Rain Date: Now Sunday, September 8

Three humorous Maine films to catch on the Camden stop of Maine Outdoor Film Fest

Sun, 09/08/2019 - 9:00am

    Note: Due to the rain, this event has now been moved to Sunday night, September 8, 2019

    CAMDEN—The line up of the annual Maine Outdoor Film Festival (MOFF) has always centered around outdoor life and conservation, but when MOFF hits the Camden Snow Bowl on Saturday, September 7, a few notable and funny films will be part of the mix.

    Now in its 8th year, Each MOFF screening is uniquely curated for the geographic location. According to MOFF director Nick Callanan, a couple of stand out films include:

    Sea Level Rise, by the Island Institute with a 02:48 running time. Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize the animation of O’Chang Studios (married filmmakers Hanji Chang and Andy O'Brien) with “a short, animated film using colloquial, Maine-specific humor as a tool to spark and catalyze conversations around sea level rise.”

    Passive Aggressive Dads is another Maine short that is one of Callahan’s favorites, because it hits so close to home. Jim Picarillo of Brooksville  directed this dark comedy “about two middle-aged dads who just want to spend a quiet day with their daughters at the park. But when an obnoxious group of teens drive by, too fast and too loud, it spurs these aging, disgruntled dads into a self-righteous act of passive-aggression.”

    “The fathers take matters into their own hands when dealing with the rowdy teenagers at the local playground and as a father to two young girls, I could relate to it,” said Callahan. “It’s so well done.”

    Even Picarello’s fundraising platform to finance the short is pretty funny: take a look here.

    And then there is a film about an idea so revolutionary it seems almost too simple. The Official Selection of MOFF this year is a LIVINGPLANT™ a satirical take on a Ted Talk about “a product comes along that changes everything - a revolutionary product that increases productivity, creativity, health, well-being.”

    “I don’t want to spoil the premise of it but when you watch it, you’ll get it, that’s one people will enjoy for sure,” said Callahan.

    The festival will be held under the stars at Camden Snow Bowl with “doors” opening at 7 p.m. so people can set up lawn chairs and blankets, or grab a beer from Baxter State Brewing Company or a snack from the Bagel Cafe’s Big T Snack Shack. The films will begin at 7:45 p.m.  The cost is free but any donations will go to the Teens to Trails organization.

    If Midcoast residents miss the September 7 show, there will be another one on September 12 at The Steamboat Landing in Belfast.

    For more information and the line up of films visit: MOFF.


    Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com