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 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.
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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. Filmmakers should specify that their film that was made in Maine in the submission form to be considered for the Tourmaline Prize. (Films that tell stories about Maine but were not at all produced in Maine are not eligible for the prize).
Films meeting these 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.
All films submitted with this code must adhere to the rules of the festival at large and the category to which they submit. If you submit using this code without meeting the necessary criteria, you will be disqualified from consideration for the festival and will not be issued a refund.
Please note, submitting with the Tourmaline Prize discount code makes no difference to the chances of being accepted into the festival. This code is intended to support the local filmmaking community by offering a low-cost means of entry (and makes it easier for us to identify local films within the many submissions we receive each year).
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With our partners at Maine Public Television, we can assist selected filmmakers in securing distribution via statewide broadcast and limited online streaming following the festival.
