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Each year the Maryland Film Festival highlights a number of exceptional home-grown filmmakers in a dedicated block. The BALTISHORTS program this year is an excellent cross-section of experimental, narrative, and documentary short films. This year’s program is a look at Baltimore reflecting the pain, angst, and hopefulness as we exit a trying period of change, and look towards a brighter future for the region. These films study urban myth, the pain of love, the anguish of urban life, and a few local legends.


This is the general screening for Balti-Shorts. To attend the one-night-only Opening Night special event on Wednesday, May 19, visit the film page here.


Have an All Access Pass? Unlock your on-demand screening of this film here!


Total Run Time: 62 minutes


This program will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.


Programmed by Festival Programming Associate, Eric Cotten.


Content Considerations: Strong language, harassment, implied violence.

Set in Baltimore, Words for Thomas is a music film and visual letter to Thomas, artist Jurdan Bryant's friend from childhood. The film shows Jordan's internal dialogue after hearing the news of Thomas' suicide. Through vignettes of different moments in his life and a combination of still photography and motion film, the film expresses Jordan's experience of loss and journey to understanding love through the limits of mortality. Although led by Jordan’s personal journey, the film also expresses a larger message about the experience of a community in the grieving process.

  • Year
    2019
  • Runtime
    4 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Alonzo Hellerbach
  • Screenwriter
    Alonzo Hellerbach, Jordan Bryant
  • Producer
    Chris Toumazou
  • Cast
    Craig Kelly, Jade Mitchell, Lynn Hunter, Ryan Brandon White, Janice Wilson, Manita Mitchell, Shelby Macklin, Desean Robinson, Wykeem Franklin
  • Cinematographer
    Mayer Chalom
  • Editor
    Mitch Goldberg & Felix Abeson