WATERVILLE — Recently released independent films set in India, Russia, the Philippines, Africa and Bangor will be shown during the inaugural Lumina Festival in partnership with the American Film Institute's Project 20/20 in Waterville April 17-19.

In addition to screenings, the event will offer post-film discussions with filmmakers, filmmakers' receptions at local restaurants, a concert by former Billboard charttopping songwriter/producer Dennis Lambert, and the Maine Film Academy Awards Gala.

"We are thrilled to host AFI's Project 20/20 in Maine," said Shannon Haines, director of the Maine International Film Festival. "We look forward to sharing this rich program of films with visitors, and encouraging meaningful dialogue with visiting filmmakers."

Project 20/20 is an international initiative designed to enhance cultural exchange, understanding and collaboration through filmmakers and their films from the U.S. and abroad. Waterville, St. Louis, Honolulu, New Orleans, Dallas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico are the cities participating in the 2009 project.

The films are: "Of All The Things" —Documentary; "The Way We Get By" —Documentary; "Alone in Four Walls" —Documentary; "Amal" —Feature; and "Throw Down Your Heart" —Documentary.

All movies will be shown at Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville with supporting receptions, galas, and music events held at venues throughout the city. Tickets for individual films are available online at www.miff.org or at the door 30 minutes before show time. Festival passes are also available. Contact the Maine Film Center at 207- 861-8138 or www.mainefilmcenter.org for more information.

The scheduled lineup of films:

"Of All The Things" —Documentary. Songwriter and producer Dennis Lambert topped the Billboard charts with hits like "Ain't No Woman Like The One I've Got," "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Baby Come Back." Now selling real estate, Lambert journeys to the Philippines where his obscure 1972 solo album is huge.

"The Way We Get By" —Documentary. The inspirational story of three senior Mainers who have welcomed American soldiers arriving at Bangor International Airport since 2003.

"Alone in Four Walls" —Documentary. A film about the troubled pasts, and hopeful futures of Russian delinquent boys, all under the age of 14, living in a juvenile detention center. A poignant, truthful, sometimes funny documentary.

"Amal" —Feature. In chaotic New Delhi, India, a man cheats everyone he meets. When Amal, a poor bicycle taxi driver, generously allows him to dodge his fare, both are affected in a way that has far-reaching consequences.

"Throw Down Your Heart" —Documentary. American banjo player Bela Fleck travels to Africa to meet with local musicians and uncover the roots of the instrument that is now regarded as quintessentially American.