The Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) is thrilled to announce the second installment of its Spotlight Series, featuring the emotionally resonant and profoundly insightful film “Sr.,” directed by Baltimore’s own Toroes David Thomas Jr. This special screening will take place on March 17th, 2024, at 6:30 pm at the Parkway Theatre, followed by an engaging Q&A session. The event highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing pivotal works leading up to its 25th anniversary celebration in May.

“Sr.” is a Baltimore production at its core – a story deeply rooted in the city’s fabric, brought to life by a local cast and crew under the guidance of director Toroes Thomas, an alum of the Screenwriting and Animation (SWAN) Program at Morgan State University. Adding to the richness of this event, the cast, including Micaiah Jones as David, Donnell Jones as Junior, Melan Perez as Katherine, and Jade Telesford as Marie, will be in attendance. KJ Mohr, Festival Director & Director of Programming, emphasized, “Our goal with the Spotlight Series is to highlight work that we want our audience to see leading up to the 25th MdFF, oer opportunities for people to come back to the Parkway, and build excitement as we approach our festivities in May.”

The film delves into the complexities of fatherhood, addiction, and the fight for a better future through the eyes of David Williams, a middle-aged mechanic struggling to protect his son amidst personal and societal challenges. Toroes Thomas’s directorial vision seeks to dispel the myths surrounding black fatherhood, presenting a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply human.

Keith Mellinger, Founding Director, Screenwriting and Animation, Morgan State University, profoundly notes, “Toroes Thomas is the first alum of the MSU Screenwriting and Animation (SWAN) Program to have an independent feature film spotlighted and screened as part of the Maryland Film Festival (MdFF). His film ‘Senior,’ inspired by a traumatic experience of his childhood in Baltimore, came to fruition as a cinematic dedication to his father. Thomas has honed his storytelling craft from his teens to the present through study and applied practice. The Saul Zaentz Innovation Fund (SZIF) was central to the development and production of ‘Senior’ from him and his partner Blayre Pichon’s company, WAASI Films. This is only the beginning for a storyteller who embraces the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the power of narrative form to explore the human condition.”

The screening of “Sr.” is not just a film presentation; it’s a profound exploration of fatherhood, resilience, and redemption. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees, offering insight into the making of the film and the inspiration behind its story.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinema, discussion, and community as we celebrate the talent and stories that resonate within Baltimore and reflect on the universal experiences that connect us all. “Sr.” promises to be a highlight of the Spotlight Series, setting the stage for the Maryland Film Festival’s landmark 25th year.