Maine International Film Festival 2008

fireflies

The Youth Film Program/Fireflies started with a wish to present films from around the world that would touch, inspire and delight children and young people. The program's film selections are based on these values:

* Films that are non-violent unless they offer a commentary on the violence shown;
* Films that show real experiences of kids;
* Films that show respect for different generations;
* Films that avoid stereotypes;
* Films that are highly creative, "good art;"
* Films that offer an authentic view of diverse cultures.

Making the films accessible to all who would enjoy and benefit from them, Fireflies strives to reach as many young people as possible in Central Maine. Free showings for day camps, school-based day programs, YMCA or YWCAs and other programs working with children are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays (10am and 1pm) during MIFF. If you would like to bring your group, please call 649-0816 or 873-0689 to reserve seats. Complimentary tickets funded by Greater Waterville Communities for Children and Youth are available at the Waterville Public Library so that cost of tickets is not a barrier for anyone who would like to come.

This past winter, the Youth Film Program initiated two new efforts: Films-for-Schools, which brought kids from area schools for Friday field trips at Railroad Square Cinema (with curriculum materials consistent with the Maine Learning Results provided to teachers); and Saturday Morning Movies for Kids and Teens, also at Railroad Square.

The Children's Film Task Force plays a key role in making these youth programs possible and welcomes people with energy and excitement to share. If interested, please call Roger and Miranda Phelps, co-directors, at 873-0689.

Please note: As is customary at many children's film festivals, Fireflies will provide professional readers to read the subtitles of films in foreign languages for young children. Readers will be available for Where is Winky's Horse?, Valo and the Soccer Film Event.

(ABOVE) Artwork (c) 2008 by Melissa Sweet from Tupelo Rides the Rails
Please visit her website, www.mydogisabonehead.com

Soccer Film Event!

Soccer is truly the world's game. Kids across the world play it, love it, and live it. The Youth Film Program/Fireflies has brought six captivating short films about soccer and children from Australia, Greece, North Africa, Holland, Palestine and the U... more

Jenny Mackenzie, director of Kick Like a Girl, will be present to talk about her film and answer questions. Come eat, drink & talk soccer with Jenny & others from the audience! A reception at the office of Hardy Girls Healthy Women, 14 Common St., across from the Opera House, will follow the films.

The Soccer Film Event is sponsored by Savings Bank of Maine and Dairy Queens of Waterville
Kick Like a Girl is sponsored by Hardy Girls Healthy Women

Feature Films

Lotte from Gadgetville (Leiutajatekula Lotte - Estonia/Latvia 2006)

Lotte is a lively young girl puppy that lives somewhere in a coastal village. The village's inhabitants have a rather strange passion for new inventions. Once a year, the best invention is awarded a prize at a competition... more

Sponsored by the Clinicians and Staff of the Edmund Ervin Pediatric Center and Kennebec Savings Bank

Max Minsky and Me (Max Minsky und Ich - Germany 2007)

Nelly Sue Edelmeister is a brilliant thirteen-year old Berlin school girl with a love of astronomy and a hopeless crush on Prince Edouard of Luxembourg, who also has a fascination with outer space. When Nelly hears that the school basketball team is going to Luxembourg and that Prince Edouard is the master of ceremonies, she becomes determined to go. The only problem: she can't play basketball... more

Sponsored by the Sheridan Corporation and Andrew Friedman, DMD

Valo (Finland 2005)

Valo is a story about courageous children in the early 1900s, a repressive time when their Finnish village is ruled by Russians with an iron fist. Having had their school closed and their teacher hauled away in a prison van, nine-year old Valo and his friends establish their own school for children. Some of the children are treated cruelly by their own parents, but their spirits and their friendship are strong... more

Sponsored by Eric Thomas/Andrea Tilden, The Reisert Family, and Bro Adams

Where is Winky's Horse? (Waar is het paard van Sinterklass? - The Netherlands 2007)

In this sequel to 2007 Fireflies favorite, Winky's Horse, we are reunited with Winky Wong, a Chinese immigrant to the Netherlands. Winky, now eight years old, receives the wonderful news that she can begin riding lessons. Her excitement turns to disappointment when Uncle Siem and Aunt Cor tell her that while she can groom her favorite horse, Amerigo, she is too young to ride him... more

Sponsored by Maine Discovery Museum, Maine Eye Care and Animal Hospital of Waterville

Tickets for Films

*UPDATED TICKET INFORMATION*
Tickets are $5 and 10-Pass books of tickets are $40. Starting July 9, both will be available for $40 at Railroad Square Cinema and the Waterville Opera House. Tickets can also be purchased online or picked up before the showings.

Do ticket costs seem prohibitive? Complimentary tickets funded by Waterville Communities for Children and Youth are available at the Waterville Public Library, adult or children's desk (872-5433).

Comp tickets must be picked up in advance.

Other Featured Events

THE FAMOUS INVENTOR'S SHOW with instructor Huey
Saturday, July 19, 9am-12pm
Ages 9+; Class fee: $45
33 Concourse, 2nd Floor (above SBS)
In this hands-on workshop, students make the short video, "The Famous Inventor's Show." Participants go through all the production steps necessary in making a video: scriptwriting, interview technique, camera operation, sound recording, directing, acting for the camera, and video magic. All participants are involved in a team approach to video production that is based on learning by doing.
Co-Sponsored with Freshwater Arts

STUDENT FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL, 31st annual event, Sat. July 19th at 12:30 PM at Waterville Opera House. Reception for moviemakers and audience follows the screening.