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 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).

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 film, and a $2,500 prize will be awarded to the best short film.

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.

To qualify as a Maine-made film eligible for 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.

Films in any language are eligible, but should be subtitled if not in English.

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.

Overall Rating
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  • The communication from the MIFF festival organizers and guest coordinators was always timely and thorough. The Waterville Opera House is an exquisite venue. The mood was relaxed and fun for everyone in our group who attended, which included one of the two character voice artists and my production partner.

    This was my first film festival. Of the fifty festivals I submitted my film to, this was the one I had most hoped to be part of. So, I'm grateful to have been included. Thank you!

    John Michaud
    Filmmaker, "The Adventures of Baxter & Clyde"

    September 2023
  • Babe Howard

    Everyone at MIFF was lovely and accommodating, and the programming is truly out of this world. Super heartening to see so much care put into the presentation of every film, regardless of size, and the enthusiasm from local festival-goers.

    August 2023
  • Alec Helm

    A fantastic film festival! This year's program was filled with great and unique films--a mix of new finds and some great "rediscoveries" of classics.

    There were so many opportunities for filmmakers to meet and greet each other--multiple receptions, a lakeside BBQ, a pizza party, and more...Not many filmmakers seemed to take advantage of all of these opportunities, but the festival deserved a lot of credit for hosting them.

    The website for this festival makes it incredibly easy to navigate the film schedule, learn about each film, and buy tickets. It puts the websites for every other festival I've been to to shame.

    There were also many great "extra-curricular" events. The festival took place in the host city's art center downtown, and many of the local shops/art studios hosted various arts and crafts workshops. Festival-goers were invited to make a souvenir "MIFF" mug at the clay-studio, and screen-print their own souvenir tote-bags at the print studio.

    Perks including lodging and meal-vouchers for dining downtown.

    Last but not least, the staff was incredibly friendly and professional. Everyone's love of film shined through.

    August 2023
  • Ian Carlsen

    Thrilled to have our features, NICE PEOPLE and FROM THE MORNING TO THE NIGHT, selected by MIFF 2023. Kudos to the dedicated and friendly staff who put on a well-curated festival of new and old films, and facilitated great Q&A sessions at the end of each event. The Paul J. Schupf Art Center is an excellent screening venue, and it was great to feel like there was truly a central "hub" for the festival where you could hang out and run into other filmmakers or overhear audience responses coming out of other films. Was also excited to discover the great shops, bars, restaurants, and public spaces (Two Cent Bridge!) that Waterville has to offer. MIFF was also generous enough to offer us two nights at a local hotel. The accommodations were not walkable and were somewhat on the budget end, but still appreciated. Was pleased to see that there are a few distributors following the festival, as I had two exploratory emails from LA-based distributors in my inbox a few days after the festival closed. Very worthwhile festival with a growth-focused team. I can't wait to attend again!

    July 2023
  • Anthony Assad

    Couldn’t attend in person but was kept updated on the status of my film throughout the fest in a friendly and professional manner. Program was very diverse with new and classic films including spotlights on some lesser known gems from the last decade. Thanks Maine!

    July 2023