On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who supported and made the 4th Annual Ocean City Film Festival a huge success. This year’s festival welcomed a diverse group of 74 filmmakers, who allowed us to share 100 compelling films to more than 1,000 attendees.
The festival showcased industry professionals as well as university students, young filmmakers, and local talent, and gave them opportunities to network with others who share their passion.
While the event is only in its fourth year, the overwhelming response will ensure its growth in the future.
The highlight of the festival for many was the premiere of “Reggie’s Forest” by filmmaker Dave Messick of Unscene Productions that chronicled the life of A. Reggie Mariner II and Mariner’s Country Down, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share this story with the community.
We are grateful to all of the venues that screened the films for their hospitality: Flagship Cinemas, Clarion Resort, Fox Gold Coast Theater, The Carousel Hotel, and Seacrets.
The weekend began with a red carpet reception at the Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, continued with First Friday at the Ocean City Center for the Arts and a happy hour at the Aloft Hotel, and culminated with an award ceremony and reception at Seacrets Morley Hall.
Thank you, as well, to our additional supporting sponsors: The Town of Ocean City, Peter Glenville Foundation, The Maryland Film Office, BB&T, Fager’s Island, Marlin Moon/Harrison Group, Ocean City HMRA, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Preston Automotive Group, Princess Royale, Real Hospitality Group, Ruark Group/Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse/Lighthouse Sound Restaurant, Shenanigans, ShoreCraft Beer, Sunsations, Thrashers/Jolly Roger, Ward Museum, and Worcester County Tourism.
Our appreciation also goes out to our valued media partners for helping get the word out: WBOC and WRDE, Coastal Style Magazine, Ocean City Today, Maryland Coast Dispatch, Delmarva Public Radio, Ocean 98.1, and Clear Channel.
We are grateful to Jack Gerbes of the Maryland Film Office who led a filmmaker panel discussion, and Ken Skrzesz, executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council, who brought greetings from the State of Maryland to the awards ceremony.
Our sincere gratitude to our film festival committee who worked endlessly to coordinate the event and the volunteers who gave of their time to staff the screening locations.
Finally, to our audiences who laughed, shed a tear, asked insightful questions, and enthusiastically applauded, we appreciate you choosing to spend your time with us.
Mark your calendars for the 5th annual festival in March 2021.
Rina Thaler
executive director, Art League of Ocean City
William Strang-Moya
Ocean City Film Festival director
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