Festival resumes its mission of celebrating films, storytelling
MAUMEE – The Maumee Film Festival is set to make its grand return to the big screen this weekend following a hiatus during the pandemic.
Organized by the collaborative efforts of the Maumee Indoor Theater, Maumee Uptown Business Association and FilmToledo, the festival promises to bring an exciting showcase of independent films back to the heart of Maumee.
Running from 2015 to 2020, the Maumee Film Festival has been a beacon for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike, highlighting a diverse array of short, not-so-short and feature-length independent films.
After a brief pause, the festival is thrilled to resume its mission of celebrating creativity and storytelling through the art of filmmaking.
“I give Sara Eiden at the Maumee Indoor Theater a ton of credit – she has been working constantly to bring more business to the theater and get the community involved in events,” said Michael DeSanto, FilmToledo executive director.
DeSanto has been involved in the Maumee Film Festival in some capacity since its first year. He’s submitted short films and made award-winning films for the 48-Hour Film Challenge. He’s also been a festival judge, and was on the festival committee in 2020.
He said that “getting involved on a deeper level was an easy choice for me. We’ve been wanting to bring the festival back, as well, so our goals were in perfect alignment.”
With the festival being dormant for so long, DeSanto explained that it was a matter of contacting local filmmakers and businesses, re-engaging the community and sponsors, and building an infrastructure so the festival can be profitable and continue for years.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing back the Maumee Film Festival after the hiatus caused by the pandemic,” said Sara Eiden, supervisor of theater operations at the Maumee Indoor Theater.
“This festival has always been a celebration of independent filmmaking, and we’re excited to provide a platform for filmmakers to share their stories once again,” she said.
One of the most exciting features of this year’s festival is the inclusion of the 48-Hour Film Challenge. Teams will have just 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a short film, incorporating specific elements revealed only at the kickoff event. This challenge promises to test the creativity and agility of participating filmmakers, resulting in an exhilarating showcase of talent.
“For the most part, a film festival showcases the talent of local and regional filmmakers, giving them an opportunity to see their films on the big screen and celebrate their hard work. For moviegoers and cinephiles, it’s a chance to see films they might not see anywhere else and connect up with like-minded people. And the popcorn is always great!” DeSanto exclaimed.
This year’s festival also promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema, creativity and community spirit. Whether you’re a filmmaker, film enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the magic of the silver screen, mark your calendars for the Maumee Film Festival this weekend.
To view the film schedule, click HERE
About Maumee Film Festival
The Maumee Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing independent films from both local and international filmmakers. Since its inception in 2015, the festival has been a platform for emerging talent and a celebration of creativity in the world of cinema.
