ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre, 345 Main St., hosts a special screening of the Maine-made film and 2012 Maine International Film Festival opener, “Vacationland,” on Sunday, Aug. 4, at 3:30 p.m.

Family and fate collude to comic effect in this independent film, set against the backdrop of a failed reunion one summer in the mountains of western Maine.

From the moment Michael and Louise arrive at the fabled Evan’s farm for a family reunion, they realize something is amiss: the farm was clearly abandoned some 20 years ago, and there is scant sign of any other kin. Soon, the realization that this is a reunion that isn’t begins to dawn, even as the sun sets.

However, the next morning fate arranges to deliver one more straggler late to the party: Louise’s long estranged daughter, Polly, who arrives with her own daughter, Iris, in tow.

Old habits begin to pool and overflow as Louise, Polly, Michael and Iris begin a tentative, fragile reunion. Yet even as this odd quadruple navigate around the submerged obstacles of a lifetime of familial neglect, so new relationships start to form, as in the end, the inevitable pulse of a true vacation starts to beat out the rhythm of their days.

Directed by Jamie Hook and starring screen icon Karen Black with an ensemble of Maine-based actors, “Vacationland” took top honors this past April at the Lewiston- Auburn Film Festival.

This film is not rated, but includes some use of profanity. Tickets are $7.50 for all seats.

For information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com.