COMMUNITY AGREEMENT

The Camden International Film Festival is a celebration of global documentary cinema, the artists who make it, the communities that sustain it, and the bold, urgent, and joyful storytelling it champions. At Points North, we believe documentary opens dialogue around the most pressing issues of our time, and we are glad to gather on the coast of Maine each September with the global community that keeps this work alive.

We aim to create a brave space: one that champions free expression, a plurality of voices, and respectful debate as fundamental democratic values. Critical public discourse may be difficult or uncomfortable, and we expect all festival goers to engage with respect for all individuals and communities.

Please join us in creating an environment where everyone is seen, respected, and—above all—safe. At CIFF, we define safety as freedom from discrimination, harassment, or hate speech based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, class, age, or ability.

By hate speech, we mean language or behavior that demeans, vilifies, or incites hatred or violence toward individuals or groups on the basis of identity. We distinguish between criticism and attack. Criticism of governments, ideologies, or institutions is acceptable. Attacks on people’s humanity or belonging are not.

Harassment, threatening behavior, and violence will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to revoke without notice or refund: tickets, passes, credentials, or access to festival events and venues.

If you believe you’ve observed or experienced a violation of this policy, please reach out to our festival producer, Alix Towler: [email protected]. Reports are handled confidentially, and we will follow up with you as soon as we can.

Thank you for making room for the artists who help us see more clearly, feel more deeply, and act more courageously.