The Annapolis Film Festival will open on March 26, 2026, with the world premiere of “Power Ballad,” a musical comedy starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, festival organizers announced this week.
Directed and co-written by John Carney, “Power Ballad” also features Jack Reynor, Havana Rose Liu, and Sophie Vavasseur. The film depicts a conflict between a rock star and a wedding singer, according to a synopsis released by Lionsgate, the film’s distributor.
The Annapolis premiere will be part of a four-day festival running through March 29 in downtown Annapolis. The film is also scheduled to premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival on March 1, 2026, before a wider theatrical release. The United Kingdom and Ireland will see the release on May 29, 2026, with a United States release slated for June 5, 2026.
According to IMDb, Rudd plays Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, while Jonas portrays Danny, a fading boy band star. The plot centers on a bond formed over music and a late-night jam session, with complications arising when Danny turns Rick’s song into a hit.
Production on “Power Ballad” began in Dublin in May 2024, with Carney directing from a screenplay co-written with Peter McDonald. The film is a collaboration between 30West, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, Likely Story, and Treasure Entertainment.
The Annapolis Film Festival is currently selling passes for the 2026 event, with ticket sales scheduled to initiate on March 6th. The festival also offers year-round film screenings and events through the Annapolis Film Society.
