The Maine Film Office is proud to sponsor the Tourmaline Prizes at this year’s MIFF in Waterville, running July 11–20. Named for Maine’s state gem, the Tourmaline Awards honor the best Maine-made films of the festival: a $5,000 prize for Best Feature and $2,500 for Best Short, to be presented by MFO Director Steve Lyons on closing night. MIFF showcases nearly 100 films over 10 days at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center and the Waterville Opera House, including a robust lineup of workshops for emerging filmmakers.

Highlights include:
• Youth Filmmaking Workshop (July 16):
A hands-on session for ages 13–18 at Ticonic Classroom.

• Producing for New England’s Public Media (July 19):
Meet programmers from PBS affiliates across the region.

• Budgeting Toolbox for Indie Filmmakers (July 19):
Industry pros share tools for building sustainable budgets.

• 45th Maine Student Film & Video Festival (July 19):
A showcase of K–12 talent, sponsored by Maine Public.