WALDOBORO — Filmmaker Ian Cheney returns Friday, Dec 6, 2024, to The Waldo, with the Maine theatrical premiere of his latest film, Shelf Life.

Shelf Life takes the viewer on a global exploration of cheesemaking in unexpected places that draws surprising parallels between the aging of cheese and the human experience, offering a sensory and philosophical journey into time, decay, and craftsmanship.

The screening will be preceded by a local cheese market in the theatre and followed by a Q&A session with Ian and the film's executive producer, Robyn Metcalfe, and Producer Meredith DeSalazar. Afterward, the journey continues with an intimate cheese tasting experience at The Waldoboro Inn.

Shelf Life launches with an unusual premise: might spending time among people who age cheese yield insights about what it's like for us humans to grow old? A peripatetic journey to farflung, unexpected locations - ranging from Japan to Tblisi - provides an immersive culinary and temporal experience, interspersed with odd visual meditations meant to spark new questions and curiosities. At the heart of the film are the people we meet along the way: cheesemakers, mongers and librarians whose perspectives on decay and dissolution both charm and haunt.

“I'm delighted to be sharing our latest adventure, Shelf Life, with the community at the marvelous Waldo Theater” said Ian Cheney, in a Waldo Theatre news release. “Though the film brought us all over the world, much of the film was conceived and discussed over tea (and cheese) at my parent's house in Waldoboro. I can't imagine a better venue for giving this film its Maine premiere!”

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a local cheese market featuring Lakin’s Gorges, Fuzzy Udder, Balfour Farm and Morse’s. You can buy your holiday cheeses directly from the Makers. All cheese will be kept cold after purchase and can be collected after the film.

The film starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A session with Director Ian and Executive Producer Robyn.

Tickets for the film are available at www.thewaldotheatre.org.

After the screening, continue the journey with an intimate, immersive experience where cheese becomes a metaphor for life at The Waldoboro Inn. This unique cheese experience will take place at the Waldoboro Inn at 8:30 p.m. and is limited to 25 spots. Tickets are $15. $20 day of show. Secure your place here: https://tally.so/r/wzQraR