WATERVILLE, Maine—Festival passes and packages are now available to preorder at miff.org for the 28th Maine International Film Festival (MIFF). The festival returns to Waterville, Maine, this summer, July 11–20, 2025.
A project of the Maine Film Center, MIFF is a unique offering in New England: an international festival with a local flavor. More than 40 countries from around the world were represented in last year’s program, but that same program also included 22 made-in-Maine film productions, all of which competed for the annual Tourmaline Prizes, named for Maine’s state gem. In just 10 days, festivalgoers can tour the world with dozens of new releases—including world and North American premieres—from countries around the globe, while also enjoying a singularly Maine-centric cinematic and recreational experience.
“The Maine International Film Festival is a world class event; the venue and staff are exceptional,” said Stevan Mena, director of 2024’s Tourmaline-winning thriller The Ruse.
Across the 10 days of the festival, around 100 films are shown in the Maine Film Center’s three-screen cinema and the historic 123-year-old, 800-seat Waterville Opera House, both located in the heart of downtown Waterville’s burgeoning arts district.
“The Maine International Film Festival celebrates cinematic art and storytelling that can only be experienced in Waterville at the Maine Film Center and the Waterville Opera House in this special way,” said Mike Perreault, executive director of the Maine Film Center. “Filmgoers and filmmakers from around the world will once again come together in Waterville this July 11–20 to make connections and revel in premiere screenings, panels, and special events throughout the 10 days of MIFF.”
Two tiers of passes are available to patrons this year: the Full Festival Pass, which grants access to individual screening ticket reservations, and the 10-Pass, which gives patrons the opportunity to fully customize their experience, picking and choosing the 10 film tickets that most speak to them. When the full festival lineup is announced in early June, passholders will be given a full week of priority ticket reservations before individual tickets go on sale to the general public.
Packages are also available for those who want to make the most of their festival experience by adopting a film, securing their passes, lining up their priority reservations, procuring their MIFF28 swag, and making a tax-deductible contribution to the festival.
“We encourage patrons to choose a festival pass or package to make the most of their experience, which includes priority ticket reservations, merchandise, and other benefits,” Perreault added. “Our showcase of independent film from Maine, the U.S., and around the world is regarded as among the best festivals in the Northeast, and an unforgettable experience you can only have in Maine.”
Visit miff.org to secure passes and packages and see updates about special guests and program details as they become available.
Deadline for Filmmakers
For filmmakers hoping to add their titles to MIFF28’s 100-film lineup, the final extended deadline for submission is Friday, April 11. Special consideration will be given to works that were filmed in Maine or that have a significant Maine theme or focus.
About the Maine Film Center
The Maine Film Center (MFC) brings world-class independent film to Maine through the only Sundance Art House Project cinema in the state; the annual Maine International Film Festival, a 10-day celebration that attracts filmmakers and film lovers from around the world; and by delivering impactful, accessible exhibitions and education programs. MFC is a division of Waterville Creates. For more information visit MaineFilmCenter.org.
About MIFF
Founded in 1998, the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) is a project of the Maine Film Center. The 10 days of the festival showcase nearly 100 films, representing the best of American independent and international cinema, and spotlight some of Maine and New England’s most exciting and innovative filmmakers.