FAQS
Get answers about the March On!™ Festival—dates, travel tips, accessibility, film submissions, educational resources, and more.
FAQs
What can I expect at the March On! Festival?
The March On! Festival (Tues, Sept 16-Sun, Sept 21) is more than an event—it’s a reawakening, a platform, and a celebration of the stories that have shaped the ongoing fight for justice. Formerly known as the March on Washington Film Festival, this annual gathering harnesses the power of film, music, art, dance, literature, scholarship, and first person accounts to illuminate untold narratives and inspire a deeper understanding of civil rights history and its modern-day impact.
Under the theme “March On! Health: The Right to be Well” the 2025 festival will highlight overlooked stories—from men’s and women’s health, disabilities and the political implications of rest, to broader medical ethics and access issues.
This year, the festival turns its powerful lens toward health, exploring how history has shaped disparities in medical trust, research, mental health, and patient care. With filmmakers, artists, thought leaders, and changemakers at the forefront, the festival will ignite conversations that challenge assumptions, acknowledge past injustices, and explore how storytelling can inspire the next generation of activists to carry on the fight.
In keeping with our festival mission, a couple of our events uplift the groundbreaking courage of movement icons. The Vivian Malone Courage Award celebrates a contemporary notable who exemplifies the bravery of the woman who integrated the University of Alabama in defiance of segregationist Governor George Wallace. Our closing event, the Dark Tower Day Party is an afternoon soiree in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance artists’ salons held by millionaire entrepreneur and society maven, A’Lelia Walker.
At its core, the March On! Festival is a bridge—connecting past struggles to present challenges and ensuring these vital stories are brought from the shadows to the spotlight. Join us as we March On!, using the power of storytelling to spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and inspire action.
EVERYTHING HAPPENS AT MARCH ON! FESTIVAL:
- Community Convenings
- An exchange of history, knowledge and ideas
- Artistic expression
- A good time
Really, take a look at our 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 programs for an idea of the scope.
What should I know about Festival Tickets & Passes?
- Passes and/or tickets for the festival will be available in late July.
- There are different levels of passes available:
- A Virtual Pass gives you access to all virtual events and online films.
- A Festival Pass gives you access to all online content and in-person March On! events except our Gala, pre-gala film screening of We Want the Funk, and Sunday Closing Event. It also includes a discount code to purchase tickets at 30% off for our partner event at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
- The Festival Pass + Closing Event includes all in-person March On! events except the Gala and Special Screening of We Want the Funk for Gala attendees only. It also includes a discount code to purchase tickets at 30% off for our partner event at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
- Gala Pass Only – This provides you with access to the Gala and the special pre-gala screening of We Want the Funk.
- Gala + Festival Pass – This pass gives you access to all March On! Events in-person and online. It also includes a discount code to purchase tickets at 30% off for our partner event at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
- Passes/tickets are not mailed; they are sent via email. You will receive PDF ticket attachments via email when you reserve your events through the March On! website.
- Check-in starts 30 minutes before showtime. If you are unable to find your digital ticket at the event, a Photo ID will be required for us to verify our attendee list, so please ensure your government-issued name matches the one on your ticket order.
- All ticket purchases are final, and passes are non-transferable.
I purchased a pass, now what?
- Once you have purchased a pass, you must register for the sessions you want to attend.
- Once a pass is purchased, you will receive an email with a link to sign in to the Eventive platform. Once there, head over to our Schedule Page to reserve your films and/or tickets to our live events. After you reserve your films or live event ticket, your ticket can be found in the My Tickets section on the Eventive platform.
How do I access the films?
- Once a pass is purchased, you will be able to visit our March On! Films page to reserve the films you want to view. If you do not purchase a pass, you will be able to purchase individual films. Once you reserve a film, it will be confirmed via email..
What if I can’t remember my password for Eventive?
- If you don’t remember your username or password, sign in using the email account you used to create an account. Check your email that includes the words “Order Confirmation – 2025 March On! Festival” ”If you cannot remember your password, type in your email, click next and click on “Forgot Password.” Password reset information will be delivered to your inbox.
If you continue to have trouble resetting your email, please visit the Eventive platform Help Desk.
When is the 2025 March On! Festival?
The 2025 March On! Festival will take place on September 16th – 21st, 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop of all updates.
I’m a member of the media/press and I’m interested in obtaining a pass.
Please contact leadership@marchonfest.org for information on obtaining a media/press pass.
What is the best way to travel to March On!?
- Flying in? We recommend Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) which is about 4 miles from Eaton Workshop. and offers access to curbside services such as Uber and Lyft. Traveling internationally? Dulles International Airport (IAD)is your best bet.
- Train: Washington’s Union Station services both Amtrak and Greyhound and is about 1.5 from the Eaton Workshop.
What if I need ADA Accommodations?
If you need modifications due to a disability, including the need for sign language interpreter, please contact us via e-mail at leadership@marchonfest.org. Please contact us seven days (7) in advance of the event to facilitate your request.
What resources do you have available for teachers and students?
- We have developed a reading and resource room as an educational supplement for educators, students, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of African American history, culture, and the issues surrounding the fight against systemic racism and toward a more just society.
- In addition, we have developed a groundbreaking initiative called Imagining Equity—a year-long, interdisciplinary program that blends social justice education with hands-on filmmaking training. This program empowers high school students to explore identity, engage with social justice issues, and create powerful films that inspire dialogue and action. If you want to bring this transformative program to your school or district, contact us at leadership@marchonfest.org.
What conduct is expected at March On!
We are incredibly proud of our program and are committed to diverse audiences. Film festivals have always been deeply rooted in community, and it’s our goal to establish an inclusive, safe and enriched festival experience. Please view our Code of Conduct Policy for more information.
How do I submit a Film for consideration into the Student or Emerging Film Competitions?
- We only accept film submissions on FilmFreeway. If you are new to FilmFreeway, your first step will be to create an account and then to create a “project” for your submission.
- Please refer to the following page for more information on how to create a project and submit to festivals: https://filmfreeway.com/help.
When are your deadlines for the student and emerging film competitions?
You can find a full list of deadlines under the “Dates & Deadlines” section of our FilmFreeway.
MEDIA PASSES
What if I am a member of the media?
A member of the media/ press interested in obtaining a media/press pass, please click here
TRAVEL
Is there a host hotel? How do I book a room?
Eaton Workshop, 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, is the host hotel. Use the code MOWFF10 when booking (subject to availability.)
What is the best way to travel to March On! 2025 Festival?
- Flying in? We recommend Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and offers access to curbside services such as Uber and Lyft.
- Traveling internationally? Dulles International Airport (IAD)is your best bet.
- Train: Washington’s Union Station services both Amtrak and Greyhound.
INCLUSIVITY/ ACCESSIBILITY
What conduct is expected at the March On Festival?
We are incredibly proud of our 2025 program, and are committed to diverse audiences. Festivals have always been deeply rooted in community, and it’s our goal to establish an inclusive, safe and enriched experience. Please view our Code of Conduct Policy for more information.
What if I need ADA Accommodations?
- Should you need reasonable accommodations, please email info@marchonfest.org in advance of the event to facilitate your request.
- 10-14 business days in advance is preferred. We are unable to make accommodations after Sep 14, 2025
- Please include name, email, phone number, date of event and details of accommodation.
- ASL interpreters are scheduled for the Sept. 19 panels at Barbara Jordan Conference Center & the Vivian Malone Courage Awards at Metropolitan AME Church.
What resources do you have available for teachers and students?
We have developed a reading and resource room as an educational supplement for educators, students, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of African American history, culture, and the issues surrounding the fight against systemic racism and toward a more just society.
STUDENT & EMERGING FILM COMPETITIONS
How do I submit a Film for consideration into the Student or Emerging Film Competitions?
- We only accept film submissions on FilmFreeway. If you are new to FilmFreeway, your first step will be to create an account and then to create a “project” for your submission.
- Please refer to the following page for more information on how to create a project and submit to festivals: https://filmfreeway.com/help.
- You can find a full list of deadlines under the “Dates & Deadlines” section of our FilmFreeway.
LIVE/PREVIOUSLY AIRED EVENTS
How can I join the live discussions?
The majority of live events are open to the public and will be available on Facebook and via the Eventive platform. The event recording will be made available on-demand, immediately following the event across the platforms for most events.
Where can I join the events I’ve missed?
- Make sure you receive our Newsletter: Newsletter Sign Up and follow us on Social Media.
- YouTube
- You can join our events live on the Eventive platform or Facebook Live. If you miss the event, the recording will be made available on-demand, immediately following the event across our platforms including Eventive and Facebook. Please note: We recommend watching the films in advance of joining us for live conversations.
Having issues with the Eventive Platform?
March On! Festival is working with a third-party host site. Please visit the Eventive platform Help Desk. If you need further assistance, you can access their live chat support on Eventive.
