Bethesda Film Fest

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Arts & CultureBethesda
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsUnlike a broad multi-genre film festival
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Bethesda Film Fest in Bethesda

The Bethesda Film Fest is a juried short-documentary film competition run by the Bethesda Arts and Entertainment District in Bethesda, Maryland. Held over two nights each April at Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema, it screens five selected short documentaries, each followed by a live discussion with the filmmakers.

The Bethesda Film Fest sits within a cluster of arts programming that the Bethesda Urban Partnership built to give its Arts and Entertainment District a year-round cultural identity, alongside the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, the Bethesda Painting Awards, and the Trawick Prize.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike a broad multi-genre film festival, this event is narrowly focused: five short documentaries, chosen by a jury, screened identically on both nights so audiences can pick either evening

02

The mystery stays covered

Every screening is followed by a moderated discussion with the filmmakers themselves, giving the format an intimacy larger festivals rarely offer

03

The city starts moving

Selected filmmakers in recent years have included alumni of Sundance, Tribeca, and DC/DOX, with past entries covering subjects from a Ukrainian pianist fleeing war to a mentor supporting youth after gun violence

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The consistent format is the tradition itself: the same five juried short documentaries screened on both nights

Water and renewal

Living ritual

each night closing with a live filmmaker discussion rather than a written feedback form

The sacred route

Living ritual

an intentional design that treats audience conversation with the filmmakers as central to the event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Standard indoor movie-theater attire is entirely appropriate; there is no dress code beyond ordinary evening casual wear, since this is a seated cinema screening in April.

Safety

Keep photography restrained at Bethesda Film Fest; give people room and treat community moments as more than scenery.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Bethesda you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.98 N, 77.10 WOpen in Google Maps

Bethesda, MD

Nearest airportDCA — Ronald Reagan Washington National
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Bethesda you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Bethesda via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Bethesda, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for April.Compare faresFestival gearStandard indoor movie-theater attire is entirely appropriate; there is no dress code beyond ordinary evening casual wear, since this is a seated cinema screening in April.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Bethesda Film Fest?

Bethesda Film Fest is listed for Past edition: 4–5 April 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Bethesda Film Fest take place?

The festival is listed in Bethesda, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Bethesda, MD

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbethesda.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked
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