Points North, the nonprofit organization behind the Camden International Film Festival (CIFF), has launched Points North Presents, a new monthly screening series taking place on the fourth Thursday of March, April and May at the Strand Theatre.

"In collaboration with the Strand Theatre, Points North Presents will bring some of the year’s best documentaries to Midcoast Maine, with each screening followed by a lively Q&A or facilitated discussion, often with the filmmaker in attendance, creating space for genuine exchange between artists and audience," said Points North, in a news release.

The inaugural screening will be free and open to all: The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist. Fresh from its Sundance premiere, the film comes from the Academy Award-winning filmmakers behind Everything Everywhere All at Once and Navalny, and explores both the extraordinary possibilities and existential dangers of rapidly evolving AI technology. 

The next two films in the series will be 2025 Oscar-nominated Cutting Through Rocks in April, and Natchez, winner of three awards including Best Documentary at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, in May.

Screenings will be followed by Q&As with award-winning filmmakers and special guests. 

“For over twenty years, Points North has helped launch extraordinary documentary storytellers into the world — and each Fall we celebrate their work at CIFF,” said Points North Artistic Director Sean Flynn. “Points North Presents is our chance to extend that mission year-round. These first three films will take us from Midcoast Maine to the Mississippi Delta, to rural Iran, and to the edge of the AI revolution, connecting us more deeply to the world and to each other.”

“Launching this partnership is a real milestone for the Strand, allowing us to expand our programming to include world-class documentaries and conversations,” said Strand Film Programmer Brita Wanger. “The folks at Points North Institute have unmatched expertise in documentary and access to the top creators and storytellers in the field. Alongside them, we’re able to present these films in context and offer something of extraordinary value to our community.”

According to the news release, Points North Presents is an opportunity to see films that have earned their place on the world stage — documentaries that might otherwise only be seen at major festivals, now here in Rockland.

"Many in this series lack formal distribution, which makes evenings like these rare chances to support independent filmmakers and encounter stories and voices that don't often make it to local screens," said Points North. "Whether you're a longtime CIFF attendee or walking through our doors for the first time, we'd love to have you. Come for the film. Stay for the conversation."

Spring 2026 Lineup

March 26, 7:00 PM

The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist

Directed by Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell, 2026

From the Academy Award®-winning filmmakers behind Everything Everywhere All at Once and Navalny; a father-to-be tries to figure out what is happening with all this AI insanity. The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist is a hand-made, eye-opening documentary about the most powerful technology humanity has ever created... and what’s at stake if we get it wrong.

This inaugural screening will be free and open to all.

April 23, 7:00 PM

Cutting Through Rocks - filmmaker in attendance 

Directed by Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, 2025

As the first elected councilwoman of her remote Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi fearlessly breaks patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and stopping child marriages. When accusations arise questioning Sara’s intentions to empower the girls, her identity is put in turmoil.

May 28, 7:00 PM

Natchez - post-screening Q&A 

Directed by Suzannah Herbert, 2025

Natchez captures an unsettling clash between history and memory in a small Mississippi town; a layered mosaic of people contending with the weight of the past in a place where it is always present. Equal parts amusing and disturbing, we journey through an antebellum tourist destination at a crossroads as it grapples with a deeply troubled history that is so thoroughly ingrained in its present, we’re left to wonder if it’s actually past at all.

Tickets & Access

Tickets are $12 General Admission and $10 for Seniors, Students, and Strand Members, and may be purchased directly through the Strand Theatre at https://www.rocklandstrand.com.

Points North Presents is produced in collaboration with The Strand. Support for the program is generously provided by The Dave Nichols Charitable Trust, with media support from Midcoast Villager. The series is a program of Points North, extending the organization’s commitment to advancing the art, artists, and audiences of cinematic nonfiction storytelling throughout the year.

About Points North

Points North is the launching pad for the next generation of nonfiction storytellers.

Our programs include the annual Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) and Points North Forum, as well as a growing suite of artist development initiatives: retreats, residencies, workshops and fellowships that nurture the careers of diverse nonfiction storytellers and help them develop a stronger artistic voice. 

CIFF's 22nd edition takes place September 17-20, 2026 at venues throughout Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine. pointsnorthinstitute.org 

About Strand Theatre

The historic Strand Theatre offers the best of current first-run and independent films, live musical concerts and comedy, simulcasts, educational programs, conferences, and other special events on their stage and screen. The theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland. For more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com.