Stories from Maine and beyond are hitting the screen at the second annual Vacationland Film Festival later this month.

Hosted by the Biddeford City Theater, the festival kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. with a screening of “Childish Things,” a film made by brothers Nick and Cash Cassidy as they road tripped across the country from Maine to California.

Festival programmer Elizabeth Gummere said the film is unique, being “somewhat improvised and somewhat scripted.”

“We’re happy to have it as our opening night film,” Gummere said.

The festival primarily features films that are either from Maine or have something to do with Maine, Gummere said. “We got a lot of submissions from filmmakers around the state and put together this cool program,” she said.

Featured films at this year’s festival touch on a variety of topics, from family illness, to young people and relationships, to topics that Gummere said are “uniquely Maine.”

The common thread, though, is how well done the films are, she said.

“The level of talent in Maine is amazing,” Gummere said.

Vacationland Film Festival began last year as a way to fill empty space at City Theater during August, and to showcase films from around the state.

It’s a small festival, where film lovers don’t have to feel overwhelmed by choice, and can simply enjoy the films curated by the festival.

“Sometimes, festivals get really big,” Gummere said. “This one is a manageable, small festival where you could go for a day and see a bunch of stuff.”

Last year, festival attendees raved about the experience, Gummere said. One of the comments most often heard was that people wished more people knew about it.

But one of the benefits of a small festival is the level of connection between film lovers.

The Lincoln Hotel, sponsor of the event, is located right across the street, and festival goers would often gather at the Lincoln at the end of the day to enjoy a cocktail and talk about the day’s films.

“It’s two great venues right near each other,” Gummere said. “It was very well received.”

The historic City Theater is the perfect setting to showcase local talent and independent film, Biddeford Mayor Martin Grohman said.

“The Vacationland Film Festival is another great example of how Biddeford continues to grow as a creative and cultural destination,” Grohman said.

Tickets are available on the City Theater website, and Gummere hopes film lovers come to Biddeford for a weekend of great films.

“It’s a really special thing,” she said.