Give as a gift
This isn't one film — it's a curated lineup of the very BEST from 70,000+ films made across more than 100 cities worldwide, screening together on one night. Alongside standout entries from the international 48 Hour Film Project circuit, we're proudly featuring films made by our own Maryland filmmakers — proof that the same creative energy powering competitions from coast to coast is alive right here at home.
In 2001, creator Mark Ruppert had an idea that seemed almost impossible: challenge filmmakers to write, shoot, and edit an entire short film in just 48 hours. He wasn't running a studio or a national institution — he was a working filmmaker in the D.C. area, hand-delivering flyers to get the word out about what he called "an experiment."
That experiment is now the 48 Hour Film Project — the world's largest and longest-running filmmaking competition. What began blocks from where many of tonight's audience members live and work has grown into a launchpad sending city winners to Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner and to Filmapalooza, its international "best of" showcase.
Individual tickets available or this screening is INLCUDED WITH AN ALL FESTIVAL PASS!
OPTIONAL SPECIAL LIVE EVENT Opening Night, Columbia Maryland Film Festival · Collective Encore · Monday, Sept 7, Doors Open 6PM
Star Guest: Mark Ruppert — From a D.C. Experiment to a Global Filmmaking Phenomenon Click Here For More Information on the Opening Night Event
Separate from this virtual screening available all week, you can also enjoy our Columbia Maryland Film Festival Opening Night Celebrations with our partner Collective ENCORE for this screening, PLUS live interview and Audience Q&A
Join us for an intimate, interactive conversation with Mark himself — from the local idea nobody was sure would work, to a movement now reaching red carpets abroad — live and in person, taking your questions.
Your Night at Collective Encore
Settle in for the screenings, meet Mark Ruppert face-to-face, and stick around for an audience Q&A alongside the local Maryland filmmakers behind tonight's hometown entries. And while the films run the show, Collective Encore's menu and bar are yours to enjoy all evening — think Maryland Crab Chowder, Chesapeake Arancini, a Crab Cake Sandwich on brioche, and craft cocktails like the Kittamaqundi Crush, all available to order right from your seat. (Food & beverage available for purchase directly through Collective Encore, separate from your festival ticket.)
- Year2026
- Runtime60 minutes
- DirectorMultiple
This isn't one film — it's a curated lineup of the very BEST from 70,000+ films made across more than 100 cities worldwide, screening together on one night. Alongside standout entries from the international 48 Hour Film Project circuit, we're proudly featuring films made by our own Maryland filmmakers — proof that the same creative energy powering competitions from coast to coast is alive right here at home.
In 2001, creator Mark Ruppert had an idea that seemed almost impossible: challenge filmmakers to write, shoot, and edit an entire short film in just 48 hours. He wasn't running a studio or a national institution — he was a working filmmaker in the D.C. area, hand-delivering flyers to get the word out about what he called "an experiment."
That experiment is now the 48 Hour Film Project — the world's largest and longest-running filmmaking competition. What began blocks from where many of tonight's audience members live and work has grown into a launchpad sending city winners to Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner and to Filmapalooza, its international "best of" showcase.
Individual tickets available or this screening is INLCUDED WITH AN ALL FESTIVAL PASS!
OPTIONAL SPECIAL LIVE EVENT Opening Night, Columbia Maryland Film Festival · Collective Encore · Monday, Sept 7, Doors Open 6PM
Star Guest: Mark Ruppert — From a D.C. Experiment to a Global Filmmaking Phenomenon Click Here For More Information on the Opening Night Event
Separate from this virtual screening available all week, you can also enjoy our Columbia Maryland Film Festival Opening Night Celebrations with our partner Collective ENCORE for this screening, PLUS live interview and Audience Q&A
Join us for an intimate, interactive conversation with Mark himself — from the local idea nobody was sure would work, to a movement now reaching red carpets abroad — live and in person, taking your questions.
Your Night at Collective Encore
Settle in for the screenings, meet Mark Ruppert face-to-face, and stick around for an audience Q&A alongside the local Maryland filmmakers behind tonight's hometown entries. And while the films run the show, Collective Encore's menu and bar are yours to enjoy all evening — think Maryland Crab Chowder, Chesapeake Arancini, a Crab Cake Sandwich on brioche, and craft cocktails like the Kittamaqundi Crush, all available to order right from your seat. (Food & beverage available for purchase directly through Collective Encore, separate from your festival ticket.)
- Year2026
- Runtime60 minutes
- DirectorMultiple