The International Maritime Film Festival (IMFF) is a juried contest of films celebrating the heritage, spirit of adventure, and ingenuity of boats and waterborne pursuits. It is the premier event for maritime-themed filmmaking.

The IMFF is an annual 2-part festival: an in-person weekend-long event in Bucksport, Maine, and a month-long on-demand festival on the Vimeo platform. The 2024 festival, the 8th season of IMFF, is scheduled for September 26-28, 2024. The on-demand festival will run from October 1 through 31, 2024.

See the festival at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/imff.

Awards & Prizes

The Grand Prize Feature Length Film winner receives $500. One runner-up receives US$250. The Grand Prize Short Film winner receives $250. One runner-up receives US$100.

Rules & Terms

The International Maritime Film Festival accepts documentary films on a broad range of ocean environment and maritime subjects. These include, but are not limited to, voyaging, racing, working, leisure, boatbuilding and restoration, historical documentary, environment, science, advocacy, climate change, and adventure. Films may have been made on any date, regardless of previous premiere, but the person submitting the film must be the copyright holder. Judging is not category-specific; rather, all films are evaluated in relation to each other, in one of two tracks: Feature Length (40 minutes or more), or Shorts (under 40 minutes). All films are to be in English or to carry English subtitles.
The International Maritime Film Festival is 1) an in-person weekend-long festival at the Alamo Theatre in Bucksport, Maine and 2) an online, on demand festival that lasts for one month after the in-person festival. Learn more by visiting the 2023 On Demand page at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/imff2023.

6 Reviews
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  • Danielle Clode

    So honoured to have our documentary selected as runner up for this film festival. I love the way they promote the selected films on Vimeo - it feels like such a carefully curated list with such diversity and creativity around the maritime theme. A very special festival and a very special commendation. Thanks.

    November 2023
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  • Thor F. Jensen

    Great communication, good organisers. I didn't go in person but am very grateful for having our film SAILAU on this festival. A great way to reach the sailing community in the US. Thanks!

    November 2023
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  • Giannandrea Carpanzano

    a great festival where everything is well organised and well run

    November 2023
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  • Paula Fouce

    The Maritime International Film Festival screens a fabulous slate of films that really educate and entertain the public. Aquariums: The Dark Hobby is honored to take part.

    November 2022
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  • Cameron pinchbeck

    thank you so much for selecting our film "Dental Floss"

    October 2021
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