NewEnglandFilm.com

Festival director Shannon Haines gives us the skinny on the Maine International Film Festival.

Number of Yearly Submissions: 200-250

Number of Films Typically Accepted: 20-25

What are you looking for when choosing which films you select?

Films that are not only professionally and beautifully shot and produced but that also exhibit a unique point of view and tell a compelling story — whether documentary or narrative.

What are your biggest pet peeves from filmmakers?

Submitting multiple versions of the same film. Requesting fee waivers without any sort of explanation. Lashing back at us if their film is not accepted to the festival.

What is your advice for filmmakers looking to apply to your festival, or to others?

Check out previous years’ programs to find out if the festival is a good fit for your film. Submit your best possible work the first time — don’t send an incomplete version well in advance of the deadline and then send new versions after that. (If the deadline is approaching and you only have an incomplete version, that’s understandable.)

What is your advice to audience goers for how best to enjoy your festival?

Be open to seeing a film that may not have been your first choice. If the film that you really want to see sells out, go see one of the other films — many audience members report seeing their favorite films by accident! Interact with the visiting filmmakers — they are always eager to discuss their work and that’s what makes a festival a festival after all!