The 1st Annual Emerge Film Festival

Arising from the ashes of the former Lewiston/Auburn Film Festival (LAFF) was the new Emerge Film Festival. Limited to two evenings and one full day of films, it was a rousing success. Film Makers, Directors and Actors came from far and wide to show off their creations.

I was asked by some of the organizers if I could be on hand to photograph the event. Of course, I said I would love to. There is just something about event photography that always entices me. It could be the excitement of the event, or rubbing shoulders with the other artists, or maybe, just maybe, I love photographing people at their best, and sometimes their worst.

The Festival began at the Baxter Brewing Company in Lewiston, Maine with a Beer and Fear theme. That evening happened to be Friday the 13th, and a Full Moon. Following the "Meet and Greet" at Baxter Brewing, the first two films were shown at the Franco American Heritage Center. Appropriately enough, they were Horror films to complete the Beer and Fear Theme of the evening.

Films were shown throughout the day Saturday at six venues. There were short films, documentary films, and feature films. I spent the day photographing the artists during their question and answer sessions after their films, as well as the folks attending the shows at the Free Grace Presbyterian Church venue in Lewiston. The quality of films at this years festival were outstanding, and it was a privilege to talk with so many artists. 

Kristin Wheeler, Producer/Director of "The Beginning and The End"
during Question and Answer session

The Emerge Film Festival culminated with the World Premier of "Richard3" (Pronounced Richard Cubed), a comedy based on the William Shakespeare play, Richard III. There was a sold out crowd, many of which had participated in the film as extras.

Molly McGill was the Master of Ceremonies at the Award Presentations, with an after party immediately following.

Molly McGill

And, the winners are....

All in all, a great weekend of films and fun. I hope to be asked to photograph the Festival next year, at the 2nd Annual Emerge Film Festival. Thank you to all the volunteers and Board of Directors that made this great event happen. It was fun being even a small part of it.