The Maine International Film Festival has picked a creative actor, writer, director and producer to receive the festival's Mid-Life Achievement Award this summer.

That's not four people -- one actor, one writer, one director and one producer. It's one man - - John Turturro -- and he is truly worthy of the honor.

Turturro has won an Emmy, was a Golden Globe nominee and received a best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

"He's one of the strongest and most unique voices in the independent film world and one whose directing, writing and acting always bespeak a fierce, intelligent and adventurous curiosity -- attributes that we try to highlight every year in films at the festival," said Ken Eisen, the festival programmer.

Selecting Turturro is good news for the many people who look forward to the annual orgy of films in Waterville because it means many of his movies will be highlighted.

The festival, from July 11-20, will feature about 100 movies by about 50 filmmakers this year, according to Festival Director Shannon Haines. Films will be shown at the Railroad Square Cinema and the Waterville Opera House.