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Columbia Maryland Film Festival


  • Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center 5020 Campus Drive Columbia, MD, 21044 United States (map)

Columbia Maryland Film Festival

The Columbia Maryland Film Festival introduces Howard County and Maryland audiences to the very best in world, national, and local cinema, and is dedicated to inspiring and reflecting the diverse community it serves. This season we have over 45+ fantastic films with dynamic variety. That's 1,285 minutes of movies or almost 22 HOURS of creative magic!

Visit the website to learn more about the two ways to enjoy the films, in person and at home!

With a proud mission of reflecting the cultural diversity of our community, this year’s festival presents an inspired blend of locally made Maryland films, powerful international works, feature films, documentaries, and bold new voices. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or a casual viewer, the Columbia Maryland Film Festival offers a front-row seat to stories that entertain, inspire, and connect.

“We don’t just program great films — we present a cinematic reflection of who we are as a community,” says Festival Executive Producer Robert Neal Marshall. “Our commitment to showcasing Maryland filmmakers alongside national and international talent speaks directly to our region’s creative depth and global curiosity.”

Highlights of the 2025 Festival Include:

  • A curated selection of 45+ films, including local, international, and U.S. features, award-winning shorts, and emotionally charged documentaries — all available to stream virtually from Sept. 8–15 for flexible access across the region.

  • 30+ Live, In-Person Screenings from September 9–14, featuring powerful feature films, shorts packages, and documentaries shown at two local venues — Horowitz Center and the Maryland Innovation Center — with themes ranging from drama and comedy to LGBTQ+, music, and international stories

  • Maryland Filmmaker Shorts & Closing Celebration on Sunday, Sept. 14, spotlighting the vibrant work of filmmakers from Columbia, Howard County, and across the state — followed by an in-person filmmaker Q&A and community reception.

  • A lighthearted retro-cult centerpiece screening of Making Megaforce, hailed as "Perhaps one of the worst movies of the 1980s" — featuring a special in-person appearance and Q&A with composer James T. Sale, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at this unique fan-favorite film.

  • Active partnerships with the Maryland Film Office, Howard County Economic Development Authority, the Maryland Innovation Center, and Howard Community College, reinforcing a shared commitment to cultural storytelling and community access.

Tickets & Passes

Now available at: https://colmdfilmfest.eventive.org/welcome

Individual VIRTUAL Tickets:

 • Short Films – $8 Feature Films – $16

LIVE In-Person Screening Tickets:

 • Feature Films & Multi-Film Packages – $14–$16

 • Maryland Shorts Filmmaker Celebration & Reception – $25

 ALL-FESTIVAL DISCOUNT PASS – $65 Includes:

 • Unlimited access to all VIRTUAL and LIVE films

 • Admission to the Maryland Shorts Filmmaker Celebration & Reception (a $25 value) Limited seating available – early purchase is strongly recommended.

About the Columbia Maryland Film Festival

The Columbia Maryland Film Festival, now in its 7th Season, is dedicated to bringing the finest in global, national, and local cinema to Howard County. We strive to inspire and engage our diverse community through a shared love of film, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cinematic arts.

The Film Festival continues to grow as a regional cultural force — engaging audiences across Howard County, Maryland and beyond. With a hybrid format and an inclusive approach to storytelling, the festival reaches a broad and diverse audience while staying rooted in the heart of Maryland.

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Women’s Business Summit in Columbia MD – Within Her Circle 2025

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