About Maine Mayhem
Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is proud to present the 15th annual Maine Mayhem Film Festival, a dynamic showcase of short films created by second-year students in the College’s Communications and New Media Studies (CNMS) program.
What began in 2011 as a student-led effort, organized by SMCC student Jimmy Crocco and professors, has grown into a must-see event for film enthusiasts across the state. The festival provides students with a unique, real-world opportunity to write, direct, produce, and premiere their original films as part of their final capstone project.
Official Trailer
Experience the creativity and storytelling prowess of emerging filmmakers at the 15th annual Maine Mayhem Film Festival. This official trailer offers a glimpse into the diverse array of short films crafted by second-year students from Southern Maine Community College’s Communications & New Media Studies program.
About the Films
This year’s festival will feature eight short films and 16 micro shorts, offering a powerful lineup of stories that range from introspective dramas to action thrillers and science fiction. The featured films include:
Guts – Directed by Maxwell Noyes
Guts starts a graffiti project with his friend, which quickly turns sour once their spot gets busted, leading Guts on a day-long journey to get back and finish the piece.
Shadows of Me – Directed by Gryphon Vorbach
For Chloe, a young nonbinary person, the harshest judgment comes from within. Struggling with self-doubt and isolation, Chloe battles a darker version of themself in a psychological confrontation that begins to shift when a new friendship offers hope and healing.
For Tomorrow – Directed by Abby Lynn Bisson
An elderly man finds himself trapped in a time loop after attempting to take his own life. The only way out is to find something-or someone—worth living for.
Freddie – Directed by Luis Miguel Valmadrid
A regular at his local bar’s chess table, Freddie is reluctant to pursue his dreams—until encouragement from a sickly mother, a trusted friend, and a new acquaintance pushes him to take a chance and enter a tournament that could change his life.
In Your Head – Directed by Tyler Lafontaine
Alex, a deeply self-conscious librarian, must confront his inner demons and self-doubt to speak at his brother’s funeral — a moment that becomes a tribute to memory, courage, and love.
21st Century Killers – Directed by Conor Sullivan
This gripping crime thriller follows a crew of amateur hitmen who unravel throughout one chaotic night. As internal tensions rise, one member’s desire for freedom threatens to blow apart their carefully controlled world.
The Oracle – Directed by Dan Whitman
A mercenary haunted by her past must choose between loyalty to her crew and the mysterious promise of a captive AI-human hybrid. Its powers could bring salvation — or destruction.
The Little Fight – Directed by Noah Satin
In the wake of their father’s death, Eric and his younger sister Erica find purpose in a rundown boxing gym. But when a ruthless promoter forces them into one last match, their fight becomes more than just physical — it becomes personal.
Ticket Details:
August 24
Vacationland Film Festival, Biddeford City Theater
- 11 a.m. screening – LEARN MORE
- Q&A session to follow
Late May
Portland Museum of Art
- Details to be announced
Press & Media
Students showoff final productions at SMCC’s Maine Mayhem Film Festival
This year, the festival will feature 8 short films and 16 micro shorts produced entirely by students at Southern Maine Community College.
Maine Mayhem film festival explores post-COVID themes — on a student budget
The student film festival will screen the work of SMCC students at Nickelodeon Cinema on Thursday, May 8, as well as several other venues around the state.