HA HA – Marnie is a 23-year-old woman living alone in Boston and struggling to maintain here humor and dignity in the face of the classic navel-gazing challenges of love, work, indulgence, etc. She ping-pongs between several awkward and/or ill-advised boy situations while trying to find her footing. Director Andrew Bujalski’s (who will attend the festival with the film) work has drawn comparison to John Cassavetes and Mike Leigh, and the film earned a spot on indieWIRE’s list of Best Undistributed Films.

GOD AND THE INNER CITY – Public funding of faith-based initiatives is currently a hot button issue. This documentary takes a look at three faith-based programs that range from Gene Rivers’ work in Boston as a Pentecostal minister who rarely mentions God and doesn’t preach during his work to Teen Challenge, a Christian drug rehab program, which preaches spiritual transformation. Director Michael Pack of Chevy Chase, Maryland and recently named the Corporation for Public Broadcasting senior vice president, television programming, will present the film, which will premiere on PBS in June.

HITLER'S HAT/THE QUIET REVOLUTIONARY - HITLER'S HAT is documentary about a Jewish-American G.I. who found a black top hat of Hitler's during a raid of his Munich apartment at the end of World War II. THE QUIET REVOLUTIONARY tells the story of Judge Harold Greene, a refugee from Nazi Germany, made a name for himself for his role in the break-up of the largest monopoly in the world and worked behind the scenes during the Civil Rights movement.

HORNS & HALOS - This multi-award-winning documentary tells the story of Fortunate Son, the sensational first biography of George W. Bush. Despite being #8 on Amazon.com's best-seller list, St. Martin's Press recalled the book in 1999, citing distrust of the author, J. H. Hatfield, based on his own secret criminal past. Within weeks, small, underground, "punk" publisher, Soft Skull Press, announced that it would re-publish the book. HORNS & HALOS follows Hatfield and Soft Skull founder, Sander Hicks, as they endure a year of lawsuits, bad press, and disagreements with their distributor in an effort to get the book back on shelves, culminating with Hicks revealing Hatfield's sources to the press with electrifying consequences. Co-directors Suki Hawley and Michael Galinsky will be attendance.

HOT SKIN IN 3D - A cult 3D sexploitation film from the 1970s is "a sexy re-telling of CASABLANCA, following the behind the scenes antics at a nightclub fronting as a bordello." Features an appearance by the legendary John Holmes.

HUKKLE - A snake slithers out its den, an old man’s hiccups set the beat as we peak in on the inhabitants, human and animal, of a small Hungarian village. Completely wordless, except for a folk song at its conclusion, the sights and sounds create a visual and aural symphony that seems beautiful, but random until they coalesce to reveal the secret hidden behind the idyllic setting. Recently acquired by Shadow Distribution for release in the U.S.

HYPNOTIC - Adapted from local author Madison Smartt Bell's novel, Dr. SLEEP, this film will allow audiences to explore the issues of translating from one media to another, created by the Festival in a session called Writing in 2 Media. A Premiere screening, HYPNOTIC will be the first time Goucher's creative writing teacher Bell will see the movie version of his novel.

I STAND ALONE - Hosted by John Waters, Gaspar Noe's bleak film tells the story of a butcher, who after spending time in jail tries to put his life back together and reunite with the teenage daughter he abandoned. Disturbing and shocking, yet powerful - not a film for the squeamish or weak-hearted.

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER - Governor Robert Ehrlich hosts Jim Sheridan's IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER starring Daniel Day Lewis and Emma Thompson.

IRREVERSIBLE - While this controversial second film from Gaspar Noe (his first, I STAND ALONE is John Waters pick this year) drove people out of theaters at Cannes and Sundance, it tells the story of two horrible crimes backwards in a way that allows the audience to find a kind of redemption in ordinary life. This will be its Baltimore premiere before it runs at the Charles.

KING OF BLUEGRASS - Known for his flamboyant dress, crazed hunting trips, and brash behavior, Jimmy Martin is the rebel figure of bluegrass music. First-time documentary filmmakers George Goehl and Baltimore-native Will Wall (who will both be in attendance) follow Jimmy's day-to-day life, while he recounts his life story and lifelong quest to reach his childhood dream of becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.

MAMA/M.A.M.A. - Director Nonny de la Pena examines the science surrounding Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, the supposed disorder where a mother intentionally harms her child in order to get sympathy for herself from doctors. The stories of three women accused of harming their children in such a manner are presented.

MELVIN GOES TO DINNER - Feature directorial debut from comedian, Bob Odenkirk (HBO's Mr. Show), based on Michael Blieden's critically acclaimed play, "Phyro-Giants". Blieden plays Melvin, a lonely man who lives in his office, spending his time smoking pot, watching porn, and having sex with a girlfriend his family doesn't approve of. When a speed-dial mishap lands Melvin in a dinner with three almost-strangers, he spends an enlightening evening discussing marital infidelity, religion, a guy in heaven wearing a Wizard's jersey, anal fetishes, cigarettes, schizophrenia, ghosts, stewardesses, masturbation, and the depths of kink, depravity, and universal loneliness. Writer & star, Michael Blieden will be in attendance.

MOUNTAIN MEN AND HOLY WARS - Documentary filmmaker Taran Davies sets out to examine the current conflict between Russia and Chechnya by travelling through the troubled Caucasus region that includes Chechnya, Azerbaijan, Dagestan, and Georgia. Davies and his crew shed light on the history of conflict in this region that contains an uneasy mix of Christians and Muslims by presenting the story of legendary 19th Century Muslim Chechen warrior, Iman Shamil, who used guerrilla tactics to fight the Russian Empire, becoming a world-known celebrity. Attitudes towards Shamil today in various parts of the Caucasus illustrate the roots and remnants of a conflict that has been going on for over 100 years.

THE MUDGE BOY - Sundance Film Festival selection and winner of the Maryland Producers Club Filmmakers Fellowship award in 2001, THE MUDGE BOY tells the story of a boy and his father, who must learn to cope and live together after the death of his mother.

ON THE WATERFRONT - Opening Night film, hosted by Barry Levinson. The classic Oscar-winning (8 Oscars to be exact, including Best Picture) film from Elia Kazan, starring Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint.

ONE SMALL STEP: THE STORY OF THE SPACE CHIMPS - Chimpanzees were crucial to the U.S. space program during the space race of the 1960s. In 1961, a three-year-old chimpanzee named Ham rocketed into space, followed ten months later by Enos, a five-year old chimpanzee who soared into orbit paving the way for John Glenn’s historic journey. This documentary chronicles the space chimps’ service to NASA, the Air Force, and the United States and their fates once their service was no longer needed. Directors David Cassidy and Kristin Davy will present the film.

ROBOT STORIES - Four stories about love, death, family. and robots. In "My Robot Baby", a couple must care for a robot baby before adopting a human child; in "The Robot Fixer", a mother tries to connect with her dying son by completing his toy robot collection; in "Machine Love", an office worker android learns that he, too, needs love; and in "Clay" an old sculptor must choose between natural death and digital immortality. Director Greg Pak will be in attendance.

SHELTER DOGS – The debate between “no kill” and euthanasia in animal shelters is explored in this documentary. Sue Sternberg has created Rondout Valley Kennels, an animal shelter in upstate New York, where dogs stay in suites decorated with rugs and chairs. Each dog is carefully assessed and temperment tested, and if a dog shows aggression or mental deterioration while in the shelter, she believes euthanasia is more humane than life in a shelter. Several individual dogs’ cases are followed by director Cynthia Wade, who will present the film at the festival.

SHENANDOAH - Hall of Fame football player and Baltimore Ravens coach Mike Singletary hosts SHENANDOAH starring Jimmy Stewart.

STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN – Closing Night film, hosted by 60 Minutes II correspondent Vicki Mabrey and some of the Funk Brothers.

STATE OF DENIAL - Mandela's successor as President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, embraced the bizarre notion that the HIV virus does not cause AIDS, and this film documents the public health chaos that resulted from that myopia. The filmmaker is a native of South Africa, has a public health background, and will present the film.

STEVIE - Best known as the director of HOOP DREAMS, Steve James was also a "big brother" to a troubled young boy named Stevie. After being away for 10 years, James resumes his connection with Stevie giving us a glimpse into the difficulties Stevie faced growing up in an environment of abuse and neglect while bouncing from foster home to foster home that lead him into trouble with the law. Throughout, James wrestles with his own issues about having left Stevie years earlier.

STONE READER – In 1972, eighteen-year-old Mark Moskowitz bought a novel called “The Stones of Summer” by Dow Mossman, but is unable to get past the first twenty pages. Twenty-five years later he picks it up again, and this time becomes so enthralled with it that he decides to track down the author. He and producer Robert Goodman (who will attend with the film) document the attempt to find the author, who has apparently disappeared.

THIS IS DUCKPIN COUNTRY - A documentary about Baltimore-originated Duckpin Bowling, and the battle to keep alive Southway Lanes, one of the city's beloved duckpin bowling institutions. Filmakers Cliff Hackel, James Mokhiber, Murray Pinczuk, and Rick Young are expected to attend.

TOM – Director Mike Hoolboom takes a non-traditional approach to tell the story of Tom Chomont, a key member of the New York underground, notorious video artist, and AIDS sufferer. Made almost completely from found footage and from Chomont’s own works, Hoolboom creates an experimental documentary that tells the story of a life lived through art.

BLACK MARIA – The touring Black Maria Film Festival makes a return visit to the Maryland Film Festival to present a program of award-winning short films.

COMEDY SHORTS – Everyone could use a good laugh, and these short films are aimed directly at your funny bone.

CROSSROADS – Stay or go? Take action or not? A group of shorts where characters find themselves at a point where they must make a choice.

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS – Documentaries that come in all shapes and sizes.

A FEAST FOR THE SENSES - collection of particularly visually interesting shorts reminiscent of Terry Gilliam, Tim Burton, Jean-Pierre Jeunet…

LOOKING GLASS – A group of short films that tend towards the avant-garde and fantastical end of the spectrum.

MEDITATIONS – A thoughtful collection of films that transport the viewer to a variety of times and places.

ROBERT FLAHERTY FILM SEMINAR – A travelling selection of films from the 48th edition of the week-long seminar celebrating exploration, introspection, and dialogue about the art and craft of the moving image.

PLANES OF REALITY – What is real? These films straddle the border of reality and illusion.

POWER OF THREE – These three shorts present a variety of tones and stories.

SHORT STORIES – A collection of short films with a strong narrative voice.

VENUS RISING – Strong female characters take front and center.

SHORTS SHOWING IN FRONT OF FEATURES:

Dissident - showing with UNPRECEDENTED
Dragonflies, The Baby Cries - showing with THE BLACK PIRATE
Nuclear Strikes: Lane To Waste - showing with SHAG CARPET SUNSET
Only A Turtle - showing with ONE SMALL STEP
Ray4TheNBA - showing with THIS IS DUCKPIN COUNTRY