Join The Maine Outdoor Film Festival for THE GOLDENROD PROGRAM, a two and a half hour program of outdoor adventure and conservation short films, shown outdoors, at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Where: Gulf of Maine Research Institute, 350 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Parking: On site or street parking
When: Friday July 25, 2025. Doors at 7PM, films begin at 8PM, end approximately 10:30PM
Tickets: $15 advance, $18 at the door

This Event is Included in:
All-Access Pass
Outdoor Pass
Friends of MOFF Pass

Rain Plan: If we are unable to host the screening outside then it will be moved inside to the Talbot Auditorium . We’ll attempt to make any decision before 4pm on the day of the screening and will announce the decision via email to ticket purchasers, Event page on website and Instagram.

More info:
The film program will last about two and a half hours, including a 10-minute intermission.
Meet on the Street Food Truck will be present on site
Please bring your own camp chair/blanket.
Outside water/snacks are allowed.
No pets allowed.
email moff@maineoutdoorfilmfestival.com with questions!

Film Program

OCEAN PURSUITS

Surfing and creativity intersect in Maine in winter.

ROLL WITH IT

Roll With It is an inspiring documentary following Lindsey Runkel, a passionate mountain biker whose life changed forever after a nearly fatal crash left her paraplegic. Refusing to let her injury define her, Lindsey fights through adversity, adapts to a new way of riding, and rediscovers the freedom and joy of moving through nature. Through breathtaking trail rides, raw moments of struggle, and her unwavering determination, Roll With It showcases Lindsey's journey--not just as an athlete, but as a force of resilience, inspiring others to push past their own limitations and embrace the outdoors, no matter the obstacles.

A RAINBOW TOO

Ramon is a young dutch man who had a difficult start in life. After serious health problems, he took it upon himself to make a living from his passion by becoming a fishing rod maker. Today, he takes time for himself to foil the big trout of the Oosvoorsee Meer, with one of his own creations. But as he knows, life always offers new challenges...

BROKEN FLIGHT

Migration season is when Annette Price and the other Chicago Collision Bird Monitors are the busiest as mother nature literally slams into the indoors. Annette assembles volunteers as they arrive downtown before sunrise, looking for birds that have flown into skyscrapers for hours before heading to their day jobs. The chases for injured birds bring moments of levity amidst more challenging ones. The birds are packed away for a stay at the Willowbrook Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or as research specimens at The Field Museum. Dr. Ben Marks, Bird Division Collections Manager, walks through the vast world renowned bird specimen collection at The Field Museum, containing thousands of colorful taxidermied skins, cryogenically frozen muscle tissue samples, and meticulously labeled skeletal remains. Dr. Marks picks over the salvages brought in with Dr. Dave Willard, who officially retired but continues his scientific research as a volunteer. Dr. Willard measures and catalogs specimens to include in an unparalleled 40+ year study which adds to the evidence of climate change. At the Willowbrook Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Annette drops off living birds in paper bags to intake. The chirping, moving bags, and pecked holes all show hopeful signs of life. Wildlife Keeper, Justin Sharp, identifies the birds' species and performs flight tests. As always, the biggest challenge is catching the lively ones. Staff veterinarians take us through tedious exams. Birds humorously get loose every step of the way. Finally, volunteers joyfully release several birds into the nearby forest preserve.

DR. JEFF

The walls hold an escape from his intense profession and the many challenges that come along with it. With his most valuable asset being the tips of his fingers, Dr. Jeff utilizes climbing to find balance in his busy life.

IT'S TIME

"It's Time" is a poetic 4-minute film born from a personal journey of discovery. Set in early spring, in our backyard on the banks of the Sangamon River in Illinois, this cinematic ode gives voice to nature through stunning visuals and lyrical narration. Inspired by the ancient practice of maple syrup making, the film interweaves the rhythm of sap collection with the melody of a wooden flute, creating a symphony of human creativity and nature's wisdom. The tree's awakening becomes a powerful metaphor for environmental awareness, highlighting the delicate balance between abundance and responsibility. This film is dedicated to Indigenous peoples, including the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Wabanaki, who invented maple syrup and have harvested sap for centuries as an essential part of their physical and spiritual nourishment. "It's Time" aspires to plant seeds of change, encouraging viewers to listen to nature's whispered warnings and become stewards of our shared environment. Learn more at ItsTimeFilm.com

WHERE THE WIND TAKES YOU

Embracing the power of the arctic wind just 10 degrees shy of the North Pole, a sailboat captain sails North dodging icebergs, exploring remote fjords, and experiencing a close encounter with the ultimate apex predator.

THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS

Aiming to paddle the fabled Minus rapids at the base of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi river, Ben Marr's biggest challenge is to get to them by trekking upstream. A total assault on the senses awaits as the force of the river speaks for itself.

USUGILIX AWAKUN

In the waters off the remote island of Iluulux̂ or so called Unalaska, Alaska, toxic algal blooms are increasingly infecting filter feeding shellfish with unknown causation. After a community member died from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax̂ scientist Shayla began working with her tribe to research and understand the harmful blooms and what can hopefully be done about them. Illuminating the profound connection between the Unangax̂ people and their environment, Usugilix Awakun showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of a culture in the face of unprecedented challenges.

THE POINTE PESSEY

In her village of Le Grand-Bornand, in France, nestled at the foot of the Pointe Percée, Iris is preparing for a challenge that resonates far beyond the summits: to set a record climb on the mountain she's cherished since childhood. Between intense training sessions and silent doubts, Iris draws on her roots, her memories and her determination for her attempt. Narrated by her twin brother with a mixture of humor and tenderness, the film paints the portrait of an inspiring woman torn between the expectations of others and her deep love for this little-known mountain. Through her journey, we discover a quest for freedom, resilience in the face of adversity, and a reflection on what it really means to "reach a summit".