RUMFORD – When the preview came out a year ago about the film documenting the football teams, their families and the towns of Rumford and Cape Elizabeth, John Bernard wasn’t sure he liked how the area was portrayed.

But that’s changed, the SAD 43 athletic director said Monday.

“The Rivals” premieres on opening night of the Maine International Film Festival in Waterville. It will be shown at the Waterville Opera House on July 10, and on another yet-undetermined date during the festival.

“The movie is going to portray our school and kids in a very good light,” Bernard said. “It’s not going to candy-coat any of our problems, but I think people will be pleased with how Rumford and the River Valley come across.”

While no official trip to the film festival has been organized by the school, Bernard said he pictures a big caravan of people from the Rumford area driving to see it.

Mountain Valley High School Principal Matt Gilbert said Monday night that all students and parents involved in the story have been notified about the premiere.

“I think people will like it,” he said.

At least one SAD 43 board member plans to attend. Marcia Chaisson of Rumford said she planned to go to Waterville for the showing.

Lone Wolf Documentary Group of Portland and Hollywood filmed the documentary in 2007-08. The company’s owner, Kirk Wolfinger, lives in Cape Elizabeth.

The film began as a study of the two football teams when Mountain Valley and Cape Elizabeth competed for the state championship.

It evolved, however, said Bobby Poirier of Lone Wolf, into a study of two different towns and their pride of place, tradition, respect and success.