Biddeford Mini Film Fest highlights Maine social issues documentaries

The first Biddeford Mini Film Fest is set to showcase important social issues in Maine. The event will occur on April 4 at City Theater, organized by Art of Biddeford. It features four documentaries focusing on themes such as immigration, mental health, and the LGBTQIA+ community. One highlighted film is “I Come From Away: An Immigrant in Maine.” Created by filmmaker Nyamuon “Moon” Nguany Machar, it tells her own immigration story, along with that of David Zwalita Mota. It explores how Portland and Sanford are responding to asylum seekers. Another film in the festival is “La Frontière,” which takes a poetic look at Northern Maine's border with Canada. Additionally, “Recovery in Maine: Queer Voices” by Riss Bickford examines recovery challenges for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Bickford, who is also a queer person in recovery, emphasizes the need for inclusive recovery spaces that cater to diverse identities. The festival is free to attend and will start at 5:30 p.m. Donations are encouraged, as they go directly to the filmmakers. Attendees can also participate in a question-and-answer session with the creators at the end of the night. Organizers hope to attract a large audience for this important event.