The Bend Film Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The festival will take place in person at multiple locations in Central Oregon October 12-15, 2023, and virtually, October 16-22, 2023. Since its launch in 2004, the nonprofit BendFilm has worked hard to uplift the art of independent filmmakers, bolster the cultural offerings found in Central Oregon and establish itself as an industry-recognized name. As its 20th milestone festival, BendFilm brings world-renowned filmmakers, enlightening panels, festive parties and a stellar lineup of 122 independent films to Central Oregon. 

The 20-Year Bend Film Festival Journey

To thrive for two decades as an independent film festival in a cinematic landscape increasingly dominated by mainstream productions and streaming platforms is no small feat. But BendFilm has done just that, growing in both scale and significance over the years, with more and more programs offered each year. 

Recent milestones include innovative festival programs such as its music video program, Indie Filmmaker of the Year award and Indigenous film program. Plus, an annual $20,000 BIPOC production grant. Along with establishing the festival as a platform for emerging talents that fosters creativity and innovation, BendFilm also offers year-round programming at the downtown art-house cinema, Tin Pan Theater, acquired in 2019, as well as screenings at the Tower throughout the year. 

Short Films Opening Night

This year’s Bend Film Festival kicks off with a block of short films. As an Academy Award-qualifying festival for shorts, BendFilm has a successful history of programming outstanding short films that go on to earn accolades at the Oscars.

“Some of the best films we see all year are short films. It’s a less recognized and appreciated form, but we’re really into short films as a festival,” said Selin Sevinç, BendFilm’s programming director.

The unconventional opening night program aims to introduce audiences to this thought-provoking art form. 

Academy Award-Qualifying Festival with Record Submissions

BendFilm’s consistent success in curating exceptional shorts earned it prestigious status as an Oscar-qualifying festival, a distinction shared by only 27 festivals in the United States. This recognition not only elevated BendFilm’s reputation but led to a surge in submissions. More submissions mean a larger pool of films to choose from, resulting in higher-quality selections. This year’s festival witnessed a record-breaking 75% increase in submissions, with 2,800 entries.

A Filmmaker’s Festival

Beyond bringing excellent films to audiences, BendFilm prides itself on being a filmmaker’s festival, going above and beyond to support and nurture its filmmakers. “We want to make it as easy as possible for them to attend by providing accommodations and travel stipends, something not all festivals do. We also ensure a diverse array of filmmakers gets screen time; we program people who are early on in their careers along with those a bit more established,” Sevinç emphasized. Once filmmakers are at the festival they’re further treated to happy hours, parties and meal provisions, along with casual networking opportunities. “It’s really special for me as a filmmaker and screenwriter that we are doing so much for filmmakers,” added Sevinç.

Indie Filmmaker of the Year: Nicole Holofcener

Nicole Holofcener, a director and screenwriter renowned for her emotionally resonant narratives, was designated BendFilm’s Indie Filmmaker of the Year. Her body of work includes ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ that earned her an Oscar nomination for screenwriting, “Enough Said,” “Friends With Money” and more. Several of her films will be screened at this year’s festival, and she’ll be part of a Q&A session following ‘Friends with Money” and “You Hurt My Feelings.”’ Holofcener’s films are celebrated for their wit, heartwarming narratives and authentic portrayal of the human experience.”Her filmmaking mirrors real life, offering humor and heart without relying on blockbuster extravagance, resonating with most people’s everyday experiences,” Sevinç explained.

Additional BendFilm Events and Programming

“We are hearing Sundance folks talk wistfully about BendFilm, that it’s what an indie film festival is supposed to be like,” according to Sevinç.

This is in part because the 2023 Bend Film Festival extends beyond the silver screens, offering a lineup of educational panels and events. Attendees are encouraged to attend the six diverse panels, spanning topics from industry strikes to groundbreaking documentary filmmaking and Indigenous representation. This behind-the-scenes programming is complemented by festive parties where attendees can mingle with industry professionals and perhaps even rub elbows with a few Oscar nominees. “Bend Film Festival’s allure lies in its unpretentious, inclusive and community-focused attitude,” Sevinç shares.

BendFilm Community Involvement

While the festival continues to grow, its roots remain grounded deep in the local community. BendFilm frequently collaborates with local businesses and establishes year-round community initiatives to ensure that the organization gives back to Bend as much as it receives. The festival has a significant economic impact on Bend, particularly in the downtown area. Thousands of attendees flock to the festival, generating more than $1.1 million in revenue through shopping, dining and lodging, providing a boost to the local economy during its traditional shoulder season. 

“In terms of arts and culture, we’re one of the main nonprofits bringing this kind of cultural experience to Bend,” said Elise Furgurson, BendFilm’s marketing and social media manager.

The festival is putting the region on the map for new reasons. “The area is primarily known for its outdoor activities,” shared Furgurson, “but there’s a growing presence of people interested in the arts who want to see more of it and BendFilm is giving that to them.” BendFilm’s engagement with the community, both culturally and economically, underscores the vital role that the arts play in fostering vibrant communities.

The Future of Independent Cinema in Bend

In an era dominated by streaming platforms and digital content, organizations such as BendFilm remind us of the power of human curation and the importance of communal experiences. As the Bend Film Festival celebrates its 20th year, join them to support independent films that challenge, inspire and unite. Visit BendFilm’s official website to see the full lineup of films, ticket details and more information. 

Read more about the 2022 Bend Film Festival | Read more about our vibrant Central Oregon COMMUNITY here.