WATERVILLE — A new film exploring Portland musician Joel Carpenter’s struggle with homelessness will premiere at the Maine International Film Festival.

Michael Boucher’s film “The Hungry Years” documents Carpenter’s musical dreams and how those goals affected his aspirations for stability. MIFF will host the world premiere screening of the documentary at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13, at the Waterville Opera House. The premiere will feature a live performance by Carpenter.

“As a lifelong musician, I have long been fascinated with what it takes to ‘make it’ in the music business. In 2013 I decided to explore this question through film and began following an exceptionally talented, young, local musician/songwriter, Joel Carpenter, who had signed to a record label at 19,” Boucher said.

The Hungry Years follows Joel for two years and gives an intimate look at how far he is willing to go to achieve his dream of a career in music. Despite continuing to write songs and perform around the state, the film documents Joel’s life as he endures homelessness, health problems, poverty and hunger in hopes of making it.

“The last two years have been a period of personal growth in the pursuit of music. It’s incredible to think someone thought my story was worthy of sharing. I hope my story can help others in their pursuit of art,” said Carpenter.