The Inthrive Film Festival, the nation's only touring festival dedicated to showcasing the genius of incarceration survivors, is screening at the Maine State Prison, Damariscotta, and Waldoboro, May 1 and 2.

This isn't just a film screening, the organizers said, in an April 20 news release.

"it's a powerful counter-narrative to the dehumanizing language of the justice system," the release said. "Partnering with the Maine State Prison, the festival challenges local media and the public to look beyond a criminal record and witness the profound capacity for transformation, resilience, and creativity."

The festival will feature:

• Unfiltered Voices: Featuring films and panels created by or featuring the authentic, unfiltered stories of people who have survived incarceration — not interpreted by outsiders.

• A National Movement, A Local Lens:Founded by incarceration survivor David Smith, the festival is a national movement, but the Maine event features vital panels with people in the Midcoast who have been directly impacted by the justice system.

• The Power of Place: Films will be screened in the Maine State Prison (Friday day), the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta (Friday night), and the Waldo Theater (Saturday afternoon/evening). There will be a closing celebration with local organizations at the Waldo Inn (Saturday evening) 

• Free and Open: The entire event is free and open to the public, making it an accessible community event for crucial dialogue. Pre-registration is mandatory for screenings at the Maine State Prison-details at InthriveFilmFestival.org/Maine

"Society often overlooks the potential and contributions of those who have been incarcerated," said David Smith, Festival Director and founder. "This festival is the evidence that talent, vision, and the capacity for change do not end when someone is incarcerated. We are amplifying the voices of individuals who have not only survived but thrived. We invite the Midcoast community—and the press—to witness a true story of rebirth."

The Inthrive Film Festival, a 501(c)3 founded in 2023, is the first of its kind in the U.S. and the only multi-state film festival dedicated to this mission. It is supported by The Just Trust, Reform Alliance, and Indiana CURE, and is proud to collaborate with local partners like Dismas House to bring these vital stories to Indiana, the release said.

Event Details:

Friday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Maine State Prison, Warren

May 1, 7 to 9:30 p.m., Lincoln Theater, Damariscotta

Saturday, May 2, 4 to 8 p.m., Waldo Theater, Waldoboro

Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m., Afterparty at Waldoboro Inn, Waldoboro

Learn More/Full Schedule: InthriveFilmFestival.org/maine