Calling all MFVA members! Maine Film & Video Association is seeking submissions of independent films and videos, with a regional (preferably Maine) focus. This work will be broadcast on MPBN (Maine’s public television station).  The projects need to be fairly recent, of broadcast quality and non-commercial. Genres can include documentaries, fiction, educational, animation and event coverage.  This offer is available to MFVA members and submissions need to go directly to MFVA.  This is a great opportunity to expand your audience and bring in new revenue through broadcast sponsorship.

York County Community College is hosting a student film festival as part of their annual Senior Animation at Smitty’s Cinema in Sanford, Maine this May.

Any current or former student of a college in Maine is eligible to submit a film.

MFVA is pleased to have assisted one of our members, Iain McCray Martin in bringing his film Life By Lobster to the attention of the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.  MPBN will be broadcasting Martin’s film on February 13th and 14th.

This collaborative effort is part of MFVA’s ongoing initiative to bring our members work to the attention of such broadcasters as WPXT and MPBN as well as through an upcoming statewide screening series. 

The Life By Lobster project should serve as an inspirational model to many young, aspiring filmmakers.  Fresh out of high school, Martin found a topic within his immediate community and began to document it.  In the process he matured into a accomplished filmmaker.

A full interview with Iain McCray Martin follows below….

MPBN, in its commitment to broadcast the work of Maine Film & Video Association members, will be airing Richard Kane’s film “Protecting the Nature of Maine: Fifty Years of the Natural Resources Council of Maine”.  Broadcast dates are February 6th, 7th and 28th (see our calendar listings for broadcast times). 

The Camden International Film Festival is proud to announce its recognition in two separate international lists created by leaders in the documentary industry. 

In mid-December filmmaker / writer AJ Schnack enlisted a cast of filmmakers and industry leaders to weigh in on the top 25 film festivals worldwide.  This list, now in its 2nd edition has been one of the most valuable resources for filmmakers looking to navigate the overcrowded festival schedule.  After a dynamic 5th Anniversary Celebration, CIFF was able to secure a spot at #19. 

A Message from Paul Tukey, executive producer, “A Chemical Reaction”:

With the next two weeks being short weeks, I wanted to review the schedule update highlights as they are now coming into focus for the SafeLawns Foundation North American Tour of A Chemical Reaction:

Our screening at The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is on for 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17, at the Oddfellows Hall…

BRUNSWICK, Maine (December 8, 2009) - Brunswick, Maine-based international film distributor Louise Rosen announces major news for three of her independent producer clients.

The feature documentary “A Small Act” has been selected for competition in the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  Produced by Harambee Media, directed by Jennifer Arnold and produced by Patti Lee, “A Small Act” reveals how a young Kenyan’s life changes dramatically when a Swedish stranger sponsors his education. Years later, he founds his own scholarship program to replicate the kindness he once received. The screenings at Sundance will be the film’s world premiere. This marks the fifth film represented by Rosen that has been selected for Sundance.

via Filmmakers Collaborative

The Independent Film Festival of Boston
April 22-28

The 7th annual Independent Film Festival of Boston is upon us and it’s packed with close to a 100 great films. Among the attractions are a number of great documentaries by New England filmmakers