Maine Film Center: Movies, Events & More In Waterville!
Can the silver screen truly shape the future? In Waterville, Maine, the Maine Film Center isn't just showing movies; it's cultivating the next generation of cinematic storytellers.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Waterville, the Maine Film Center (MFC), a cornerstone of the local arts scene, is more than just a place to watch films. With its address listed at 93 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901, the center is a vibrant hub, dedicated to the education, entertainment, and community-building power of cinema. The spirit of artistic expression has been rooted in this community since 1978, when Railroad Square Cinema first opened its doors, becoming Maines inaugural independent art house cinema. This legacy continues to thrive, fostering a deep appreciation for film and providing a platform for both emerging and established talents.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Maine Film Center |
| Address | 93 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901 |
| Phone | 207.873.4021 (Cinema 17 Railroad Square) |
| Mission | To educate, entertain, and build community through film. |
| Key Programs | Maine Student Film Educational Programs; Film Screenings with Colby College Museum of Art |
| Notable Feature | First independent art house cinema in Maine (Railroad Square Cinema, established 1978) |
| Current Initiatives | Final Film Series at Railroad Square Cinema; Collaboration with Waterville Creates (including the Waterville Opera House and Ticonic Gallery + Studios) |
| Ticket Prices | Students, Seniors, Military (65 & over), Military Personnel with IDs: $10.00 evenings, $9.00 matinees; Children (12 and under): $8.00 at all times |
| Funding | Youth Arts Access Fund Eligible for specific films; supported by community partners like Colby Museum of Art, Waterville Public Library, Waterville Opera House, and others. |
| Affiliations | Waterville Creates (Waterville Opera House, Ticonic Gallery + Studios) |
| Events | Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), Film Screenings with Speakers at Colby College Museum of Art |
| Website Reference | Google Search: Maine Film Center |
The Maine Film Center's mission transcends mere entertainment; it's about nurturing a thriving film culture. One of the crucial pillars of this is the "Maine Student Film Educational Programs," designed to inspire and equip the future filmmakers. This commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. The center often hosts screenings that are accompanied by discussions or programs, forging connections between the cinematic experience and the world outside. One such example is the collaborative program with the Colby College Museum of Art, pairing film screenings with speakers. These programs, which are "Free and open to the public," help to enrich the viewer's comprehension of what they are watching. These events take place "Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 AM" and are "Sponsored by the Colby Center for the Arts and Humanities."
The heart of the MFC beats at 93 Main Street, Waterville, Maine, where the latest film offerings, information about the theater, showtimes, and more are readily available. For those looking to purchase tickets, the option to "choose a time" is available, marking a convenient approach to enjoying the cinematic experience. The MFC often hosts events in partnership with other divisions of Waterville Creates (WC), including the Waterville Opera House (WOH) and Ticonic Gallery + Studios (TGS), supporting promotional initiatives across all divisions. This cohesive approach showcases Waterville's unified artistic vision.
The MFC showcases a variety of films, ensuring there is something for everyone. This includes animated films. "Flow," which was nominated for two Academy AwardsBest International Picture and Best Animated Picture and winner of Best Animated Motion Picture at the Golden Globes, had a return engagement at the Maine Film Center! The film has been described as "A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical, flow follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood."
For those seeking information, the MFC offers a full range of resources. One way to access the information is by going to "93 Main Street, Waterville, ME 04901 to purchase tickets, choose a time." Another way to get the information on specific films is by viewing "showtimes for movies playing at maine film center in waterville, maine (me 04901) with links to movie information (plot summary, reviews, actors, actresses, etc.) and more information about the theater." The MFC also highlights some of Maine and New Englands most innovative filmmakers. The center showcases the "Maine international film festival (miff)", which offers the best American and international cinema with world premieres, classic revivals, inspiring performances, and exhibitions. The MFC aims to strengthen maine culture through education, dialogue and the celebration of film and art.
The Schupf Art Center, located in downtown Waterville, also plays an important role by hosting events and film series. The center recently announced the final film series at its Railroad Square Cinema location, entitled The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship, marking a significant moment in the cinema's history.
The MFC is integrally linked to the broader artistic landscape of Waterville, which is managed by the umbrella organization, Waterville Creates. In addition to the MFC, Waterville Creates includes the Waterville Opera House (WOH) and Ticonic Gallery + Studios (TGS). These divisions, along with others, are now all located "under one roof at the paul j." This collaboration allows for a cohesive creative community, and provides a wealth of artistic opportunities.
The MFC also shares its space with the Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art and Borderlands Coffee, creating a welcoming atmosphere where the community can gather. This fusion of art and culture exemplifies the MFCs dedication to creating a well-rounded experience for all of its guests.
Beyond film screenings, the MFC also supports the "Youth Arts Access Fund," which helps ensure accessibility to the arts for young people. This commitment to accessibility is further emphasized in the standard ticket prices: "Students, seniors, military (65 & over), military personnel and students with i.d.s $10.00 evenings $9.00 matines. Children (12 and under) $8.00 at all times." This structure facilitates broad community access to a range of cultural activities.
The influence of the MFC expands further into the community through strategic alliances with influential local organizations. Thanks to the support of partners such as the Colby Museum of Art, Waterville Public Library, and the Waterville Opera House, common street arts quickly became a center for community gathering and creative expression. These associations and their contributions highlight the broad collaborative community supporting this art form.
The Maine Film Center is more than just a cinema; its a dynamic space that educates, entertains, and unifies the community through the shared experience of film. The center encourages future filmmakers, presents classic revivals, and works with community partners to create a vibrant environment for cinematic arts. Whether you're a seasoned film buff or just starting your cinematic journey, the Maine Film Center in Waterville is an excellent place to expand your understanding and appreciation of this important art form.
