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 extraordinary story of Native American sculptor Michael Naranjo, who lost his eyesight as a young soldier during the Vietnam War. Despite his blindness, Naranjo developed an extraordinary ability to sculpt through touch and went on to become an internationally acclaimed artist. His work can be found in museums, the White House, the Vatican, and private collections around the world.

Both director Jenna Naranjo Winters and Michael Naranjo will be present for a Q&A following the screening, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the filmmaker and the remarkable artist whose story is at the heart of the film.

Documentary Feature | 85 min. | USA | Directed by Jenna Naranjo Winters

The Opening Night celebration continues with a VIP Reception at the historic Ebenezer Theater immediately following the film, exclusively for VIP Passholders.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

Ebenezer Theater | 17 S. Washington Street, Easton
NARRATIVE FEATURE — COMEDY SPOTLIGHT
Show Business — Maryland Premiere

This lively American comedy follows a screenwriter who leaves New York City for Los Angeles with his fiancée, only to discover that building a career in show business while maintaining a relationship may be more complicated than expected.

A Q&A with director Alexander Tovar will follow the screening.

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 the winter wilderness of Yellowstone National Park to capture the extraordinary wildlife that survives there and advocate for the preservation of the Park’s wild places. The film offers a stunning visual journey into one of America’s most iconic landscapes while reminding audiences of the importance of protecting wild spaces for generations to come.

Environmental Short | 27 min. | USA | Directed by Allison Argo
Lifeblood: Chesapeake River Stories

A powerful celebration of the waterways that define the Chesapeake region, Lifeblood: Chesapeake River Stories explores the rivers and tributaries that shape the Chesapeake Bay and the communities of people who live, work, and play throughout its watershed.

A Q&A with director Sarah Sampson will follow the screening.

Spotlight on Maryland | Environmental Feature | 59 min. | USA | Directed by Sarah Sampson

These highlights represent just the beginning of an extraordinary three days of independent cinema, compelling conversations, environmental storytelling, Maryland perspectives, and celebrations of art and culture.