A short film created by Marina Bannister, of Belfast, will be shown on May 7, 2026, at Nickelodeon Cinemas in Portland. "Maine Mayhem" is an annual festival showcasing the work of senior students from Southern Maine Community College’s Communications and New Media Program.

Bannister is a Southern Maine Community College student studying Communications and New Media with a focus in film at SMCC. She graduated from Belfast Area High School in 2024, while doing a senior multimedia internship with Torchlight Media, where she was one of the founding members, according to a news release.

Bannister’s short film Not So Different follows a young trans man named Joe and his ex, Cameron, as they rekindle their relationship and travel through challenging conversations, growth, and hopeful closure. Bannister has been working on this project for almost a year now and is very excited to be able to share this film with everyone.

"As much as this film is hers, she couldn’t have done it without her incredible cast and crew," said the news release. "Marina’s producers, Nolan Boston and Nzola Paulo, have been a huge help in making this film possible. As the film approaches its final stages, Marina and her co-editor, Delaney Noldan (producer of The Dog, another Maine Mayhem film this year), are thrilled to see this project come to life."

Over her five semesters (two years and a summer course), Bannister has learned a great deal about filmmaking and the Maine Mayhem process at SMCC. Before her final semester at SMCC, Bannister has been a part of a few other Mayhem films in previous years. She first got a taste for it in The Memory Keeper in 2024, acting in a small role before she was a student. Then, last year, she acted in Tyler Lefontaine’s Maine Mayhem film In Your Head.

Bannister was hoping to make the next step in Maine Mayhem and get the chance to write, direct, and edit her own film.

"Marina got the opportunity to be one of the 8 short films chosen by a panel of producers to have her film made and shown at the Nickelodeon Cinemas, along with other locations around Maine, and she couldn’t be happier," said the release. 

Founded in 2011 by instructor Corey Norman and student James Crocco, the Maine Mayhem festival has grown steadily over the years, consistently selling out the Nickelodeon Cinema, according to the news release.

"I can confidently say that this year's selection of Maine Mayhem films is the strongest we've ever had," said SMCC CNMS Professor / Festival Director Corey Norman. "As an educator, I am incredibly proud to see how much growth and creativity my students have shown. Watching them bring their visions to life with such dedication and skill is truly rewarding. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion they put into their craft, and it’s an honor to see their efforts recognized at such a prestigious event. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished, and I’m excited to see their continued success in the future.”