PORTLAND, Maine — When the Camden International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, its organizers will no doubt have an extra spring in their step—and with good reason. This is the festival's 20th anniversary.
It has come a long way from modest beginnings to take its place as one of the premier documentary festivals in the U.S.
But, what will the festival offer this year?
"First and foremost, we have an amazing program of films from all over the world," Sean Flynn, co-founder and program director of the Points North Institute, which puts on the festival, said. "Thirty-one feature films, 23 shorts; we have a VR installation and lots of discussions with artists and audiences from all over."
For people who want to find out what went into the making of a particular project, CIFF offers exceptional access.
"Almost every feature film that we're screening will have a Q&A with the director afterwards," Flynn said, "and in some cases, even with the participants and the protagonists of the film you’ll see on screen."
CIFF runs from Sept. 12 to 15 at venues in Camden and Rockland and then online from Sept. 16 to 30. Watch our interview for a look at three of the films the organizers are especially excited about.