The Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) is a project of the Maine Film Center. During the 10 days of the festival we screen the best of American independent, international, and repertory cinema.

We connect filmmakers with audiences from around the world during the height of the summer season in Maine. Each year we honor members of the independent film industry whose contributions to cinema deserve recognition. Our honored guests and visiting filmmakers host panel discussions and Q&A sessions, giving audiences the unique chance to hear from those on the front lines. MIFF’s special guests have included Achievement Award honorees Clive Owen (2025), Mary Harron (2024), Ildikó Enyedi (2023), Debra Winger (2022), Hilary Brougher (2019), Dominique Sanda (2018), Lauren Hutton (2017), Roger Deakins (2017, Karl Struss Award), Robert Benton (2016), Gabriel Byrne (2016), Michael Murphy (2015), Glenn Close (2014), Keith Carradine (2013), Thelma Schoonmaker (2012), Malcolm McDowell (2011), Jay Cocks (2010), John Turturro (2008), Bud Cort (2007), Walter Hill (2006), Lili Taylor (2005), Ed Harris (2004), Peter Fonda (2003), Jonathan Demme (2002), Sissy Spacek (2001), Terrence Malick (2000), and Jos Stelling (1999).

Awards & Prizes

Audiences decide the winner of the annual Audience Favorite Award, presented to one new feature film at the close of the festival.

The Tourmaline Prizes, named for Maine’s state gem, are juried awards recognizing the best Maine-made films of the festival. At the closing night of MIFF, a $5,000 prize will be awarded to the best feature-length film, and a $2,500 prize will be awarded to the best short film.

Rules & Terms

MIFF accepts submissions of feature-length and short films of any genre. Special consideration will be given to works that were filmed in Maine or that have a significant Maine theme or focus. MIFF will not accept submissions of films that have been theatrically screened or made publicly available via streaming, download, or through other media in Maine prior to the festival.

We strongly recommend that ALL submitted films regardless of category include English subtitles (whether the film is in English or another language) so that they may be accessible to all of our programmers and audience. Films in a language other than English MUST have English subtitles.

To qualify as a Maine-made film eligible for the Tourmaline Prize competition, the majority of the film's principal production must have taken place in Maine. Films with pre- and post-production activities that occurred in Maine are not automatically eligible unless the majority of the principal production occurred in Maine. Please contact us if you have questions about your film's eligibility. Films meeting these made-in-Maine qualifications may be submitted for 50% off normal submission fees. To receive a discount code, email miff@mainefilmcenter.org. Please allow up to 3 business days for a response, particularly when approaching a submission deadline.

MIFF reserves the right to decline any submission for consideration for any reason.

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact us at miff@mainefilmcenter.org.

By entering your film for consideration to the Maine International Film Festival, you certify that your work is cleared for public exhibition and accept full legal responsibility for the intellectual property therein. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Maine International Film Festival, Maine Film Center, Waterville Creates and their representatives or affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses that may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the submitted content.
32 Reviews
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  • Artemisia Luk

    MIFF 2025 was an amazing experience! We premiered our short documentary during the Maine Documentary shorts block. The staff were so welcoming and responsive, during the festival and before. I enjoyed the filmmaker-specific programming and enjoyed getting to know Maine better through the film selections. The atmosphere was friendly, approachable, and warm. I would love to return.

    August 2025
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  • Mia Weinberger

    We were so honored to win the Tourmaline Prize for Best Feature at MIFF 2025 for our film A MOMENT IN THE SUN! MIFF was a wonderful experience. Programming was excellent and communication and organization were both great. They have a huge team of super hard working, nice, and welcoming staff and volunteers. Would definitely recommend this festival to fellow filmmakers and would love to return one day!

    July 2025
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  • Richard E Haywood

    Greatest film festival in the state of Maine. I had a blast, everyone was so wonderful. The accommodations were well thought out and the organization and communication were top notch. I hope next year is bigger. I look forward to going back.

    July 2025
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  • Bob Krist

    This is a wonderfully run and attended festival. The facilities are amazing, the staff is so friendly and responsive and they get a broad range of films and events during the run. I had a film in a block of short documentaries that ran twice and the audiences were so involved and engaged. There were excellent symposiums too. Highly recommended.

    July 2025
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  • Paul Rush

    MiFF is one of those very rare festivals that truly care about the filmmaker. Their attention to detail, communication, and facilities make the filmmaker feel special and worth their time. I couldn't recommend this festival enough.

    July 2025
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