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Chesapeake Film Festival Previews 2026 Program -- Three Days of Independent Film, Inspiring Stories, Environmental Cinema, Maryland Perspectives, and Celebrations of Art and Culture
EASTON, MD — August 1, 2026. The Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF) is pleased to announce highlights of its 19th Season, taking place October 8–10, 2026, throughout historic Easton, Maryland. The festival celebrates the power of stories. voices and action, bringing audiences together through extraordinary films, diverse voices, and stories that inspire connection, conversation, and change.
The three-day Festival will present an exciting selection of 47 independent narrative and documentary films from filmmakers near and far, with special programming highlighting the environment, Maryland stories, the arts, and extraordinary individuals whose lives and work inspire audiences. Explore highlights from all three days below. For the full slate of festival films and to secure your Early Bird and VIP tickets visit https://chesapeakefilmfest.ticketspice.com/chesapeake-film-festival-2026
Thursday, October 8 | 5:00 p.m. Ebenezer Theater | 17 S. Washington Street, Easton
OPENING FILM
Dream, Touch, Believe -- Maryland Premiere –The Festival opens with the inspiring story of Native American sculptor Michael Naranjo, who lost his eyesight as a young Vietnam War soldier. Despite his blindness, Naranjo became an internationally acclaimed artist whose sculptures are displayed in museums, the White House, the Vatican, and private collections worldwide. Both the director and subject of the film, Michael Naranjo will be present for the Q & A following this presentation. Documentary Feature | 85 min. | USA. Directed by Jenna Naranjo Winters.
Following the Opening Film there will be a VIP Reception at the historic Ebenezer Theater for all VIP Passholders. VIP Tickets are available at https://chesapeakefilmfest.ticketspice.com/chesapeake-film-festival-2026
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Friday, October 9 | Ebenezer Theater | 17 S. Washington Street, Easton
NARRATIVE FEATURE — COMEDY SPOTLIGHT
Show Business – Maryland Premiere – This American comedy follows a screenwriter who moves from New York City to Los Angeles with his fiancée and quickly discovers that balancing a career in show business and a relationship is easier said than done. Q & A with the director following the film. Narrative Feature | 84 min. | USA Directed by Alexander Tovar.
ENVIRONMENTAL NIGHT — VOICES FOR THE WILD
Frozen Frames: Murphy's Yellowstone – Maryland Premiere -- Photographer Tom Murphy ventures deep into Yellowstone's winter wilderness to document wildlife and advocate for the preservation of the Park's wild places. Environmental Short | 27 min. | USA. Directed by Allison Argo.
Lifeblood: Chesapeake River Stories –– This timely film explores the waterways that shape the Chesapeake Bay and the communities of people who live, work, and play throughout its watershed. Q & A following the film with director Sarah Sampson. Spotlight on Maryland | Environmental Feature | 59 min. | USA. Directed by Sarah Sampson
SPOTLIGHT ON MARYLAND
Friday, October 9 |Talbot County Free Library | 100 W. Dover Street, Easton
Heartbeat Behind the Badge – This powerful documentary follows law enforcement officers, retirees, and surviving family members as they participate in a 300-mile bicycle journey during National Police Week to honor those who have died in the line of duty. Documentary Feature | 95 min. | USA. Directed by Vickie Warehime.
Saturday, October 10 | Ebenezer Theater | 17 S. Washington Street, Easton
FAMILY FILMS – BIG DREAMS AND ADVENTURES
Couture to the Max – At just 9-years-old, fashion prodigy Max Alexander fearlessly fuses his boundless imagination with an unwavering commitment to sustainability, inspiring us to dream boldly and act responsibly. Documentary Short – TRT: 35 min – USA – Directed by Dori Bernstein.
LIVING LEGENDS
Saturday, October 10 | Academy Art Museum | 106 South Street, Easton
Lasting Impressions – This engaging portrait of renowned printmaker Dan Welden explores his creative journey and the enduring importance of art, featuring insights from contemporary artists
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including Eric Fischl and Kiki Smith. Q & A with artist Dan Welden following the screening. Documentary Feature | 59 min. | USA Directed by Carl Welden.
The Chesapeake Film Festival's 19th Season continues the organization's tradition of bringing exceptional independent cinema, filmmakers, and meaningful conversations to the Eastern Shore. Through compelling stories and diverse perspectives, the Festival seeks to entertain, educate, empower, and inspire audiences.
Early Bird and VIP Tickets, additional films, trailers, special guests, events, and complete screening information is available by visiting www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com. Prior to the Festival, enjoy the Free Summer Adventure Film Series hosted at the Talbot Country Free Library in August.
KEY DATES
August - September Early Bird and VIP Tickets to CFF 2026 Available Online
August FREE Summer Adventure Film Series – Talbot County Free Library
Saturday, August 8, 2026 — 2:00 PM Stand by Me (40th Anniversary)
Saturday, August 29, 2026 — 2:00 PM National Treasure (22nd Anniversary)
October 8–10, 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival Location: Easton, Maryland Venues: Ebenezer Theater, Academy Art Museum, and Talbot County Free Library
About the Chesapeake Film Festival
Founded in 2008, the Chesapeake Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film to entertain, educate, empower, and inspire diverse audiences. The Festival presents compelling films and engaging conversations while highlighting stories that explore the environment, women's achievement, social justice, student filmmaking, and the many experiences that connect us as a community and as a world.
CFF programming is brought to you by our generous sponsors Bluepoint Hospitality, the Shared Earth Foundation, Artistic Insights Fund, Maryland State Arts Council, The Nature Conservancy, Talbot Arts, Talbot County Free Library, Shore United Bank, Red Zeppelin Productions, Easton Utilities, Laser Letters, Maxine Millar, and by generous patrons like you. For further information about becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Chesapeake Film Festival or to become an Intern or Volunteer, please email: artisticdirector@chesapeakefilmfestival.com.
Media Contact: Erin Kline, ekline5@gmail.com Chesapeake Film Festival, Marketing & Promotions 2026
