After a short lull from all of the summer activity, Bend, OR is again abuzz with excitement as the town anticipates the start of our 11th Annual Film Festival on October 9, 2014!
This year we have our strongest program in recent years. We’re showcasing the best, current independent cinema from all over the world. AND we have a ton of excellent films from Bend and Northwest Filmmakers. Our Jury is comprised of some of the most accomplished independent filmmakers working in the Northwest. Judging from the excitement of our audience and the quality of films being made by local talent, the interest in film and filmmaking is alive, well and growing in the region. Here are some highlights of the 11th Annual BendFilm Festival:
1. For the first year, we are screening films at the Warm Springs Reservation to nurture interest in filmmaking on the Reservation. (Return of the River and Winter in the Blood are the Native-themed films)
2. Also for the first year, we are offering Child Care on 10/9 and 10/10 so film-loving parents of young children can enjoy the Fest.
3. We are kicking off the Festival with a Carter-Cash infused music set from Portland-native, Jen Smieja followed by a screening of The Winding Stream, Portland Director Beth Harrington’s Doc on the Carter Family Music Dynasty.
4. Staunchly independent Director, Tony Kaye (American History X), will be screening Detachment, his 2011 film starring Adrien Brody, Bryan Cranston, Marcia Gay-Harden, Lucy Liu, and James Caan. After the screening, the Portland Mercury‘s Erik Henriksen will host a conversation with Tony about his career working both inside and far outside the Hollywood system.
5. We have two great World-premiering Docs. F(l)ag Football and Daylight Come: Life After Rape in the Congo. Both will be generating a lot of good conversation.
Flag Football: http://bendfilm.strangertickets.com/films/17784801/flag-football
7. There are too many great films to see. We can’t pick one, two or even ten, but below are some ideas:
- The Bend Doc Block.
- Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter – a singular film.
- Return to the River – a dam-great documentary.
- The Sublime and Beautiful – a lead performance you won’t forget.
- Heaven Adores You – the long-awaited story of Elliot Smith.
- The Northwest Shorts Block – films by Oregonians – many of them in Bend.
- American Wine Story – Taste Wine at the Loft, then see how it’s made.
- Five Star, Animation shorts, Druid Peak, The Homestretch, Shorts Block 1, Little Hope Was Arson, The Young Kieslowski, World Premiere: Daylight Come, International shorts, E-Team… Ahhhhh! Too many good ones, but you can’t go wrong if you pick any one of these and the 20 more in the schedule…
8. And, finally…you can’t have a Film “Festival” without the Parties. We have dance parties, soiree’s, wine tastings, late night shenanigans, Happy Hours, Awards Ceremonies and much much more! Check them out here.
We hope to see you at the 2014 BendFilm Festival: October 9th – 12th. Cheers!
Please visit www.bendfiilm.org for more details!
So happy that BendFilm is going strong. It has been a staple Oregon festival since it started, and a great mix of the best Oregon-made and national independent filmmaking. See you there.