EST. 2019

Born from the uterus of a college class project, Shit in the Dirt is a film festival for amateur film makers. We aim to create a space where the mundane goes to rest, and the unusual flourishes.

We want Shit in the Dirt to be a unique experience but also down-to-earth, not like that stuck-up film snobbery nonsense you see in the magazines. We were made for you, not them. A film festival for the shit-out-of-luck geniuses, for the creations made while slugging around in the dirt and muck, for the folks digging into their own savings, for the first-timers.

And so, we humbly invite you to join us in Portland, Maine for an evening of films, laughs, and gasps. Bring your friends. Bring your parents. Bring your awkward tinder date. We don’t care, we’re just happy you’re here.

  • Stephen Bennett

    PARTNER

    Stephen started Shit in the Dirt out of spite since no film festivals wanted to screen his scrappy film productions. He now takes great pride managing logistics, creating content, and putting together events that celebrate amateur filmmaking and build community. In his spare time he sings and plays guitar in a soft punk band, walks dogs professionally, and hopes the state of Maine will someday allow him to become a clinical counselor.

    TV Show: The Sopranos

    Movie: Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story

  • Maverick Keegan

    PARTNER

    Maverick hails from the cow-ladened hills of Upstate New York, but got into film once he arrived in Maine. He enjoys writing, and comes up with many of the ideas for our social media videos (he's also very sorry you have to see those). Along with Stephen, Maverick films and edits promotional content for shit in the Dirt. In his free time, he enjoys getting outside, trying to keep his tomato plant alive, and cooking.

    TV Show: Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun

    Movie: Back to the Future

  • Amanda Brill

    PARTNER

    Originally from the Philadelphia area (and an avid Philly sports fan), Amanda has a background in graphic design and digital marketing. She does all things website/ graphics related for Shit in the Dirt. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, crocheting, and hanging out with her chickens and ducks. She is aware that she has the personality of an 86-year-old.

    TV Show: Fleabag

    Movie: Hot Rod