Camden International Film Festival

WHO ARE WE?
Founded in 2005 and recognized as one of the top documentary film festivals in the world, the Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) gathers boundary pushing storytellers and industry leaders from around the world for a four day celebration of non-fiction cinema.
CIFF is an experience as unique as the films we exhibit. Hosted on the rugged coast of Maine, the Festival Weekend is packed with a hearty roster of filmmaker Q&As, interactive installations and networking sessions - with plenty of opportunity for surprise and discovery. At CIFF, the emphasis is on building relationships - between filmmakers, industry, and audiences.

In CIFF’s program, you’ll find films, performances, and installations that move the documentary artform’s conversations two steps forward. We’re interested in films that explore cinema’s potential, engage in urgent conversations, and are rooted in the perspectives of thoughtful, unique creators.

CIFF is a program of the Points North Institute, the launching pad for the next generation of nonfiction storytellers. Points North is the home to a number of artists programs, including the Points North Fellowship and Pitch, the Points North Forums, and 1-on-1 meetings between industry professionals and exciting new creators. We provide emerging filmmakers with opportunities for professional development and creative inspiration. If you have a documentary feature or short in development, consider applying for one of the Points North Artists Programs: https://pointsnorthinstitute.org/artist-programs/
To receive updates on submissions timelines and applications, sign up for our email list at pointsnorthinstitute.org/newsletter

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
CIFF is a filmmaker-first festival that celebrates the power and possibilities of independent international nonfiction cinema. We are open to documentary films of all styles, subjects and lengths. We’re looking for films that are evocative and expansive, that are grounded by authentic authorship and ethical representation, and that effectively engage audiences while expanding the boundaries of cinematic language with bold, singular visions.

For our two juried competitions – the Harrell Award and Cinematic Vision Award – we are looking for documentary features making their US, North American or World Premiere at CIFF. Features that have already screened in the US are eligible for our non-competitive sections. Our shorts programs have no premiere requirement.

THE FILMMAKER SOLIDARITY FUND
In an increasingly complicated environment, the Points North Institute is committed to examining how power and resources are distributed in the documentary film world. Festivals like CIFF can stand in solidarity with filmmakers to create more equitable, sustainable conditions for independent filmmaking - particularly for filmmakers that have been marginalized or excluded by the industry.

CIFF’s Filmmaker Solidarity Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to creating a more equitable reality for independent filmmakers. Established in 2020, the fund initially provided 50% of net proceeds from our virtual pass and ticket sales directly to feature and short filmmakers selected for CIFF. In its current iteration, the fund provides a flat honorarium to all feature and short films programmed. In total, we have distributed over $75,000 to filmmakers over the past four years.