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 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).

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.

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.

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  • Mojo Lorwin

    Wonderful festival. Great hospitality. Nice theater. Amazing films (including a great repertory selection). Beautiful lake. Wish I could have stayed longer.

    August 2024
  • I had such a lovely time at MIFF! My short film "The Comeback Mill" screened at their opera house and the projection and sound were perfect. Excellent communication and a really lively town during the festival. Highly recommend it!

    July 2024
  • This is a professionally run film festival that shows films in high quality on a huge screen in a beautiful old movie theater (the Waterville Opera House) with fantastic sound and appreciative audience. Attending the festival was a wonderful experience. — Tom Bell, director of the short film, "An Extraordinary Place."

    July 2024
  • MIFF does it right. I'm racing to complete another film so I can return next year.

    July 2024
  • James Khanlarian

    We had a great time at MIFF. Mike and Ken were welcoming and easy to work with. Miff is the best festival between NY and Toronto.

    July 2024