KJ MohrEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Professional film curator and educator KJ Mohr returns to The Truth In This Art to talk about the Maryland Film Festiva l (MdFF) and Baltimore’s indie film scene at the SNF Parkway! In the conversation we explore the 2025 Maryland Film Festival (MdFF)—what’s new, including the amazing new website and Festival Journeys—what still matters, and how a festival can truly feel like home. As director of the Festival and year-round programming, KJ shares how listening to instinct and inviting many voices into the process shape a lineup that feels authentically Baltimore and true to independent film. A large, local screening committee helps build the program from the ground up, and the Parkway’s communal vibe keeps people talking long after the credits roll. From indie film discoveries to community-centered conversations, MdFF 2025 champions Baltimore’s film scene at the SNF Parkway. Festival Journeys: Four clear entry points— MdFF Pride (like I Was Born This Way), Black Voices (like Sun Ra: Do the Impossible and Kouté vwa), She/They (like Bay to Baltimore featuring ultramarathon open‑water swimmer and painter—and Truth in This Art alum— Katie Pumphrey ), and WTF (like Fuck Toys)—to help audiences navigate with ease. CineTech: Free-with-registration demos and conversations highlighting gaming and interactive, choose‑your‑own‑adventure storytelling, expanding how audiences experience moving images and connect across creative communities. Student Films: Expanded to five days to make more room for student work, with student and local films threaded through most programs—spotlighting the next wave of filmmakers. Mission and SNF Parkway’s future: A welcoming home base where films, filmmakers, and audiences connect—an inclusive, community‑rooted space that reflects Baltimore while linking to the wider film world. Join us at the SNF Parkway for a robust week of programming—screenings, shorts, conversations, and in‑the‑room moments—and, most of all, a chance to be in community with Baltimore’s arts, film, and culture, and the independent film community that calls the SNF Parkway home. Explore the new website, pick a Journey, and come be part of it. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund , the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore) . Host : Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis . Production: Produced by

In this episode of "The Truth in This Art," host Rob Lee interviews KJ Mohr, the festival and programming director for the Maryland Film Festival. Mohr shares her background in film, her path to her current role, and the importance of diverse storytelling. She discusses the festival's response to the pandemic and its 25th anniversary. The conversation also covers emerging trends in film, the inclusion of new cinematic technologies, and the support for young filmmakers, especially women. Mohr's personal preferences for festival snacks and screenings are revealed in a rapid-fire question segment. The episode concludes with an invitation to the upcoming festival, emphasizing its inclusive approach. 🎬🎥 Episode Content: The Early Creative Experiences (00:01:11) KJ Mohr shares her early encounters with foreign and indie films, influenced by her small-town upbringing and family's interest in cinema. 🏞️🎞️ Defining a Good Story (00:05:10) KJ Mohr discusses her preference for stories that are outside her own experiences and the importance of unique storytelling. 📚🎭 History with the Maryland Film Festival (00:06:53) KJ Mohr describes her journey of becoming aligned with the Maryland Film Festival and her various roles leading up to her current position. 🎞️🌟 Role of Programming Director (00:11:01) KJ Mohr explains the responsibilities of a programming director, including community involvement, selection process, and reflecting diverse voices. 📽️👩‍💼 Challenges in Bringing Back the Festival (00:15:31) KJ Mohr discusses the challenges of re-establishing the festival after a year off and the impact of the pandemic on the creative arts community. 🎭🦠 Filmmaker Lounge and Emerging Technologies (00:17:18) Discussion about the filmmaker lounge and the focus on emerging technologies within moving image creation at the festival. 🛋️💡 Themes and Trends in Films (00:17:28) Exploration of the forthcoming films, themes, and techniques being used in the festival, including a focus on coming-of-age stories and support for young women filmmakers. 📽️🌟 Local Documentaries and Film Culture in Baltimore (00:19:24) Excitement about local documentaries, such as "More Than Hype," and the strong film culture in Baltimore, highlighting the industry's growth and potential. 🎬🏙️ Recreation of the Paradox and Rapid Fire Questions (00:21:36) Discussion about the recreation of the Paradox and the host's rapid-fire questions, covering topics such as favorite movies, festival snacks, and preferred screening times. 🔄🔥 Maryland Film Festival Details and Invitation (00:26:19) Information about the Maryland Film Festival's 25th-anniversary celebration, including dates, venues, and a call for new festival-goers, with det