City of Gaithersburg announced its inaugural film festival, a celebration of storytelling that illustrates the community’s “rich diversity,” set to launch on Friday at the Arts Barn.
Audiences get to view a lineup of short films, feature presentations, filmmaker panels and discussions from April 25 to 27, according to the city of Gaithersburg’s website.
“Recognized as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Gaithersburg offers the perfect backdrop for a festival that showcases a wide array of cultures, identities and perspectives through the power of film,” the website reads.
April 25
The festival begins with an opening night reception on April 25, followed by a screening of the short film “Collage” and the feature film “Paper Marriage.”
In “Collage,” directed by Màrius Conrotto, two museum employees speculate whether two visitors are flirting. The film explores love and the scientific cues in human behavior that indicate flirtation.
“Paper Marriage” is a 2024 comedy drama that follows Fanny, a Chinese immigrant facing deportation, who enters a marriage of convenience with Jeff, an unemployed stranger.
Jeff Man, the writer and director of “Paper Marriage,” was raised by an immigrant family in Maryland, according to a Facebook post by Asian CineVision.
April 26
The festival’s second day offers a collection of short films, including “The Burger,” “Amen Break” and “Memory Project.”
The short films shown on April 26 showcase the work of filmmakers not only from the Washington, D.C, area but also from across the U.S., Canada, Germany, Morocco, the Netherlands and Spain.
“The Burger,” about a toy collector whose life changes forever after picking up takeout for his girlfriend, is written and directed by Nathan R. Smith from D.C. Smith’s first short film, “The Burger,” recently had its world premiere at Beyond Fest 2024 in Los Angeles, according to The Baltimore Sun.
“Amen Break,” directed by Richmond-based Kenneth Lartey, details a crew of fixers working behind the scenes at a trendy New York City restaurant after a deal gone awry.
Timothy Parsons’ “Memory Project” reveals “disturbing truths buried deep within human nature” through volunteers participating in a 1962 Yale University experiment. “Memory Project” won best narrative short award at the 2025 DC Independent Film Festival and best in show at the 2025 Awesome Con Short Film Fest.
After the afternoon screenings, learn about the creative process through an interactive panel discussion with the filmmakers.
Short film “Waiting for Galdot,” filmed in Gaithersburg, is among the evening’s showings. The 10-minute film takes place at an end-of-year Chinese dinner during which seven employees discover that their fortune cookies are controlling their fates.
While some of these shorts are lighthearted and funny, others are thought-provoking, delving into heavier topics such as identity, grief, miscarriage and a school shooting.
Ask questions in an interactive Q&A with the filmmakers and time for networking after the evening film screenings.
April 27
The final day of the festival features a short film and a feature film about two different forms of media, followed by a wine, cheese and dessert reception.
“Still Running: The Egan Del Story” is an 11-minute documentary exploring a camera store owner’s passion for photography and his ability to connect with people from behind the lens. Egan Del owns one of the country’s last remaining film photography shops.
“Feast Your Ears: The Story of WHFS 102.3 FM” is a feature-length documentary taking viewers back to the 1960s through 1980s, the so-called “golden era of ‘free form’ progressive FM radio.” WHFS broadcasted from Bethesda’s Triangle Towers and was considered a cultural landmark for many locals.
Through interviews with musicians, deejays, record label insiders, historians and fans, “Feast Your Ears” reflects on a bygone era when radio united Americans.
The film festival is recommended for adult audiences.
Buy tickets for Friday, Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening and/or Sunday in person at the Arts Barn box office or by contacting the Arts Barn. Admission is $32 for Friday and for Sunday, and $22 for each Saturday session. Online ticket sales end two hours before the first film screening.
