Sanford International Film Festival

The Sanford International Film Festival is an annual event held in Sanford, Maine that specializes in independent film.

Sanford International Film Festival
Industryfilm-exhibition
Founded2014
FounderJames Harmon II
Headquarters,
United States of America
Websitewww.sanfordfilmfest.com

History

edit

Started in 2014 by James Harmon II,[1] the first festival was quickly put together to showcase films that were originally scheduled to play the canceled Lewiston Auburn Film Festival.[2][3] After the first festival's success and support from the city,[4] plans were made to continue the festival as an annual event.[5] The festival originally took place in May, but has moved to October in subsequent years.[6]

In 2019, for their sixth year, Brian Boisvert is serving as the festival director.[7]

The festival screenings are typically broken into recurrent categories, including: Horror Friday, Documentary Night, Mixed Genre Day,[8] and SIFF After Hours.[9] The popular Horror Friday section has included popular films with actors in attendance, including: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre with Gunnar Hansen[10] and Nightbreed with Anne Bobby.[11] The horror series has also included independent films, such as: Blood of the Tribades, Peelers, and In the Dark.[12]

The Tommy Award

edit

The Sanford International Film Festival gives out trophies in a number of categories for short films and feature films called Tommy Awards, named for Sanford textile baron Thomas Goodall.[13]

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "An interview with James Harmon II about starting the Sanford International Film Festival".
  2. ^ "Maine city's film festival to screen 87 movies in 5 days".
  3. ^ "After Lewiston Auburn Film Festival founder's arrest, filmmakers cancel showings".
  4. ^ "City's first-ever international film festival produces a hit".
  5. ^ "Fifth annual Sanford Film Festival takes place this fall".
  6. ^ "Film festival will return — in October".
  7. ^ "Sanford International Film Festival names new director".
  8. ^ "Lights! Cameras! Sanford International Film Festival!".
  9. ^ "Fifth annual Sanford Film Festival takes place this fall".
  10. ^ "Hide the chain saws - Leatherface is coming to Sanford".
  11. ^ "Actress Anne Bobby to highlight 'Horror Night'".
  12. ^ "Actress Anne Bobby to highlight 'Horror Night'".
  13. ^ "Thomas Goodall, Sanford".
edit