A curated selection of outdoor adventure and conservation short films, shown outdoors, over three weekends throughout Portland from July 28th - August 14th.
The Maine Outdoor Film Festival (MOFF) has released its 2022 film lineup. MOFF’s 3rd annual flagship Portland festival will feature 70 films from local, national and international filmmakers that include a wide breadth of outdoor adventure and conservation work. MOFF will be held from July 28th to August 14th hosting 11 unique programs of outdoor films across three weekends at three different Portland venues. Entry begins each night at 7PM, screenings begin at 8PM and conclude around 10PM. Tickets for each screening are available for purchase for $15. Weekend passes and full festival entry “Gold Passes” are also available. Panel discussions, fireside chats with filmmakers, the “MOFF Field Day” (a daytime event on 8/13 which includes the Maine Outdoor Brands Yard Sale, live music, local food trucks and craft adult beverages) will be accompanying this year’s festival program. For folks who can’t attend the festival in person, virtual screenings are available for each program starting at 8PM EST. More information and the screening information for each festival program can be found on the MOFF website.
MOFF 2022 features six world premieres, six US premieres and 12 Maine premieres. The world premieres are: NORTHERN COMFORT, SKI TOGETHER, WINTER SWIMMING, CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOIL, DREAMS INHERITED, and UNSINKABLE SHIPS. And of the 70 films in MOFF this year, 17 were either filmed in Maine or created by a Maine Filmmaker. “We received more full-length feature submissions this year to date. And we have more films from women filmmakers this year,” said Nick Callanan, MOFF founder and festival director. “Filmmakers are asking big questions, and have a lot to say right now. MOFF is an opportunity for folks to come together, and take a moment to really connect to the filmmaker's story and perspective. And to have some good fun together while we are at it! What’s better than enjoying films outside with good people on a fine Maine summer evening?”
While festival goers can look forward to experiencing the thrill and excitement of the outdoors, in films such as THE EPHEMERAL ARENA, DAY TRIPPER, and INNER MOUNTING FLAME, MOFF filmmakers also hope to spark deeper discussions through their work, as Jordyn Romero reflects on her award winning film, WE ARE LIKE WAVES“which portrays an intimate look into how surfing changes Sanu’s life, documenting the struggles and breakthroughs of becoming one of the first female Sri Lankan surfers.” Romero shares how bringing women from different cultures together through the shared experience of surfing,”WE ARE LIKE WAVES aims to connect women in sharing stories, experiences and resources to overcome the unique but similar barriers we face." Emily Hopcian, Director and Producer of MANDATORY GEAR, explores the experience of three women and one man looking to challenge history and stereotypes in adventure racing, saying she hopes to inspire viewers “to question the narratives put before them, especially their understanding of certain rules or regulations and ‘the way things have always been done.’ In doing so, I hope they will dip their toes into new adventures, both in the outdoors and in life.”
Other filmmakers highlight inspiring stories of how the love of the outdoors can unite even the most unlikely group of partners” to achieve successful grassroot conservation efforts. Maine filmmaker Tate Yoder’s film A WATERSHED MOMENT examines the relationship of the seemingly at odds stakeholders involved in river restoration in the northeast and conveys how “the story of this partnership is rooted in collaboration and can act as a beacon of hope for other communities and watersheds involved in fish passage restoration and community-driven science and stewardship.”
And of course, there are also films capturing the pure and simple joy of outdoor experiences. For example, TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH: STOKE THE FIRE is a collection of fun vignettes at small American ski mountains, with great music, great turns and cast of smiling characters.
Whatever your outdoor passion be, MOFF’s 2022 celebrated collection of independent outdoor films is sure to inspire, spread joy and deepen understanding through this festival celebrating the power and beauty of nature.
THE KATAHDIN PROGRAM at GMRI - 7/28/22
THE BIGELOW PROGRAM at GMRI - 7/29/22
THE CADILLAC PROGRAM at GMRI - 7/30/22
THE KINEO PROGRAM at the Eastern Promenade - 8/4/22
THE TUMBLEDOWN PROGRAM at the Eastern Promenade - 8/5/22
THE CARIBOU PROGRAM at the Eastern Promenade - 8/6/22
THE BATTIE PROGRAM at the Eastern Promenade - 8/7/22
THE DOUBLETOP PROGRAM at Après - 8/11/22
THE BIG MOOSE PROGRAM at Après - 8/12/22
THE WHITECAP PROGRAM at Après - 8/13/22
THE BRADBURY PROGRAM at Après - 8/14/22
MOFF is excited and grateful for this year's festival venue partners. Weekend one of the MOFF will kick off with a return to The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) July 28th-30th. “GMRI and MOFF have a shared commitment to connecting people and Maine’s environment. We are excited for our lab to be the backdrop for these important conversations and films” said Maggie Roudsari, GMRI’s Chief Development Officer. Festival goers will enjoy views of Casco Bay from the iconic Eastern Promenade as the backdrop for their viewing experience on weekend two of MOFF, August 4th-7th. And MOFF is thrilled to wrap up the third and final weekend at Après’ charming industrial-chic establishment located in the heart of Portland’s thriving Bayside neighborhood on August 11th-14th.
Mike Cardente, Owner/Operator of Après, shares that sentiment: “Since before we even opened our doors, Après has always been about creating an intersectional space for the community to join together to celebrate craftsmen, the arts, outdoors recreation and conservation, and of course: great drinks. As native Mainers we feel that so much of our identity is tied to the natural splendor right outside our front doors, so having the opportunity to host the Maine Outdoor Film Festival so early in our time here on Anderson Street feels like a true homecoming!”
MOFF would also like to thank its sponsors for their continued support, as without it this festival would not be possible. These include our friends at Baxter Brewing Co, Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash, DOMAINE at Keller Williams Realty, p3 Maine, American Roots, Revision Energy, WCLZ, Maine MagazineBerry Talbot Royer, Blue Rock Industries, Black Bear, Wyman’s, Toad&Co, Bangor Savings, Eastern Mountain Sports, Casco Bay Wealth Advisors, Opticliff Law, Tandem Coffee, Lucas Tree Experts, Maine Hardware, Berman & Simmons Trial Attorneys, Renys, Gregory Mountain Products, COAST Products, Immersion Research and ecomaine.
As in years past, a portion of MOFF’s proceeds will go to benefit Teens To Trails, a non-profit based in Brunswick, devoted to connecting middle and high school students to life-changing outdoor experiences.
For More Information: maineoutdoorfilmfestival.com