THE MADE HERE FILM FESTIVAL - A Home for Regional Filmmaking in Burlington
03/21/2025 11:04AM ● By EMILY PARKER
As MHFF continues to evolve, its roots, impact, and future direction provide insight into the broader challenges and opportunities facing regional film festivals today.
A still from Quebec filmmaker
Alexandre Isabelle's musically comical short, A toi les oreilles. 
A riot of colors from Maine filmmaker's
Neil Needleman's experimental piece, Dance of the
Painterly Gesture.A FESTIVAL BUILT ON REGIONAL STORYTELLING
The origins of MHFF can be traced back to the Vermont Filmmakers Showcase, a long-standing component of VTIFF’s annual Fall Festival. However, in 2021, then-VTIFF director Orly Yadin saw an opportunity to expand the showcase into a stand-alone festival dedicated solely to films from New England and Quebec. The festival’s first edition was held virtually due to COVID- 19, but by 2022 and 2023, MHFF adopted a hybrid format with both in-person and remote screenings.
Steve MacQueen, executive director of VTIFF, explains that MHFF fits seamlessly into VTIFF’s broader mission. “An explicit part of our mission is to be a vibrant year-round hub and resource for the film community, and this festival directly supports that vision,” Steve says. Unlike VTIFF’s Fall Festival, which features a global selection of films, MHFF is strictly regional, providing an exclusive space for local filmmakers to share their work with audiences and industry professionals.
Similarly, Eric Ford, director of programming partnerships at Vermont Public, emphasizes how MHFF expands upon the ideas behind the network’s Made Here broadcast series, which has been highlighting regional films since 2017. “This festival gives a voice to those in the region who exist outside the commercial film industry, featuring stories that might otherwise go unheard in today’s vast media landscape,” he says.
A portrait of the title character
from Vermont filmmaker Meredith Holch’s animated
short, Brother Bird.TAPPING INTO BURLINGTON’S DEEP CINEMATIC ROOTS
Burlington serves as the perfect home for MHFF, both as a cultural hub and because of its unique film history. With several colleges and universities, a thriving arts scene, and its proximity to Montreal, Burlington is a natural gathering place for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
MHFF is currently held at Burlington Beer Company’s Lumiere Room, a space rich with film history. In a fascinating twist of fate, the Lumière brothers—pioneers of early cinema—built a factory in Burlington in 1905 to produce parts for motion-picture cameras. Steve calls the venue “an absurdly perfect location” for a film festival dedicated to regional storytelling.
Beyond the venue itself, local film organizations, such as the Vermont Production Collective and the Media Factory, play a crucial role in shaping MHFF. These groups help provide mentorship that each film must have a direct connection to New England or Quebec, but beyond that, it is all about quality.
Yelda del Carmen dangles from a Cuban cliff face in
Rachel Trudeau’s documentary Mataperra.Eric added that MHFF embraces all genres and styles, from narrative features to short documentaries, experimental films, and animations. “We look for great films of all types and lengths—anything that would be exciting to see at a film festival.”
The festival’s programming is designed to showcase new and mostly unscreened films, with a strong emphasis on bringing filmmakers to Burlington for in-person screenings, discussions, and community engagement.
CHALLENGES AND THE FUTURE OF MHFF
Like many independent film festivals, MHFF faces the challenge of shifting audience tastes. The rise of streaming services and on-demand content has made it harder to draw audiences away from their screens and into theaters. However, Steve sees this as an opportunity rather than a threat. “Regional film festivals are places for people who love film to gather and see unique, interesting new films. We’re adapting to the challenge by making these screenings ‘events’—things you want to leave your house to experience.”
Despite these challenges, MHFF looks ahead with optimism. As Steve notes, 2025 marks only the festival’s second year in its current format and venue, making it a crucial time to establish its identity. With a strong foundation in place, the festival has limitless potential for growth and innovation.
Two dancers strike a dramatic pose in Chantal
Caron’s dance film Somber Tides.Eric and Steve both emphasize the need for continued community and business support to sustain and expand MHFF. The festival operates on a donation-based model, meaning audiences pay what they can rather than purchasing traditional tickets. This makes MHFF more accessible but also increases its reliance on donations and sponsorships.
Eric encourages local businesses and community members to get involved, noting, “If you’re interested in supporting the festival, reach out to us. We want to keep MHFF free and open to all, and that requires strong community support.”
HOW TO SUPPORT MHFF AND GET INVOLVED
For those passionate about film, there are several ways to support MHFF and VTIFF:
ATTEND THE FESTIVAL : Experience some of the best films from New England and Quebec while supporting local filmmakers.
DONATE OR SPONSOR : Contributions help keep MHFF free and accessible.
VOLUNTEER : Assist with event logistics, filmmaker support, and audience engagement.
SPREAD THE WORD : Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to attend and participate.
As MHFF continues to grow, it remains a beacon for independent regional cinema. By fostering a space where local voices can be heard, filmmakers are supported, and audiences engage with unique stories, MHFF ensures that the future of independent film in New England and Quebec remains bright.
For more information about the festival, sponsorship opportunities, and upcoming events, visit www.vtiff.org.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADE HERE FILM FESTIVAL
