WATERVILLE, Maine—The Maine International Film Festival wrapped up its 27th annual edition Sunday in Waterville, Maine. Thousands attended this year’s festival, enjoying the opportunity to see 100 films across 10 days, including Maine-made productions, international movies from more than 40 countries, rediscoveries of beloved classics, world premieres, and much more. Among those 100 films were 22 made-in-Maine features and shorts, all of which competed for two juried Tourmaline Prizes. The prize, named for Maine’s state gem, awards $5,000 to the best Maine-made feature of the year and $2,500 to the best Maine-made short of the year. The jury recognized The Ruse by Stevan Mena as best feature-length film and An Extraordinary Place by Tom Bell as the best short film this year.
Horror-thriller The Ruse enjoyed its world premiere at the Waterville Opera House during the festival and won the Tourmaline Prize over competition The Ghost Trap and Carlo…and His Merry Band of Artists. Elaborating upon their decision to award The Ruse, the jury especially pointed to the film’s haunting cinematography and strong ensemble cast, led by legendary horror actress Veronica Cartwright (Alien, The Birds, Invasion of the Body Snatchers).
“The Maine International Film Festival is a world class event; the venue and staff are exceptional,” said Stevan Mena, writer, producer, and director of The Ruse. “I made many friends during my stay, with filmmakers from around the world. Looking forward to returning again.”
Nineteen films contested this year’s Maine-made shorts Tourmaline Prize, screening in three different programs and grouped as Maine Narrative Shorts, Maine Documentary Shorts, and Maine Music Shorts. After much deliberation, the jury named An Extraordinary Place, in the Music Shorts program, as the winner. The film profiles the inner workings of and unique characters at WMPG, an indie radio station in Portland.