The Confluence

Last December, Kareem Alston-Rosales launched the nonprofit “Film 4 Good Fund.” Alston-Rosales noticed gaps in access to funding for independent filmmakers after years of work in philanthropy. The nonprofit, which aims to make it easier for independent filmmakers to receive direct grant funding for projects that are nearing the finish line, just gave out its first grant last week to Portland-based filmmaker Ime N. Etuk.

Alston-Rosales and Etuk joined OPB’s “Think Out Loud” to discuss the Film 4 Good Fund’s work, and what these pathways to grant funding can mean for independent filmmakers.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Oregon based filmmaker, storyteller and friend Brian Lindstrom who passed away on May 15, 2026. Brian’s films, including “Alien Boy” and “Mothering Inside” brought to light people in our community that were often overlooked, forgotten or outright unseen. As his wife Cheryl writes:

His work as a documentary filmmaker was dedicated to telling stories of people who, as he put it, “society puts an X through.” He erased that X with his camera and his astonishing heart.

Oregon based LAIKA has released a teaser trailer for its Portland-set, Hillsboro produced next feature film “Wildwood,” and its beyond incredible!

After her baby brother is abducted by a murder of crows, headstrong teenager Prue McKeel launches a desperate rescue mission into the Impassable Wilderness—an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland, Oregon. Joined by her hapless but loyal classmate Curtis Mehlberg, Prue navigates a world of talking animals, bandits, and powerful figures driven by grief and ambition. As the pair is drawn into a conflict threatening the balance of the forest itself, Prue must discover strength and belief she never knew she possessed.

Breeda Wool and Natasha Halevi are set to lead Sander Gusinow’s female-driven thriller “Cottontail.”

Wool stars as Gwynnie Vail, described as a “cunning escaped convict hiding out in a remote cabin near the Idaho–Oregon border.” Per the official logline, “When sisters Autumn (Halevi) and Summer (Leah Shannon) arrive after crossing state lines in search of abortion medication, Gwynnie entangles them in a brutal psychological game that tests loyalty, survival and control.”

“Cottontail” is Gusinow’s feature directorial debut. His script “Big Sisters” was the 2022 Screencraft Feature Competition grand prize winner, and he holds a master’s degree in playwriting and screenwriting from Columbia University.

Oregon Community Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Fall Cycle of our Community Grants program will open May 26 and close June 23, 2026.

This funding cycle will prioritize support for:

• New or expanding programs and projects
• Capacity-building efforts
• Small capital projects under $500,000

Key dates and program guidelines are now available on our Community Grants webpage, including:

• Funding priorities
• Application questions
• Sample answers for a competitive application
• Review criteria

Find out more here.

Spend five days celebrating cinematic storytelling not contained to a single medium! The public programs expand upon the annual Cinema Unbound Awards (May 29) and include a special partnership with Criterion Collection.

Events include: Michelle Zauner, writer and musician (May 27); Criterion Mobile Closet (May 29–31); Criterion film screenings (May 23, 24, 30); Holy Sh*t! Improv (May 30); Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story w/ Maria Bamford in-person (May 31); and live taping of the Criterion Channel’s Adventures in Moviegoing with Fred Armisen & Carrie Brownstein (May 31).

Southern Oregon based Joma Films has launched an online distribution platform joma.film

Currently on the site they list all 25 years of the Ashland Independent Film Festival films, recommendations from Oregon Film, SOU Film Professors kicking off a new avenue to uplift indie filmmakers.

We connect filmmakers directly with audiences through a curator-powered discovery model. Filmmakers set their own pricing and retain control of their work. Curators help surface great films and earn a share of the revenue. Fans get access to films they won’t find anywhere else.

Sony Pictures Classics has picked up worldwide rights to the Lewis Pullman–Maya Hawke starring “Wishful Thinking,” which made its world premiere at SXSW and won the top Narrative Feature prize there.

The film written and directed by Graham Parkes follows Julia, an ambitious game designer, and Charlie, a struggling musician, who are at a loss for how to repair their volatile relationship. After attending a couples-therapy seminar run by mysterious twin healers, they find that the ups-and-downs of their relationship have supernatural effects on the world around them.

Oregon-made feature Beau Ideal, shot primarily in Welches and the Mt. Hood region continues its festival run after premiering at Sedona International Film Festival and earning awards including Best Screenplay and Best Narrative Feature. A locally driven independent production showcasing Oregon landscapes, talent, and community.

Shot primarily in Welches, Oregon, featuring the Salmon River and Mt. Hood region the film did some additional filming in Portland. The project as produced with a predominantly Oregon-based cast and crew and had its World Premiere at Sedona International Film Festival.

Join the OMPA this April for another evening of relaxed, creative networking with Portland’s film and media community.

The OMPA’s monthly gathering series continues on the last Wednesday of every month throughout 2026, bringing together filmmakers, producers, editors, crew members, and creative enthusiasts for casual meetups across the city. Each month, we explore a new Portland venue – creating space for fresh conversations, unexpected collaborations, and stronger connections within our creative network.

For April, we’re excited to gather at the new Hollywood Q Food Hall, a vibrant, community-focused space in Northeast Portland conveniently located just below OMPA’s new office.