Community Guidelines

The Camden International Film Festival is a celebration of creative nonfiction in all its forms and an occasion to gather on the coast of Maine in appreciation of the beautiful, dynamic diversity of the worldwide documentary community. We believe in the power of film to expose us to different perspectives and bold visions, to inspire us, to reflect our identities, and to celebrate our lives.

CIFF is committed to providing festival guests and audiences an experience that is, first and foremost, safe. Although safety can be different for each individual related to personal preferences or expressed identities, we define it to mean hosting spaces and experiences that are free of harassment and discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender performance, race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, class, age, or ability. Harassment, threatening behavior, and violence will absolutely not be tolerated. We reserve the right to revoke, without notice or refund, tickets, passes, credentials, or access to CIFF Festival events and venues.

If you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation of this policy, please reach out directly to our festival producer, Meg Fournier: [email protected]. CIFF will work to assess the situation and respond as soon as possible.

ARTIST PROGRAMS

Our Artist Programs are designed to bring together filmmakers, artists, industry leaders and local audiences, forming a creative community on the coast of Maine that nurtures the careers of diverse nonfiction storytellers and helps them develop a stronger artistic voice.

For program announcements and updates, please sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT CIFF

CIFF’s OPENING WEEKEND  will take place September 16–19, and will include in-person screenings at four venues – our recently launched Shotwell Drive-In, the Camden Opera House, Strand Theatre, and a special new pop-up cinema-lounge housed inside a 12,000 square foot boat barn on the edge of the Atlantic. Filmmakers will be in attendance, the Points North Pitch will return as a live event, and 50+ filmmaker fellows will be on the ground for the fest, making this year’s event one of the largest in-person documentary gatherings since the start of the pandemic.

CIFF’s VIRTUAL FESTIVAL  will run from September 16–26, and will provide audiences the opportunity to screen our slate of feature and short films from the comfort of your own home (or screen) at any time. Our Filmmaker Solidarity Fund continues this year, which means that as a virtual festival audience member, 50% of your pass or ticket purchase will go directly to the filmmakers who are presenting work at this year’s CIFF. Last year, we supported 64 filmmaking teams with nearly $25,000 through our Filmmaker Solidarity Fund. This year we hope you can help us reach $500 per project! Buy a pass as a gift for a friend who can’t come in person so they can enjoy CIFF remotely.

2021 PROGRAM GUIDE

Peruse the films that were included in CIFF 2021.

FILMS

After Dark Parties

FEATURES

HARRELL COMPETITION

CINEMATIC VISION COMPETITION

CONTEMPORARY ETHNOGRAPHY COMPETITION

SHORTS

SCHEDULE

Something about scheduling and how to view the schedule. Something about scheduling and how to view the schedule. Something about scheduling and how to view the schedule. Something about scheduling and how to view the schedule. You may also sort through our film showings by date.

A pdf version of our schedule is available here.

9:30–11:30 AM Camden Opera House FEATURE FILM:  Name of Film Here
12–1:30 PM Strand Theater PANEL:  Name of Panel Here

Event Description here. More info typed here and sentences here to describe the event a little bit more

3:30–5:30 PM Farnsworth Museum SHORT:  Name of Film Here
9:30–11:30 AM Camden Opera House FEATURE FILM:  Name of Film Here
12–1:30 PM Strand Theater PANEL:  Name of Panel Here

Event Description here. More info typed here and sentences here to describe the event a little bit more

3:30–5:30 PM Farnsworth Museum SHORT:  Name of Film Here
9:30–11:30 AM Camden Opera House FEATURE FILM:  Name of Film Here
12–1:30 PM Strand Theater PANEL:  Name of Panel Here

Event Description here. More info typed here and sentences here to describe the event a little bit more

3:30–5:30 PM Farnsworth Museum SHORT:  Name of Film Here
9:30–11:30 AM Camden Opera House FEATURE FILM:  Name of Film Here
12–1:30 PM Strand Theater PANEL:  Name of Panel Here

Event Description here. More info typed here and sentences here to describe the event a little bit more

3:30–5:30 PM Farnsworth Museum SHORT:  Name of Film Here

SCHEDULE         Thursday 16th        Friday 17th       Saturday 18th         Sunday 19th         

[sh_shotwell_schedule]

PASSES

The Virtual Pass provides access to all feature and short films screenings on our online festival platform. 50% of your pass price will directly support 2021 CIFF filmmakers through our Filmmaker Solidarity Fund. Virtual Passes do not include access to any in-person screenings or events.
The Virtual Pass provides access to all feature and short films screenings on our online festival platform. 50% of your pass price will directly support 2021 CIFF filmmakers through our Filmmaker Solidarity Fund. Virtual Passes do not include access to any in-person screenings or events.
The Virtual Pass provides access to all feature and short films screenings on our online festival platform. 50% of your pass price will directly support 2021 CIFF filmmakers through our Filmmaker Solidarity Fund. Virtual Passes do not include access to any in-person screenings or events.
To purchase individual film tickets, please follow the links within the individual film or event information. See film listing.

INFO & FAQ

Thanks to our Midcoast arts, film and creative community we are able to partner with the following venues for our CIFF venues:

Camden Opera House

29 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843 (207) 236-7963

Strand Theater

29 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843 (207) 236-7963

Farnsworth Museum

29 Elm St, Camden, ME 04843  (207) 236-7963

PASSES   To purchase a CIFF pass please see our pass section above where you will find purchase button links.

TICKETS   To purchase tickets to an individual film, please click on the film, in our film section above, that you are interested in where you will find a purchase button either on the film rollover or on the individual film page. 

IT TAKES AN ARMY…

CIFF’s unique combination of screenings, masterclasses, workshops, and special events would not be possible without the generosity and support of our outstanding volunteer teams. They love film, love our communities, and work tirelessly to create the best CIFF experience possible for all our attendees and guests.

As a CIFF volunteer, you’ll enjoy an unusual, behind-the-scenes experience with one of the top documentary film festivals in the world. You’ll meet new people and enjoy access to festival events. Most importantly, you’ll be part of the growing CIFF family!

If you want to work hard, have fun, and make the magic happen, please consider joining us for 2020!

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

Please follow the link below to register. Once your registration is processed, you will receive a welcome e-mail from us (check your bulk/spam/junk folder!) Questions? Please contact us at [email protected]

The Camden International Film Festival and Points North Forum take place in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine, three of the prettiest coastal towns in all of New England. The age-old Maine saying, “you can’t get there from here” need not apply to CIFF. There are plenty of options that will make your trip up the coast easy and enjoyable.

CIFF is reachable by plane, car, or bus.

BY PLANE

Daily flights from Boston to Rockland through Cape Air are easy, quite affordable, and offer one of the most spectacular views of the Maine coast. For more information, visit www.capeair.com. Make sure to rent a car from Budget upon arrival (207-594-0822).

BY AUTOMOBILE

From points south, follow I-95 through New Hampshire and into Maine. Get off at 295 N – Portland. Follow that until exit 28: Coastal Route 1N, Bath / Brunswick. Following Route 1 will take you directly through downtown Rockland, home of CIFF venues The Strand and Farnsworth Art Museum. Stay in Rockland, or continue 7 miles on Route 1 until you enter Camden.

BY BUS

Concord Trailways is one of the best bus experiences in the world. They provide movies, snacks, and water, and even a chance to experience a singing driver. Daily schedules from Boston’s South Station and Logan Airport and from Portland serve both Camden and Rockland. For more information, visit concordtrailways.com.

PARTNER HOTELS

Midcoast Maine has a number of places to stay during the festival. From award-winning boutique hotels to campgrounds, there are options for any kind of traveler. Below is a list of partner hotels and other references to help you plan your stay. Fall is a very busy time of year, so make sure to book your room early!

The Camden International Film Festival is grateful for the generosity of many local hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts who support the festival by providing lodging for our attending guests. Make sure to mention you’ll be attending for CIFF. Many of these hotels offer discounts to attendees!

HAMPTON INN & SUITES ROCKLAND
207-594-6644

LINCOLNVILLE MOTEL
(207) 236-3195

250 MAIN
(207) 594-5994

ELMS OF CAMDEN
(207) 236-6250

INN AT OCEAN’S EDGE
(207) 236-0945

WHITEHALL
(800) 789-6565

BIRCHWOOD LODGE & FARMETTE
(207) 236-4204

CAMDEN MAINE STAY INN
(207)236-9636

HAWTHORN INN
(207)236-8842

CAMDEN HARBOUR INN
(207) 236-4200

COUNTRY INN
(888) 707-3945

CEDAR CREST INN
(207) 236-4839

For more info on all hotels, visit the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce

The location of CIFF’s Hub will be announced in early September. The Hub will be open starting Wednesday, September 15 for Passholder pick-up, Filmmaker and Industry Accreditation, and the purchase of merch and general tickets to screenings as available. 

Yes! If you are interested in covering CIFF as a member of the press, either in-person or virtually, please fill out this form.

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