Salute to cinema underway at 27th Maine International Film Festival in downtown Waterville

Waterville, Maine— The 27th Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) is underway in downtown Waterville, showcasing over 100 films from around the world. This year's festival, which runs until Sunday, July 21, features a diverse range of cinematic offerings, including films from more than 40 countries and 22 made in Maine.

Vibrant and Diverse Film Lineup

The festival, a project of the Maine Film Center, has been a staple of Waterville's cultural scene for 19 years. Peg Anderson, a long-time volunteer, is impressed every year with the quality and variety of the movies. "We have these gems of movies, where you go, 'Wow!'” she said, taking a break at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center.

The opening weekend was marked by a packed schedule, including the U.S. premiere of "Carlo…and His Merry Band of Artists," a documentary about the late Central Maine artist Carlo Pittore. The film features stories from some of Pittore's closest friends and fellow artists, offering a rich insight into his life and legacy.

Community and Cinema

For Anderson, the festival is more than just a cinematic experience; it's about the community that gathers around the films. "I come for the movies, I come for the fans, and I come for the filmmakers, too," she explained. Anderson has been volunteering at MIFF for many years, enjoying the camaraderie and the chance to speak with filmmakers about their work.

New Highlights and Traditions

This year's festival includes a series of Rwandan films, the result of a partnership with a festival in Kigali, Rwanda. Dutch director Jos Stelling will receive the festival's Lifetime Achievement Award and also present his latest film, "Nastasja’s Dance," on Monday. Canadian director Mary Harron is this year's Mid-Life Achievement Award honoree, with several of her films, including "Daliland" and "American Psycho," scheduled to be shown during the festival.

Community Engagement

Mike Perreault, the executive director of the Maine Film Center, expressed his pride in the festival's role in supporting local businesses and enhancing the urban atmosphere. "Main Street is alive. It's vibrant," he said. The festival's impact on the community extends beyond the films, with many locals and visitors alike enjoying the vibrant cultural scene.

Workshops and Screenings

Sunday's program featured a workshop on making an indie film, led by the makers of "Lost on a Mountain in Maine," which had its premiere on Friday. The workshop was held at Greene Block + Studios, where attendees could learn about the process of creating an independent movie. The day also included screenings of various films, such as the documentary "Dreamers" and the feature drama "Crossing."

Conclusion

The Maine International Film Festival continues to evolve, remaining true to its mission of celebrating the best of Maine-made cinema and supporting filmmakers through its annual Tourmaline Prizes. The festival's commitment to showcasing diverse and high-quality films, combined with its emphasis on community engagement, makes it a vibrant and unique cultural event in Waterville.

Learn More

For more information about the films and events at the 27th Maine International Film Festival, visit their official website: Maine International Film Festival.

Contact: For inquiries, contact the Maine Film Center at [email protected].: https://www.watervillecreates.org/2024/06/27/27th-maine-international-film-festival-celebrates-in-state-film-productions/: https://www.centralmaine.com/2024/07/14/watervilles-week-dedicated-to-cinema-underway-at-27th-maine-international-film-festival/: https://www.watervillecreates.org/2024/06/07/27th-maine-international-film-festival-announces-full-festival-program/: https://www.sunjournal.com/2024/07/21/a-reminder-of-our-humanity-27th-maine-international-film-festival-concludes-in-waterville/: https://miff.org