The MidCoast Film Festival returns to Damariscotta’s historic Lincoln Theater this weekend for its fourth season. This year the festival will showcase 18 different films over 5 different programs, featuring all the moving imagery that New England has to offer – films that are from New England filmmakers, set in New England, or whose subject matter is about New England! After a successful launch in 2019, the fourth annual MCFF sets sail Friday, June 23 through Saturday, June 24.

“Strafford,” this year’s selected feature documentary film, kicks off the two-day event, with a screening Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m.. Directed by Portland Maine filmmakers, Katy E. Cecchetti and Kevin P. Corcoran, the town of “Strafford” is tucked away in the forests of Southern New Hampshire. A two-hundred-year-old town with around 4,000 residents. No major roadways go directly through Strafford, but it has lakes and mountains, schools and meeting halls, and traditions and memories that span back centuries. This film invites viewers to visit this special place and spend time with some of its people as they look back on the history of their town and turn an eye toward its uncertain future. Both Katy and Kevin, will be joining us following the screening to discuss their film, the art of filmmaking, and more.

On Saturday, the MCFF is offering a full day of programming featuring 17 different films over four programs covering a variety of genres and topics. The day begins at 11am with the double feature program, “On The Waterfront,” featuring two riveting tales, “Island Lobsterman” and “The River is our Relative” about the importance of water in ordinary lives. At 1 p.m., the MCFF is offering its very first narrative program! This new addition to the festival features four fictional tales from our home state of Maine and beyond. And there is another exciting addition this year, the Locals Only Shorts program which plays at 3pm. In this program you will experience films created by directors right in your own backyard, including towns as close as Newcastle and Nobleboro, delighting you with tales from near and far. And closing out the film fest at 6pm is the annual fan favorite, the New England Based Stories shorts program. From a cold swimming group on Mount Desert Island to a Massachusetts artist unlocking hidden talents, this program gives a cinematic portrayal of New Englanders at their finest. With the focus on New England, many of this year’s Filmmakers are able to be in attendance! All participating filmmakers will be invited on stage for talkbacks following each of Saturday’s programs. A full day of entertainment, sharing a deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking as well as for our beloved New England and all she has to offer.

You can see one film or see them all! Passes are available for the entire festival, for Saturday only, or for each individual program. All passes and tickets may be purchased in advance through Lincoln Theater’s online box office at LincolnTheater.net or at the door beginning 30 minutes before showtime. This year’s MidCoast Film Fest is presented in partnership with Reny’s, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, King Eider’s Pub, J. Edward Knight Insurance, and Colby & Gale. More information is available at LincolnTheater.net and MidCoastFilmFest.org. Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in the heart of downtown Damariscotta.