PORTLAND — As the first celebration of its 25th season, WinterKids announces the premiere of a brand-new short documentary at the Snow Day Dreams film event, taking place this November 18, in Portland. 

The film event takes place November 18, 2025, at 6 p.m., at AURA, in Portland.

"This milestone marks WinterKids’ debut outing as a 25-year-old organization, and the excitement is just beginning," said WinterKids.

The documentary highlights WinterKids’ legacy of helping Maine children build healthy habits through joyful outdoor winter play and education.

The WinterKids documentary, titled For the Joy of Winter: 25 Years of WinterKids, is a heartwarming look at the generations of Maine kids, educators, families, and partners who have grown up with WinterKids. From ski and snowshoe adventures to schoolwide Winter Games and statewide community events, the story captures the magic of winter over the course of a quarter-century, and the incredible power of community, as told by the team that leads the work.

“This film is a love letter to Maine winters and to the children who have grown up in them alongside WinterKids,” says Courtney Holub, Executive Director of WinterKids. “For 25 years, families, educators, and community partners have helped us create opportunities for kids to thrive outside and discover the wonder waiting in their own backyards. We hope all who love the outdoors, whether you hike, ski, snowshoe, or enjoy a fresh snowfall, will see themselves in this story and join us in keeping this way of life strong for the next generation. This premiere also sets the stage for raffles, alumni speakers, and a special fund-a-need—clear ways for our community to come together in celebration while supporting the next 25 years of joyful outdoor learning and play.”

The Snow Day Dreams Film Event celebrates stories that inspire connection to the outdoors and helps local film and outdoor aficionados get ready for their favorite winter pursuits.

WinterKids’ film will be featured alongside other cold-weather adventure films from the 2025 MOFF flagship festival, including:

2 LEGS IS 2 EASY | 6.42 minutes | by Tamara Susa | United States | Short synopsis: Steve Karczewski was born with bone cancer in his leg. After a year of chemotherapy, his leg was amputated above the knee. Nowadays, Steve is seen on the slopes of Roaring Fork Valley. He was recruited by Challenge Aspen in 2008 to join their Paralympic racing team. There, coaches trained him to ski without a prosthetic, on one ski.

LINES | 9 minutes | by Josh Goldsmith | United States | Short synopsis: There’s a tense moment before every grand performance where apprehension turns to belief, and preparation meets presentation. We follow the interwoven journey of a skier and a rapper as they individually navigate this moment on stages of their own choosing.

OCEAN PURSUITS | 11.67 minutes | by Casey Nava | Maine | Short synopsis: Surfing and creativity intersect in Maine in winter.

L’EXPÉRIENCE MAGNIFIQUE – SPEEDRIDING THE FRENCH ALPS | 16.8 minutes | by Ian Rinefort | United States | Short synopsis: Flying on tiny overhead gliders with skis, this group of pioneering pilots descend big-mountain lines in the French alps – pushing the boundaries of the new sport of Speedflying.

BRIDGERS | 11.67 minutes | by Joseph P Fletcher | United States | Short synopsis: Two Bozeman-based ski patrollers reflect on the rapid changes facing their home and the sport they love. With 50 seasons under his belt, Dene Brandt regards the future with an optimism that infects his younger co-worker.

In addition to the films, guests will enjoy light appetizers, a cash bar, and the chance to win raffle prizes donated by some of Maine’s favorite local brands and businesses.

Every ticket purchase also comes with a complimentary lift ticket to Mt. Abram - generously donated in support of WinterKids and the next generation of skiers and riders.

Tickets: winterkids.org/snow-day-dreams/

About WinterKids

WinterKids helps children across Maine develop healthy lifelong habits through education and fun outdoor winter activities. For 25 years, WinterKids has created opportunities for kids and families to move, learn, and explore together, making winter a joyful season for everyone. Through inclusive programs in schools and communities, and resources like the WinterKids Passport, the organization removes barriers to outdoor play and inspires a lifelong love of nature, wellness, and winter adventure. Learn more at WinterKids.org.

About the Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Adventure. Conservation. Connection. The Maine Outdoor Film Festival curates and produces film experiences that celebrate the beauty, interactivity, and complexity of our planet. Through world-class storytelling and imagery, MOFF seeks to broaden perspectives, strengthen community connections, and inspire positive change. Each summer, the flagship festival in Portland brings together filmmakers, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation leaders, while the MOFF Selects Tour and off-season events carry curated films and conversations to communities across Maine and New England. Learn more at MaineOutdoorFilmFestival.com.