Breaking: New/Next Film Festival Announces Fourth Edition In Baltimore, Open For Entries
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Baltimore—The New/Next Film Festival, presented by Baltimore Public Media, confirms its return for a fourth edition this fall. The event is scheduled for Oct. 1–4, 2026, at Baltimore’s historic Charles Theater, a five-screen venue renowned for bold premieres and candid conversations.
Entries are now being accepted via FilmFreeway, the festival’s official submissions partner. In parallel, organizers have launched a home-viewing archive to catalog every film screened in the festival’s history and to show how audiences can access titles via video on demand, streaming, or physical media.
as its debut in 2023, New/Next has positioned itself as a compelling platform for rising cinematic voices. The 2025 edition featured more than 100 short films and 30 features, including the world premieres of Mechi Lakatos & Lucy Sandler’s alt-comedy Danny Is My Boyfriend; Daniel Christian’s Possum Town; and Micah Van Hove’s Herzogian narrative Snake Oil Song; as well as the U.S. premiere of Tucker Bennett’s In the Glow of Darkness.
Why New/next Matters For Autonomous Film
The festival has grown into an essential stop for filmmakers seeking visibility beyond traditional venues. Its emphasis on new voices, combined with a robust screening slate and a public-facing archive, helps audiences discover innovative work and provides a durable record of contemporary cinema trends.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | Fourth |
| Dates | Oct. 1–4, 2026 |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland — Charles Theatre (historic five-screen venue) |
| Entries | Open via FilmFreeway |
| Archive | New/Next home-viewing archive launched; tracks screenings and access |
| Notable 2025 Titles | Danny Is My boyfriend; Possum Town; Snake Oil Song; In the Glow of Darkness (U.S.premiere) |
Looking ahead, filmmakers and cinephiles can expect continued emphasis on cinematic experimentation, a mix of short and feature-length works, and opportunities to engage with creators through post-screening conversations and public discussions.
Two reader questions: which emerging voices are you hoping to see featured this year? Will you attend in person or participate through the festival’s viewing archive?
Share your thoughts below and tell us what titles you’re most excited to discover at New/Next.
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New/Next Film Festival Returns Oct 1‑4 2026
Key Dates & Submission Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Call for Submissions Opens | Jan 15 2026 | Register on the festival portal and upload materials. |
| Early‑Bird Deadline (15% discount) | Mar 31 2026 | Submit entry form, film file, and supporting documents. |
| Regular Deadline | Jun 30 2026 | Final chance to enter without the early‑bird fee. |
| Late‑Entry Window (Special Category) | Aug 15 2026 | Applies to “Emerging Voices” and “Experimental” sections only. |
| Notification of Selection | Sep 10 2026 | Winners and nominees receive screen‑time schedules. |
| Festival Dates | Oct 1‑4 2026 | In‑person screenings, panels, and awards ceremony. |
| Home‑Viewing archive Launch | Oct 5 2026 | Unlimited streaming access for members. |
Submission categories & Eligibility
- Feature Narrative (≥70 min) – Open to worldwide autonomous filmmakers; must not have had a commercial theatrical run.
- Documentary (≥60 min) – Focus on social justice, environmental, or cultural topics.
- Short Film (≤30 min) – Includes live‑action, animation, and hybrid formats.
- Emerging Voices (≤20 min) – First‑time directors or student projects; priority for the late‑entry window.
- Experimental & Avant‑Garde – No runtime restriction; emphasizes innovation in form and technique.
All submissions must be in 4K (UHD) or 1080p, DCP or ProRes format, with English subtitles when needed.
How to Submit: Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Create an Account – Visit the official New/Next Film Festival portal and verify your email.
- Select Category – Choose the appropriate competition and enter film details (title, synopsis, runtime, cast/crew).
- Upload Materials – Provide the master file, a 2‑minute trailer, and a PDF press kit (bio, poster, production notes).
- Pay the Fee – Early‑bird: $45 (U.S.) / £40 (UK); Regular: $60 / £55; Late‑entry: $80 / £75.
- Confirm & Track – Receive a confirmation number; use it to monitor review status in the dashboard.
New Home‑Viewing Archive: What Filmmakers & Audiences Gain
- Unlimited Streaming – 24/7 access to all 2026 selections, plus an expanded back‑catalog of 2021‑2025 titles.
- Revenue Share Model – Filmmakers earn 40% of subscription revenue per view, reported quarterly.
- Curated playlists – Themed collections (e.g., “Women in Film,” “Eco‑Documentaries”) boost discoverability.
- Interactive Q&A – Live chat sessions with creators scheduled weekly; archived for on‑demand replay.
- Data Dashboard – real‑time analytics on view counts, geographic reach, and audience engagement.
Awards & Prizes (2026)
- Grand Jury Award – Feature – $10,000 cash prize + post‑production grant.
- Best Documentary – $7,500 + distribution consultation.
- Short Film Jury Prize – $5,000 + festival tour package.
- Emerging Voices – Audience Choice – $3,000 + mentorship with established director.
- Experimental Film Innovation Award – $4,000 + tech‑equipment sponsorship.
Benefits of Participating in New/Next 2026
- Industry Exposure – Over 2,000 attendees, including distributors, agents, and streaming platforms.
- Networking Opportunities – Daily “Filmmaker Mixer” events, panel discussions with Academy‑qualified jurors, and a dedicated Slack community.
- Press Coverage – Partnered media outlets (IndieWire, Film Daily, The Hollywood Reporter) feature festival highlights and filmmaker interviews.
- Educational Workshops – Topics range from “Financing Independent Films” to “AI‑Driven Post‑Production.”
Practical Tips for a Strong Submission
- Polish Your Synopsis – Keep it under 150 words; highlight the central conflict and visual style.
- Optimize Technical Specs – Encode with a high bitrate (≥50 Mbps) and ensure correct color space (Rec. 709).
- Leverage Social media – Launch a teaser campaign 30 days before the deadline; use #NextFilm2026 and tag @NewNextFilm.
- Secure Rights – Confirm all music, archival footage, and location releases are cleared before upload.
- Submit Early – Early‑bird reviewers receive priority consideration for programming slots.
Real‑World Example: 2025 “Silent Horizons” Success Story
- Film: 28‑minute experimental short exploring urban isolation through kinetic typography.
- Outcome: Won the Experimental Innovation Award, screened on the home‑viewing archive, and generated 12,000+ streams in the first month.
- Takeaway: Creative risk paired with a strong pitch can translate into both festival accolades and audience traction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I submit a film that premiered at another festival in 2025?
A: Yes,provided it did not have a commercial theatrical run or a streaming release on a major platform.
- Q: Are there travel grants for international filmmakers?
A: The festival offers up to $2,000 in travel stipends for selected entrants from under‑represented regions.
- Q: How long will my film remain in the home‑viewing archive?
A: Each title stays accessible for 24 months after the archive launch, unless the filmmaker opts for earlier removal.
- Q: Is there a limit to the number of entries per filmmaker?
A: One entry per category is allowed; however, a filmmaker may submit in multiple categories if the works are distinct.
Next Steps for Interested Filmmakers
- Bookmark the submission portal and set calendar reminders for each deadline.
- Prepare a concise press kit and verify subtitle accuracy.
- Join the festival’s official Discord server for real‑time updates and peer feedback.
- review the 2025 award winners on the archive to gauge programming trends.
Stay tuned for live updates on the New/Next Film Festival’s social channels and make sure your 2026 entry stands out!
