2025 MediaMakers at 21st Camden International Film Festival
Earlier this month, our 2025 MediaMaker Fellows gathered at the 21st Camden International Film Festival (CIFF). Brittany Réaume, BAVC Media’s Associate Director of Artist Development, shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Fellows’ time at the festival, where several MediaMaker alums also screened their work. We also caught up with Paige Bethman, director of Remaining Native, and producer Jess Epstein about their screening experience and the community-building fun run they organized around the film.
Brittney’s Recap:
What a special year at CIFF! Between seeing films and pitches from MediaMaker alum in packed houses, gathering with supporters and friends new and old on a crisp evening in Camden, and climbing Beech Hill to join the Remaining Native Community Run on a beautiful Sunday morning. This was my 5th time joining the BAVC MediaMaker Fellows in midcoast Maine to commune with the documentary community – it was a thrill and an honor to be able to return.
Plus, Carolina Gonzalez Valencia and Brenda Avila-Hanna presented How to Clean a House in 10 Easy Steps on stage at the Points North Pitch with a special appearance by Carolina’s mother.
Photo by Jess Epstein
On Saturday evening, after the Documentary Town Hall, we hosted a happy hour on the patio of First Fig, where folks could connect over wine or tea as the sun set. It was great to see many familiar faces, make new acquaintances, and let the 2025 BAVC MediaMaker Fellows shine.
Remaining Native Community Fun Run
Photo courtesy of REMAINING NATIVE team
The award-winning Remaining Native had its Maine Premiere and a special community fun run at CIFF on September 11 at the Strand Theatre. We asked Paige Bethmann, 2023 MediaMaker Alum and director; and Jess Epstein, Producer of Remaining Native and Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships for BAVC Media how the experience was for them.
Photo by Josh Povec
Paige Bethmann, Director, Remaining Native, MediaMaker Alumn ‘23:
Remaining Native had an incredible time at CIFF this year. It felt like a homecoming and we were so grateful to have the support of BAVC not only at our screening but for the 5k Run/Walk we hosted alongside a number of incredible partners. Our team first met BAVC Media back in 2022 when we were supported artists, we were embarking on our first independent doc feature and BAVC Media ended up becoming one of our key supporters through the MediaMaker Fellowship. Check out our website to see all the partners we brought together and some more pictures from the run.
Coming back to Camden as a MediaMaker alum and a points north supported artist with a finished film truly was a full circle moment. It’s an incredible feeling to be able bring together so many circles of support we’ve received over the years and see the impact of the work resonate deeply.
Photo by Josh Povec
Jess Epstein, Producer, Remaining Native, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships, BAVC Media:
As part of the BAVC Media Team and as a producer on Remaining Native, I can’t imagine having been at Camden without the support of BAVC. To work at a place that is built by and for media makers through and through and then see the work out in the world with audiences in the theater and on the land through our community events is truly special. Having BAVC’s support is something that made not only the event possible but my own work as an independent producer.
MediaMaker Fellows Who Screened at CIFF:
Paige Bethmann’s Remaining Native
A coming-of-age documentary told from the perspective of Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American runner, struggling to navigate his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete as the memory of his great grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school begins to connect past, present, and future.
In 1983, a disabled Californian woman named Elizabeth Bouvia sought the “right to die,” igniting a national debate about autonomy, dignity, and the value of disabled lives. After years of courtroom trials, Bouvia disappeared from public view. Disabled director Reid Davenport narrates this investigation of what happened to Bouvia.
An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land.
BAVC Media is currently looking for documentary filmmakers from across the country who are committed to creative, ethical, and collaborative nonfiction practices for the 2026 BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship. Deadline to apply is Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:59pm PT. Learn more about the fellowship and the criteria to apply.
