Independent Film Comes to Central Oregon
Explore More Films and More Stories, Now Expanded to Five Days. The world has Cannes and Sundance. But of the hundreds of film festivals across the country, Bend Film Festival has been a marquee event in Bend, Oregon for 22 years. Every second weekend in October, it celebrates the world of independent cinema through films, lectures and education in a festival of discovery. It’s headed up by BendFilm, a nonprofit with a mission to spread indie film love.
What’s the Buzz from Film Industry Insiders?
There’s a reason Bend Film Festival was named one of the “25 Coolest Film Fests in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine. Held in small and large venues throughout the city, It stands out for filmmakers and attendees with its tight curation and local energy. The buzz from movie-industry insiders is that Central Oregon embraces art and culture in scenic Bend with seriously cool vibes, says Executive Director Giancarlo Gatto. It had the highest attendance in its history in 2024. The 2025 Festival has expanded to include one more day, with more chances to discover new filmmakers and hear their stories.
The Founding Vision of BendFilm
In 2004, Bend was a growing city with a renovated historic Tower Theatre and new multiscreen Regal Cinemas in the Old Mill District. BendFilm founder Katie Merritt had a clear vision: to bring the best in independent cinema to Central Oregon. The first year of the film festival, acclaimed director and producer Gus Van Sant came to Bend and audiences got to see “Born into Brothels,” which went on to receive an Academy Award. Attendees came in droves—and they kept coming. Bend, Oregon was put on the festival circuit map.
Now in its 22nd year, the Bend Film Festival is a cornerstone of Bend’s cultural identity. It began as a grassroots celebration of independent storytelling but has grown into a nationally recognized event that attracts both rising talent and established filmmakers.
Why Indie Film Matters
Independent films offer something rare: creative freedom. Without the weight of studio expectations, the films amplify fresh voices, new perspectives, and riskier storytelling. Today’s indie scene is thriving, fueled by audiences seeking authentic, thought-provoking stories that reflect the world around them.
BendFilm embraces this spirit and the Bend Film Festival includes a carefully curated lineup focused on originality and the craft of storytelling. “The beauty of a small- to mid-sized festival like Bend Film is that you walk in not knowing anything about a film. You go in and love it or hate it, but maybe in a Q & A, you learn about how it was made,” says Gatto. “These are films that take chances and leave a lasting impression.”
Focus on Films Made in North America
New in 2025, Bend Film’s juried competition has narrowed its scope, focusing on movies made in North America. The updated competition criteria require that films have a majority of North American financing or be shot within North America. Beyond geography, it’s the originality of voice and quality of execution that set the selections apart. The goal? To solidify the festival’s reputation as a must-stop destination for emerging talent and help position Bend Film Festival as a launchpad for tomorrow’s most talked-about filmmakers. But don’t worry, while competition films are in the running for cash prizes, international films are still part of the line up.
A Longer Festival Focused on Emerging Filmmakers
Also new to the 2025 festival is one more day. BendFilm extended the festival from four to five days to meet growing demand.
BendFilm: BaseCamp is also one of the organization’s most exciting recent additions. It’s a four-day immersive retreat designed to help more than 40 filmmakers gain insight, skills and mentorship before debuting their work. Held at Caldera Arts Center, BaseCamp attracts a powerhouse lineup of mentors. Both new and emerging filmmakers get not just inspiration, but real industry connections.
Starting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the festival opens with new events like the BaseCamp Public Pitch Competition. There, learn about projects at the earliest stages of inception. That night, watch a screening of an audience favorite, a short film showcase. The five full days of Bend Film Festival includes Industry panels, film screenings, and parties, and most are open to the public. The walkable festival experience takes place throughout the city in the Central District, downtown Bend, the Old Mill District and Century Center. There’s plenty of time to explore films, engage with filmmakers, and enjoy Bend’s shops, dining and forest trails, too.
BendFilm Offers Year Round Programs
BendFilm goes beyond festival screenings. It exists year round for aspiring filmmakers of all ages. It offers a Future Filmmakers Program, Summer Filmmaking Camp, a BIPOC Women Production Grant and Indie Women. In 2019, it took over ownership and operation of Tin Pan Theater, a boutique arthouse cinema in the heart of Bend’s historic downtown. The venue allows BendFilm to screen films throughout the year, host special events and offer educational programs for youth and adults. Watch for the ever popular Spaghetti Western night—a movie screening with a side of pasta!
Why Audiences and Filmmakers Return Each Year
There’s something special about the Bend Film Festival. Maybe it’s the dramatic natural backdrop of the Cascade Range set against a reflection of Mirror Pond. Maybe it’s the welcoming community of filmmakers and Central Oregon locals alike. Or maybe it’s the commitment of BendFilm to tell stories that matter.
Whatever the reason, BendFilm is more than a festival. It’s a movement—a way to help filmmakers find their voice, and audiences find films they can’t stop thinking about.
Ready to Discover Your Next Favorite Indie Film?
The second week of October 2025, find five days of film, conversation and creativity. Whether you’re a filmmaker, cinephile or simply curious, Bend Film Festival has a seat—and a story—waiting for you.
Passes for the 2025 Bend Film Festival are on sale now. Click for more information about the Bend Film Festival.
Published September 2023
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.
