Annapolis Film Festival 2017: Dates, Times, Schedule of Events

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Mark your calendars, the Annapolis Film Festival returns this year from March 30 to April 2. Over four days, 70 films will be presented with 100 plus filmmakers across five screening venues, with famed actor turned director Rob Reiner presenting his new movie, LBJ.

The films will cover a variety of topics, such as The Shelter (Panahgah) about a woman curing and supporting wild and domestic animals in the outskirts of Rasht city in Iran; The Islands and the Whales featuring whale hunters of the Faroe Islands; Stronger Than Bullets showcasing the defiant music scene that erupted amidst the 2011 Libyan revolution and many more.

The festival kicks off Friday night, with notable guests like Reiner and actor Jeffrey Donovan in attendance for the opening night movie and the after party. The opening night movie is LBJ, Reiner's film about U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The film captures LBJ's life, from his young days in West Texas to the White House.

Reiner directed LBJ and will hold a Q&A session after the screening, along with screenwriter Joey Hartstone, producers Matthrew George, Tim White, Trevor White and actor Donovan. Reiner previously directed The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally..., Stand By Me and more.

All festival-goers attending opening night should plan to arrive early, as seating is general admission and is on a first-come, first-served basis since the demand for tickets is so high. If you have an All Access Pass, you must arrive no later than 15 minutes before the doors open.

Attendees can purchase a General Pass for $125 that allows: unlimited access to all 70 films and six panels throughout the entire festival, entry into Opening Night, the Opening Night After Party and the Best of the Fest on Sunday.

A Day Pass can be purchased for $50 that allows entry into as many films as you can see in one day. If you plan on going to more than 4 films or panels in a 12 hour period, you will save money with this pass.

If you wish to only see select films, you can purchase individual tickets to films for $12.50. You can purchase tickets here.

While going from film to film, festival planners recommend allowing ample time to get to each venue. They recommend arriving at least 20 minutes before each film begins.

Most venues are walking-distance from one another, but there will also be two complimentary Annapolis Circulator trolleys that will travel between all five screening locations from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Check out the total schedule of films here.

The after party will take place from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday night at the Annapolis Boys & Girls Club and will feature an inspiring tribute to Civil Rights leaders. More activities throughout the weekend include tech talks, panel discussions and special showcases.

Photo: Annapolis Film Festival Instagram