10 days, 80+ movies
During the 10 days of the festival we show nearly 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema. We also spotlight some of Maine and New England's most exciting and innovative filmmakers.

More than just movies
Audiences also have opportunities to meet and talk with some of the people behind the movies - directors, producers, writers, musicians. Every year we honor members of the independent film industry whose contributions to cinema deserve recognition. Our honored guests and visiting filmmakers host panel discussions as well as informal Q&A sessions, giving the audiences an incredible chance to hear about the art of film from those on the front lines. MIFF's special guests have included Mid-Life Achievement Award winners Lili Taylor (MIFF 2005 "Pre" Mid-Life Achievement Award Honoree), Ed Harris (MIFF 2004), Peter Fonda (MIFF 2003), Jonathan Demme (MIFF 2002), Sissy Spacek (MIFF 2001), Terrence Malick (MIFF 2000), and Jos Stelling (MIFF 1999).

Venues(Click on map to enlarge)
MIFF takes place at two Waterville venues. The Waterville Opera House is a 940-seat turn of the century proscenium theater, specially outfitted with modern projection equipment for the festival. This beautiful venue hosts films throughout the festival, and is the site for our Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Waterville Opera House, The Center, 93 Main St., 3rd Fl., Waterville, ME 04901; (p) 207-873-7000; www.operahouse.com. Railroad Square Cinema is one of central Maine's leading cultural centers, showing the best of independent, foreign and specialized films since 1978. A Maine Times poll declared it the "Best Place to See Movies in Maine." Railroad Square popcorn is considered to be the best popcorn in the known universe. Railroad Square Cinema, 17 Railroad Square, Waterville, ME 04901; (p) 207-873-6526; www.railroadsquarecinema.com.

Maine Student Film & Video Festival
The MSFVF was held in Portland until 1998, when it joined forces with MIFF. The Maine Student Film & Video Festival screening shows highlights from works by Maine youth in Grades K-12. Works are selected by a panel of judges on the basis of originality, content, style, and technique. MIFF audiences are always excited to see what the kids have come up with - be it an animated fable, a claymation adventure, or a live-action comedy.

For more information about the Maine Student Film & Video Festival, contact the MSFVF's longtime director Huey or view the online entry form.

MIFF Staff
Shannon Haines, Festival Director
Ken Eisen, Festival Programmer
Alan Sanborn, Festival Programmer
Beth Eisen, Festival Programmer
Melisa Dugal, Special Events Coordinator
Craig Lyons, Volunteer Coordinator
Derek Mitchell, Publicist
Edwina Ducker, Guest Coordinator

MIFF Steering Committee
Gail Chase
Melisa Dugal
Beth Eisen
Ken Eisen
Lea Girardin
Greg Gadberry
Chuck Robinson
Joan Phillips-Sandy
Alan Sanborn
Sam Sanborn
Stu Silverstein
Richie Tory

MIFF Advisory Board
Verna Bloom
Jay Cocks
Jonathan Demme
Ildiko Enyedi
David Gordon Green
Ed Harris
Ted Hope
Amy Madigan
Terrence Malick
Mariam Shahriar
Jos Stelling