Frequently Asked Questions About Our International Film Festival in Waterville, ME
If you’re interested in attending the Maine International Film Festival this summer, you may have a lot of questions to ask before you arrive. Not to worry - our team can make sure that you’re as prepared as possible heading into the event! Keep scrolling to get the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see your inquiry on the list, feel free to contact our team to get your curiosity answered!
Where Is Your Film Festival Located?
Our film festival takes place in Waterville, Maine! The films we show will be split between two different theaters. We’ve included their names and addresses below for your convenience!
Maine Film Center
Waterville Opera House
Are There Good Hotels Near MIFF?
There are plenty of good hotels to stay at around Waterville. Our team personally recommends the Best Western Plus or the Fireside Inn & Suites, but there are plenty of other options at your disposal!
Do I Have To Attend Each Day Of MIFF?
You do not have to attend each day of our film festival, but we highly recommend attending as many events, talks, and films as you can. Our full festival pass and 10-pass give you complete access to events for the week, but you should still reserve your name in advance for individual events.
Can My Film Win Prizes?
If you’ve submitted a film to MIFF, you are eligible to win fantastic prizes! Actors are eligible for the Achievement Award for their work in various films submitted to the festival. We also have the Tourmaline prizes, which are awarded to both the top feature film of the festival and the best short film.
Where is the Festival Box Office and when is it open?
Ed Harris Box Office
Paul J. Schupf Art Center
93 Main Street
Waterville, Maine 04901
July 5-17, from 11am to 7pm
How Can I Get To Waterville If I Live Out Of State?
The best option for out-of-state travellers is to fly into Bangor International Airport, which can be done from any major city in the Northeast and beyond. Waterville is about a 45-minute drive west from the airport, so prepare to take either a rental car or an Uber if possible.
What Do I Wear To A Film Festival?
Our international film festival doesn’t have a strict dress code. The main theme we see our guests go for is business casual, but you may want to upscale that if you’re an actor, filmmaker, or director looking to leave a lasting impression on your colleagues.
How Long Do Film Festivals Last?
The Maine International Film Festival lasts for 10 days, running from July 11th to July 20th. If you haven’t already, we’d recommend that you mark your calendars and make your travel arrangements!
Can Regular People Attend Film Festivals?
The Maine International Film Festival accepts festival-goers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a fan looking to see some high-quality films, an aspiring filmmaker or actor, or someone who has entered their submission to our festival, you’ll always be welcome through our doors with a festival pass!
Why Do Movies/Filmmakers Go To Film Festivals?
As a small filmmaker, networking is one of the most important things that you can do. They attend film festivals to allow their work to be seen by a larger audience, including more prestigious filmmakers in the industry who could help them take the steps they need to experience further success.
Do Actors Go To Film Festivals?
Actors go to film festivals for the same reasons that filmmakers do! It’s an opportunity for more people to see their work and recognize their talent, which could lead to additional job opportunities for them in the future.
How can I get tickets to MIFF screenings?
All seating is subject to availability.
Option 1: Festival Passes
Full Festival Pass ($250): Use this pass to reserve tickets for all MIFF events. Redeemable by one person per event. Admitted in first group for screenings if tickets are reserved in advance, subject to the Pass Terms + Conditions.
10-Pass ($125): Use this pass to reserve tickets for all MIFF events. Redeemable for 10 tickets. One pass holder will manage this pass by redeeming up to two tickets on this pass for the same event. This pass holder must reserve a ticket for themselves and for their guest, if applicable, for each screening they attend. Admitted in first group for screenings if tickets are reserved in advance, subject to the Pass Terms + Conditions.
Where do I pick up my pass?
All passes will be available to pick up at the Ed Harris Box Office at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, daily from 11am to 7pm.
Option 2: Individual Tickets
All festival screenings and events are available via MIFF.org and at the Ed Harris Box Office in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, located at 93 Main Street, Waterville, until three hours prior to the listed showtime. After that time, tickets may only be purchased by queuing in the rush line under the tent outside the Paul J. Schupf Art Center. All individual tickets $14.
Pass and Ticket Holder Terms + Conditions:
All pass holder ticket reservations are honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Pass holders are encouraged to reserve tickets to screenings in advance via MIFF.org, by calling the Ed Harris Box Office at 207.873.7000, or by visiting us in-person at 93 Main Street in Waterville. Advance ticket reservations will be available until three hours prior to the published screening time and are subject to each venue’s remaining availability at the time of reservation. With advance reservation, pass and package holders must arrive at the MIFF admissions tent outside the Paul J. Schupf Art Center at least 15 minutes before the scheduled screening time to be guaranteed admission. Pass holders who do not reserve tickets in advance or who arrive less than 15 minutes before published screening times are not guaranteed admission for any screening. Available seats at showtime may be re-sold to other patrons.
How do I get into the theater where my film is screening?
1. Start under the tent by Castonguay Square
2. Pass Holders (Full, Partial, and Admit One) will be admitted first until 15 minutes prior to showtime. After this point, priority access is not guaranteed.
3. Advance Ticket Holders with tickets purchased online or at the box office will be admitted.
4. At-door Ticket Purchases, subject to remaining availability in the venue, become available through the Rush Line
How do I use my ticket to get in?
All tickets purchased in-person or online have a QR code. Present the code (either on paper or on your mobile device) to a volunteer to scan your ticket.
Can I use Youth Arts Access Fund benefits to attend MIFF screenings?
Patrons 18 years old and under can use the Youth Arts Access Fund to in-person MIFF screenings. Please see a Box Office representative for a YAAF ticket. Subject to availability and admission is not guaranteed.
How do I vote for the Audience Favorite Award?
Ballots will be available at the venue after the screenings of all eligible films.
What is the Tourmaline Prize?
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.
What is your refund policy?
We only grant refunds for the following scenario: 1) you bought an individual ticket in advance and request a refund at least three hours prior to the scheduled showtime, 2) you arrived after the screening’s published start time and your seat was released to another patron.
You may transfer a purchase to another screening only 1) at least three hours prior to the published showtime of the ticket you currently hold and 2) if the show you’d like to transfer your purchase toward is also at least three hours in the future. You must call (207-873-7000) or visit the Ed Harris Box Office for any individual ticket transfers.