WATERVILLE – The Maine International Film Festival kicks off its 27th annual edition this Friday, July 12, in Waterville. This year’s festival features a robust program of 100 films across 10 days, showcasing Maine-made productions, international movies from more than 40 countries, rediscoveries of beloved classics, world premieres, hands-on workshops, awards, and much more. Highlights include our Mid-Life Achievement Award honoree Mary Harron; Lifetime Achievement Award honoree Jos Stelling; the New Rwandan Cinema program; a sold-out U.S. premiere of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” at the Waterville Opera House; and, of course, the made-in-Maine features and shorts in competition for the annual Tourmaline Prizes.

 “This year’s MIFF is going to be a truly thrilling edition, with a greater diversity of films, filmmakers, and countries included than we have ever before had,” said MIFF Programming Director Ken Eisen. “Our filmmaking guests—we have two very special Achievement Award honorees among so many others—and the quality of films will give our audiences memories and images they’ll never forget.”

 We are excited to celebrate the opening of the festival with Sally Aitken’s infectiously charming documentary “Every Little Thing” at the Opera House at 6:30 p.m. It’s the little things that count, and the “little things” in “Every Little Thing” are tiny hummingbirds—sometimes even tinier hummingbird babies—abandoned, injured, and/or strayed. Director Sally Aitken’s stunning film makes us prize them as much as their savior, Terry Masear, does. You don’t have to love hummingbirds, birds, animals, or even most humans to love “Every Little Thing”. You just have to love life itself.

 The presentation of “Every Little Thing” at MIFF27 is sponsored by Peter and Lee Lyford.

 “Opening night of MIFF is always an incredibly exciting experience, and we look forward to setting the celebratory tone with “Every Little Thing”,” said Maine Film Center Executive Director Mike Perreault. “Not only is this screening followed by the kickoff to the Waterville Rocks concert series at Head of Falls, it heralds the more than 100 films in store for filmgoers throughout the 10 days of the festival. And with “Every Little Thing”, among many other films in the MIFF lineup, it’s an open invitation to patrons of all ages and backgrounds to experience excellent storytelling and share in this celebration of cinema.”

 Following “Every Little Thing” and the opening night proceedings, festival-goers may want to head over to the Maine Film Center for another screening: French classic rediscovery “Le Samouraï” at 9 p.m.; a documentary exploration of the world of moths, “Nocturnes”, at 9:20 p.m.; or animated drama “The Siren” at 9:40 p.m., set during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. Alternatively, those craving a little fresh air and live entertainment can cross Common Street to Head of Falls Park, where the annual free concert series Waterville Rocks, presented by Waterville Creates and the Waterville Opera House, kicks off with a doubleheader performance by Muddy Ruckus and Rustic Overtones. Visit operahouse.org/waterville-rocks for more information.

 Those queuing up for entry to MIFF this year can enjoy the breathtaking sights of the newly installed “Light Sentinels” temporary public art in Castonguay Square, directly adjacent to the MIFF entry tent. Designed and realized by Australian creative team Skunk Control, “Light Sentinels” are 10 towering, 16–20-foot-tall kinetic flower sculptures, which dynamically furl and unfurl their petals, casting colorful and ever-changing shadow patterns. The project, which was the recipient of Waterville Creates’ 2024 Call for Proposals Temporary Public Art, is debuting July 12 and will remain up through November. Visit watervillecreates.org/shows/light-sentinels to learn more.

 “Every Little Thing” launches a full, diverse MIFF program that truly offers something for everyone. To learn more about the 100 films screening at MIFF this year, as well as the myriad special events and programs, visit MIFF.org. Passes and tickets are available now.