CAMDEN and PORTLAND – The Points North Institute is partnering with the Salt Institute of Documentary Studies at the Maine College of Art to bring the Camden International Film Festival’s acclaimed 2018 Dirigo Docs program to Portland on February 21.

Dirigo Docs is a collection of short films from Maine shown each year during the annual Camden International Film Festival. The program, which is now entering its 15th year, is comprised of films created by directors leading the state’s growing film scene, or films shot in and around the state documenting some of Maine’s most unforgettable people and events.

“We are thrilled to partner with Salt and MECA on this special screening,” said Ben Fowlie, Executive and Artistic Director of the Points North Institute. “Our Dirigo Docs program is one of the most popular events at CIFF each year, and our 2018 program was the most dynamic yet. It has been exciting to see the evolution and growth of Maine’s talented storytelling community through this program, and an honor to share it with a wider audience outside of the festival weekend.”

"Attending the Camden International Film Fest is a highlight for students during our fall semester. This is a perfect partnership between the Points North Institute and Salt at MECA," said Yoon S. Byun, instructor for visual storytelling. "We are passionate about telling stories in Maine, and are excited to connect with the talented filmmakers from across the state whose work is featured in Dirigo Docs. We look forward to welcoming the community through our doors for an evening of storytelling."

Films schedule to screen include:

Alan Magee: Art Is Not A Solace

Best known for his captivating and beautiful realist paintings, artist Alan Magee also creates works that delve into the the most sober aspects of human nature. Art is Not a Solace explores the common themes that link the realist work  and the social commentary.

David Berez, David Wright | USA | 10 mins

Angelo The Shepard

A portrait of  the bucolic lives of a Sicilian family near Agrigento. Underneath the pastoral pleasantries, we soon see the surprises of a rural family living and loving in a web of fate that is hundreds and hundreds of years old.

Cecily Pingree | USA | 12 mins

David's Voice

A portrait of a young classically trained vocalist pursuing his passion for musical theater on a miniature stage using action figures as performers.

Graham Hill | USA | 13 mins

Good News

Edgar Gatto can't leave the neighborhood he loves to hate.

Christoph Gelfand, Caroline Losneck  | USA |  10 mins

Hit ME, I like it!

The demolition derby is one of Maine’s most cherished summer events, and the crown jewel of the annual Union Fair. Who is behind the wheel of the last car driving? Created for Sports Illustrated/SITV

Charlotte Wilder, Lee Feiner | USA | 10 mins

Invisible Hands

Featuring Railroad Square’s Nancy Bixler, this documentary examines the art of “art handling” behind the Colby College Museum of Art’s exhibitions.

Grace Yu | USA |  18 mins

Not A Citizen

ICE wants to deport a 28-year-old Maine permanent resident back to the country his family fled as refugees when he was a child.

Daniel Quintanilla, Hanji Chang | USA | 4 mins

Underwater Rockland

Cold, lifeless, and dark. This is a common misperception of the underwater world beneath the boats of Maine. Welcome to lively Rockland Harbor.

David Conover | USA | 10 mins

All selections were shown at the 2018 Camden International Film Festival, and this event marks the first Dirigo Docs screening outside of the CIFF weekend. The event will be held at Osher Hall at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a Q&A with several of the films directors.

The screening is free to the public, but registration is encouraged as space is limited. For more information on how to reserve your spot, visit www.pointsnorthinstitute.org.