Ocean City Film Festival

04/02/2026

🎥 Calling All Filmmakers!

The Ocean City Film Challenge invites you to create a short narrative or documentary film (10 minutes or less) shot in or about Ocean City.

All films must include a designated line of dialogue, follow a cinematic storyline, and be completed within the challenge timeframe.

🏆 Win prizes + OCFF recognition
🎬 Premiere your film August 8 with a live Q&A

📅 Registration opens June 1 and closes June 30 (space is limited)
🎥 All deliverables due by July 27

Visit us at ocmdfilmfestival.com for more info!

03/12/2026

The Maryland High School film showcase was a new feature of this years festival. We welcomed students from across the state. Check out their stories here

OCEAN CITY, Md. — At the 10th annual Ocean City Film Festival, the spotlight wasn’t just on professional filmmakers — This year, a special showcase highlights the next generation of storytellers — high school students from across Maryland learning how to lead, collaborate, and bring creative...

03/10/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Ocean City Film Festival!

Best Narrative Short:
"A Guest in My Country"
directed by John Gray
(Coming to America Showcase)

Best Narrative Feature:
"The Haunted Forest"
directed by Keith Boynton

Best Doc Short:
"Not in Service"
directed by David Sebastiao
(World We Know Showcase)

Best Doc Feature:
"The Saffron Robe"
directed by Jane Centofante

Best Student Film:
"The Schools that Fish Live In"
directed by Sydney Sharp

Worcester County Commission for Women Award:
"Sweet Appalachia"
directed by Annie Danzi
(Doc Feature)

Lehman's Writing Award:
"What it felt like"
directed by Jena Burchick
(World We Know Showcase)

Audience Choice:
"Homewood"
directed by William Swan
(Perseverance Showcase)

Audience Choice Honorable Mention:
"The Making of OC Rock & Ride"
directed by Dave Messick
(Unscene Productions Showcase)

Audience Choice Honorable Mention:
"Ahoy!"
directed by Julian Alvarez
(Distant Futures Showcase)

What an amazing 10th season! We will see everyone again March 4-7, 2027. Filmmakers - keep an eye out for an announcement on when entries open for our 11th season 😊

03/10/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Ocean City Film Festival!

Best Narrative Short:
"A Guest in My Country"
directed by John Gray
(Coming to America Showcase)

Best Narrative Feature:
"The Haunted Forest"
directed by Keith Boynton

Best Doc Short:
"Not in Service"
directed by David Sebastiao
(World We Know Showcase)

Best Doc Feature:
"The Saffron Robe"
directed by Jane Centofante

Best Student Film:
"The Schools that Fish Live In"
directed by Sydney Sharp

Worcester County Commission for Women Award:
"Sweet Appalachia"
directed by Annie Danzi
(Doc Feature)

Lehman's Writing Award:
"What it felt like"
directed by Jena Burchik
(World We Know Showcase)

Audience Choice:
"Homewood"
directed by William Swan
(Perseverance Showcase)

Audience Choice Honorable Mention:
"The Making of OC Rock & Ride"
directed by Dave Messick
(Unscene Productions Showcase)

Audience Choice Honorable Mention:
"Ahoy!"
directed by Julian Alvarez
(Distant Futures Showcase)

What an amazing 10th season! We will see everyone again March 4-7, 2027. Filmmakers - keep an eye out for an announcement on when entries open for our 11th season 😊

03/10/2026

🎬 Thank You for an Incredible 10th Ocean City Film Festival!

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 10th season such an amazing celebration of film. We are incredibly grateful to the filmmakers, film lovers, volunteers, staff, generous sponsors, and the Town of Ocean City who came together to support the arts and create such a memorable festival.

Your energy, creativity, and enthusiasm filled every screening, event, and conversation throughout the weekend. It was truly special to celebrate storytelling and independent film with this incredible community.

🏆 Winners from this season will be announced soon, so stay tuned.

We are already looking forward to doing it all again. The Ocean City Film Festival will return for its 11th season March 4–7, 2027!

Thank you for being part of our story. 🎥✨

03/09/2026

Congratulation to Sweet Appalachia Documentary for winning the Women's Commision Award!

03/08/2026

Season 10 was the best yet! Photos from the awards ceremony and closing party at Seacrets

03/08/2026

Don't forget to vote for your favorite films! Help decide this year’s Audience Choice Award winner 🤩

The one film with the most votes will take home the Audience Choice Award. You may select up to five films, so be sure to support the stories that moved you, made you laugh, or kept you on the edge of your seat.

The winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony at Seacrets on Sunday, March 8 at 3 PM.

Cast your vote here: https://form.jotform.com/260355861313151

03/08/2026

Who Will Win? Find Out Today!
Help Us Close Out Season 10 🎬

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Audience Choice
Choose your favorite film or films from the 10th Annual Ocean City Film Festival and help decide this year’s Audience Choice Award winner!

Click Here to Vote: https://form.jotform.com/260355861313151

To vote in the app fill out your profile and verify your registration. Once verified, “Vote for Best of Fest” unlocks in the menu!

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Seacrets Awards & Closing Party
Sunday, March 8 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
49th Street, Bayside

Help us honor outstanding films and creators at our awards ceremony and wrap party! Free buffet and cash bar.

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Food Specials
Pass holders get special pricing at select local restaurants!
Click here to view all specials: https://ocmdfilmfestival.com/hotel-specials-ocmd/

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OCFF Lounges
Relax, network, and connect with fellow film lovers.

Art League of Ocean City
502 94th Street, Bayside
9am-12pm
Sponsored by the Town of OC. Furnishings by Donoway Furniture.

03/07/2026

scenes from this weekend