Maryland Public Television will premiere a new documentary on Thursday, May 1. The film, titled "Maryland by Air," will air at 8 p.m. on MPT-HD and online at mpt.org/livestream , according to an announcement.

The documentary features aerial views of Maryland’s landmarks, shorelines, mountains and countryside. It was filmed using helicopters, drones and a 1940s-era biplane. The one-hour film showcases the state’s natural beauty and includes a musical score, with narration by Cal Ripken Jr.

The film highlights various landmarks, including Antietam National Battlefield, Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Fort McHenry and the Maryland State House. It also offers views of communities in Annapolis, Baltimore, Cumberland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Other notable sites featured are Ocean City, Deep Creek Lake and the wild ponies of Assateague Island. The documentary captures the essence of Maryland across all four seasons.

Following its premiere, "Maryland by Air" will have encore broadcasts on MPT-HD on Saturday, May 3, at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. MPT members with access to MPT Passport can stream the full program anytime after the premiere.

Additionally, a 45-minute version of the film will be shown at the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore as an IMAX "resident film" for the next decade.

Maryland by Air builds on previous MPT aerial productions, including Chesapeake Bay By Air and Potomac by Air: Our Nation's River. The film is produced by John Paulson Productions, with MPT's Steven Schupak and Eric Neumann serving as executive producers.

Funding for the project comes from the MPT Foundation New Initiatives Fund, University of Maryland Global Campus, and other contributors, according to an announcement.

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