Case Study: Navigating the Film Festival Circuit with H. Nelson Tracey
Introduction
Film festivals are often the gateway to an indie filmmaker’s success – at least, that’s the dream. But the reality is that submitting to festivals, especially the A-list ones like Sundance, SXSW, Berlin, and Cannes, is a long shot. As H. Nelson Tracey, director of Breakup Season, will tell you, getting into these festivals is akin to winning the lottery. After all, the odds of making it are slim, and the process is more competitive than most realize.Continue reading... “Case Study: Navigating the Film Festival Circuit”
Future Cosmos Flow, a 25-minute fantasy narrative film which features fashion and dance, is in the last month of post-production.
The fate of two parallel realms is in the hands of a precocious girl. Journey through a fantastical world of fashion, dance and stunning natural landscapes! This film is modern mythology that brings us a fresh perspective of hope and inspiration to our current climate crisis.
Tribeca Festival – “Horsegirls” Co-Producer Blair Skinner
The Industry recently had a chat with producer and line producer Blair Skinner (“Duster,” “Transparent”) on her latest film, “Horsegirls,” which shot in Oregon and recently premiered at Tribeca.
“Horsegirls” tells the story of Margarita (a revelatory Lillian Carrier) who must reluctantly grow up as her mother, Sandy (Gretchen Mol), grapples with an uncertain diagnosis.
“So, Why Make Movies in Rural Oregon? And Why La Grande?”
It’s a perfectly fair question for H. Nelson Tracey, whose directorial debut Breakup Season was shot entirely in La Grande, Oregon. Especially considering Nelson’s background: he’s from Denver, Colorado, and has lived in Los Angeles since graduating college.
Every year around this time we take a moment to reflect on the work we do and why we do it.
First of all, the basics: Oregon Film (a/k/a The Oregon Film & Video Office) is a four person semi-independent state agency that is focused on fostering the economic development potential of the film and media industry in Oregon. Established by Gov. Tom McCall in 1968 to aid the permitting process for “Paint Your Wagon,” Oregon Film, as far as we know, is the oldest state film commission in the US. Continue reading... “Who We Are and What We Do (June 2025)”
The locally produced feature film “A Simple Machine” will premiere at the Lighthouse International Film Festival on June 7. The film tells the story of Nick, an indecisive young man, who, in order to get out of debt, makes a series of radically frugal lifestyle choices without telling his girlfriend that he will be homeless and living off the grid.
Karina Lomelin Ripper took home the prize for “Best Latina Director” for a live action short at the LA Latino International Film Festival this past week.
“Directed with an unshakeable sense of tone” the short film, developed and created through the AFI Conservatory, “There’s a Devil Inside Me” demonstrates the depth of talent living and working in Oregon.
Anna Campbell’s “Nora” is now available on VEEPS. Watch the film and get bonus content, music videos and more on the VEEPS online platform.
The journey of self discovery isn’t always easy. Returning to her hometown after abandoning her music career, Nora finds it difficult to settle into the new demands of suburban motherhood. When her husband goes on tour and leaves her solo-parenting their precocious six-year-old, Nora is forced to evaluate her current circumstances and the dreams she left behind. Continue reading... “#OregonMade “Nora” Premieres on VEEPS”
The #OregonMade feature film “Outdoor School” will premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 11. Portland’ Ime Etuk’s feature loosely based on Vin Shambery’s experiences features local cast, crew and locations.
A tree can be a home and a forest can be a school, but raised in the wilds of 90’s Portland, Vin must first learn to be a child. A transformative true story about the search for shelter and the power of being seen.
Oregon Indie Film is a video podcast shining the light on Oregon’s independent film industry.
Interviews with filmmakers, producers, directors, actors, film crew, festival coordinators, and the many other industry professionals, offering insights into the creative process, challenges, and triumphs of making independent movies in Oregon.
Hosted by Dawn Sellers and produced by Broken Toe Productions.
Find it on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
Case Study: Navigating the Film Festival Circuit with H. Nelson Tracey
“So, Why Make Movies in Rural Oregon? And Why La Grande?”
Every year around this time we take a moment to reflect on the work we do and why we do it.
The locally produced feature film “
Karina Lomelin Ripper took home the prize for “Best Latina Director” for a live action short at the LA Latino International Film Festival this past week.
Anna Campbell’s “Nora” is now available on 
The #OregonMade feature film “Outdoor School” will premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 11. Portland’ Ime Etuk’s feature loosely based on Vin Shambery’s experiences features local cast, crew and locations.
Oregon is the Indie Film Capital