The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival (MNFF) is an international film festival in Middlebury, Vermont focusing on first- and second-time filmmakers. Of the hundreds of films submitted to the MNFF, approximately 85 are shown during the festival in late August. From those films, some of the top documentaries are screened in various locations in Vermont the following February.

Fairlee Community Arts is proud to be a 2020 MNFF Vermont Tour screening location and to be making use of projection equipment installed in the town hall this past October. Two films will be shown on the same day.

3:00PM film: The Dog Doc  (Directed by Cindy Meehl) – A maverick veterinarian and his dedicated team of doctors create a mecca for pets and their owners looking for hope and a last chance for animal healing. The Dog Doc poses deep questions about treatment, pushing humans to consider the difference between medication and integrative, holistic care. This film offers an immersive view into a seldom seen world, painting a picture of pure dedication and joy. Run time: 101 minutes.  Click on title or image to view movie trailer.

7:00PM film: Don’t Be Nice (Directed by Max Powers) – A team of young New York City Slam Poets finds its voice as it competes for the National Championship during the summer of 2016. An emotional and inspiring film that gives insightful commentary on race, gender, identity and sexual politics in America today, Don’t Be Nice is both an absorbing competition doc and a vital writer’s workshop that proves once and for all that winning hearts and minds is the ultimate prize. Run time: 95 minutes. Click on title or image to view movie trailer.  PLEASE NOTE: This film contains strong language that may not be appropriate for young children.

We are pleased to announce that Don’t Be Nice producer Nikhil Melnechuk will be joining us for the screening of his film. Fairlee Community Arts will host an informal reception for Mr. Melnechuk prior to the screening, starting at 6pm, and the audience is invited to meet him at this time. Complimentary light refreshments will be available. Immediately following the screening, the audience will be able to ask questions of Mr. Melnechuk during a Q&A session, moderated by Dartmouth College associate professor Desirée Garcia.  Update: Due to the poor weather on Friday, producer Nikhil Melnechuk was unable to make it to Vermont. However, we are pleased that the film’s director, Max Powers, will be joining us in his place for reception, screening, and Q&A.

Admission: $12 for one film or $20 for both films