HAGERSTOWN – Documentary filmmaker Mike Wicklein, whose work has chronicled Maryland history, aviation and maritime heritage, will receive the Nora Roberts Foundation Award during the opening night of the 14th Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown on March 26.
The red-carpet event will take place at the Historic Maryland Theatre on South Potomac Street and will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the festival’s opening celebration and the screening of “Becoming Thurgood, America’s Social Architect,” produced by Maryland Public Television.
Festival Board President Nicole Houser said Wicklein’s work has long documented important stories tied to Maryland and the region.
“Mike Wicklein is one of the hardest-working documentary filmmakers in the United States,” Houser said. “His projects range from Civil War history to the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore, and he has produced major documentaries highlighting Antietam National Battlefield, the Fairchild Aircraft Company and the Hagerstown Aviation Museum.”
A career rooted in Hagerstown
Wicklein’s interest in film and television began in Washington County. As a student he explored broadcasting through the Washington County Board of Education studios before continuing his education at Hagerstown Junior College and Towson University, where he studied theater and storytelling.
He returned to Hagerstown in 1978 to manage the reopening season of the restored Maryland Theatre. The theater’s early programming included concerts, touring productions, community performances and an appearance by comedian Bob Hope.
Soon after, Wicklein launched Video Vision, Western Maryland’s first independent video production company. The company produced a wide range of projects, from weddings and corporate productions to television commercials and documentaries.
His work documenting Civil War reenactments eventually led to opportunities with the Smithsonian Institution’s “Great Battles of the Civil War” film series. Wicklein also filmed footage later used in cable television productions such as “Civil War Journal.”
His expertise drew the attention of filmmakers working on the Civil War film “Gods and Generals.” Wicklein was selected to produce behind-the-scenes coverage of the production, which aired on HBO and screened at film festivals.
Expanding into national projects
Wicklein later relocated his headquarters to Baltimore, where he formed The Wicklein Group, producing corporate media and live events for major brands including Under Armour, Black & Decker and DeWalt. He also worked as a camera operator on concert productions featuring artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Roger Waters, Chicago, Styx and Sheila E.
A chance conversation with former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley sparked another focus of Wicklein’s career: maritime history. He produced documentaries and television specials exploring the history of the Port of Baltimore and filmed numerous maritime events including Fleet Week and Sailabration.
Among his recent documentary projects is “Fracking Western Maryland?”, which examined the debate over hydraulic fracturing in the state. The film was widely used by environmental groups and became part of the broader public discussion that preceded Maryland’s ban on fracking.
Continuing to tell Maryland stories
Now working under Magic Lantern Productions, Wicklein continues producing documentary films with strong ties to Maryland history. Current projects include:
- “Valor at New Market Heights,” about U.S. Colored Troops in the Civil War
- “Illuminating Antietam,” documenting the annual Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield
- “The Road Never Ends,” about the Butch Trucks band camp
- “Nest of Pirates,” about Baltimore privateers during the War of 1812
Festival co-founder and board treasurer Tom Riford said Wicklein’s work has long represented the state’s filmmaking community.
“This award recognizes excellence and Maryland connections,” Riford said. “Few filmmakers have documented Maryland’s history and culture as extensively as Mike Wicklein.”
Festival details
The Nora Roberts Foundation Award is one of three honors presented during opening night of the Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown. The Mendez Award and the City of Hagerstown Fidelity Award will also be presented.
Additional filmmaker awards — including Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short and Best Local Film — will be announced during the festival’s closing events March 28.
Organizers said the 2026 festival received more than 250 film submissions, with 115 films selected for screenings.
Screenings and events will be held at several downtown venues including:
- Maryland Theatre
- Washington County Free Library
- Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Black Box Theater
- ACT Black Box Theatre
- Grand Piano Ballroom
The Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown is a nonprofit event supported by local sponsors including the City of Hagerstown, the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Washington County Arts Council and the Nora Roberts Foundation.
Tickets and additional information are available at marylandiff.org.
