PORTLAND, ME (July 7, 2023) — Join The Maine Outdoor Film Festival, presented by ReVision Energy, for a two and a half hour program of outdoor adventure and conservation short films, shown outdoors, at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute for the opening night of the festival.

– The film program will last about two and a half hours, including a 10-minute intermission.

– Please bring your own camp chair/blanket.

– On A Roll Food Truck will be joining us for the event.

– Outside water/snacks are allowed.

– No pets allowed.

– Film program is subject to change.

Schedule of Films:

DARKEST BEFORE DAWN – Alex Eggermont – 20 Min.

Peek into the world of Belgian climber Siebe Vanhee’s authentic, raw process of his first season climbing on Yosemite’s hardest big wall. The infamous Dawn Wall proves to be a challenge in more ways than one. “Darkest before Dawn” combines genuine storytelling with a cinematic approach bringing together a story beyond just the climbing. The film encapsulates the beauty of the body language when hanging from its fingertips thousands of feet off the ground.

THE BATTLE FOR BIG LAKE – Stephen Underwood – 20 Min.

The Grand Lake Stream region of Maine, a world renowned fly fishing destination in Washington County, has lured anglers from around the globe for nearly two centuries. In 2019, highly invasive milfoil – often perceived as a “Southern Maine problem” – was discovered in Big Lake, and soon afterwards in other water bodies connected to it. This aggressive milfoil has the ability to destroy pristine water quality, choke off native species and cripple lakes that are vital to the economy of Maine. This is a story of community commitment, courage and resilience, and of what Maine people can do when they come together to save something they love.

THE OLDEST TRAIL – Cam Willis – 18 Min.

Starting on June 6th, 2022, in honor of National Trails Day, Outdoor Gear Exchange embarked on a fundraiser for the Green Mountain Club in the form of an end-to-end relay hike of the entire length of the Long Trail.

THE FEEDING FRENZY – Roger Scott McCord – 7 Min.

A brood of five Phoebe hatchlings is obsessed from nest to first flight.

MAINE MAPLE – Jeshua Soucy – 4 Min.

The story of Maine maple syrup from sap out of a tree to pouring it over your pancakes.

MILES TO GO – James Saunders – 9 Min.

In 2022 alone there have been over 300 anti LGBTQ+ bills proposed in various states across the country. Refusing to sit idly by, trans trail runner Perry Cohen (he/him) formed a team of fellow runners who identify as trans men with an aim to compete in races in states proposing and passing hateful legislation. Miles to Go follows their journey into the world of trail running and the freedom to be themselves on the trail.

OUR NORWEGIAN FJORD – Art Bell – 3 Min.

Lake Willoughby, was formed by receding glaciers leaving Mount Pisgah to the left, Mount Hor to the right, two halves split apart by mother nature. On the Canadian border, a National Natural Landmark, over 11,500 years old. Surprisingly this water flows north to the Gulf of St Lawrence, then out to the Atlantic ocean.

FROM THE SHADOW OF A MOUNTAIN – Alex Massey – 6 Min.

Markelle Taylor started running as a way to turn his life around. Today, he runs free in America’s oldest trail race, on a mountain which was once unreachable.

TO THE HILLS & BACK – Mike Quigley – 46 Min.

At a remote backcountry cabin, a veteran mountain guide and his daughter connect and reflect upon a lifetime in the mountains. Avalanche accidents have been happening in the mountains since humans first started traveling within them and we learn about this evolution of winter recreation and avalanche safety. Stories unfold and we hear from several characters including those with life shattering events. Many of these stories share striking similarities that those who follow can learn from.

Friday, July 21, 2023 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM EST at 350 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101

Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at the door