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OFFICIAL FESTIVAL GUIDE

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FESTIVAL LOCATIONS 1

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE INFO & EVENT AT SCALEHOUSE GALLERY 550 NW Franklin Ave Ste 138

Bonta Gelato EVENT 920 NW Bond St, Bend

McMenamins Father Luke’s FILM 700 NW Bond St, Bend

McMenamins Theater EVENT 700 NW Bond St, Bend

The Commons Cafe and Taproom EVENT 875 NW Brooks St, Bend

The Oxford Hotel Ballroom FILM & EVENT 10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend

Greg’s Grill EVENT 395 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend

Regal Old Mill FILM 680 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend

River Pig Saloon EVENT 555 NW Arizona Ave Bend

10 Tin Pan Theater FILM

869 NW Tin Pan Alley, Bend

11 Tower Theatre FILM

835 NW Wall St, Bend

12 Wyam Youth Center FILM

2130 Warm Springs St, Warm Springs

TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME

Enviro/Outdoor Features Competition

Sponsors & Grantors

Narrative Feature Spotlights

2026 Bend Film Festival

Documentary Feature Spotlights

About BendFilm

PNW Spotlights

Festival Info

Shorts: On the Verge

Shorts: High Stakes

Shorts: Challengers

Shorts: Moment of Grace

Shorts: Between Worlds

Shorts: Tales of the Future

Shorts: Love on the Edge

Shorts: Connections

Shorts: Late Night

Shorts Screening with Features

Local Focus

Closing Night Film

FESTIVAL 11

Parties & Events

IndieWomen

Indie Filmmaker of the Year

Indigenous Honoree

Panels

Awards & Recognition

Jurors

PROGRAMMING 22

Shorts Open

Opening Night

Festival Showcase at WYAM

Indigenous Features Competition

Narrative Features Competition

Documentary Features Competition

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

COMMUNITY 71

Commitment to Community

Basecamp

BendFilm Members

BendFilm Team

FILM INDEX

FOUNDING SPONSOR

OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS

AUDIO VISIONS PLUS

MARQUEE SPONSORS

VISIONARY SPONSORS

CINEPHILE SPONSORS

GRANTORS

Funding through Trust Management Services

Welcome to the 23rd annual Bend Film Festival! Join us for 100+ screenings during this year’s five-day celebration of independent film. Year after year of hosting this festival, we still get excited about the program, the parties, and the people we’ll meet. Whether you’re one of the original attendees or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to share this year’s lineup of films, events, and opportunities to connect over independent film. Our 2026 program brings together 109 films from all corners of the world, with a particularly strong lineup of documentaries this year. We’re reprising our shorts open block to kick off the festival, and following it with 110 screenings, four panels, and eight events and parties, all spread out over five days and thirteen venues throughout Bend. This year the festival footprint will be even more concentrated, with new venues like Father Luke’s at McMenamins and the Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions adding to our downtown presence, while Regal Old Mill and Greg’s Grill hold it down just around the corner. We’ve built this year’s festival to be as immersive as possible, with full meal options at Father Luke’s, quick commutes between venues, and lots of opportunities to mix and mingle with this year’s filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow cinephiles. We hope you’ll lean into the experience and get everything you can out of this year’s big screen binge. From all of us at BendFilm, we’re glad you’re here. We’ll see you at the big screen. — The BendFilm Team

BENDFILM BOARD & STAFF

Bend’s annual “big screen binge” is a celebration of independent filmmaking, a chance for film lovers to immerse themselves in storytelling, and an opportunity for folks to discover their inner cinephile. This year’s festival is stewarded by the shared leadership of Christina Rosetti, Clay Pruitt, and Selin Sevinç—managing directors who, along with their staff, board, volunteers, filmmakers, and community, have poured life into this organization to keep independent cinema thriving in Central Oregon. This year’s festival is a testament to the power of collaboration, creative thinking, and perseverance. We’re so thrilled to share it with you. 2026 BENDFILM BOARD Michael Conforti Chair

Katelyn Cox

Rob Stout Secretary

Rissa Conway

Liz Hanson Treasurer

Shannon Sullivan

Adryon Wong

Sheryl Spann

David Hernandez

Stacey Stewart

2026 BENDFILM STAFF

SELIN SEVINÇ Managing Director of Programming & Artistic Vision

CHRISTINA ROSETTI

CLAY PRUITT

Managing Director of Operations & Finance

Managing Director of Education & Development

DOM MAKASUYA

JARED RASIC

ROBERT MARQUEZ

Tin Pan Theater General Manager

Tin Pan Programmer & Screening Manager

Tin Pan Screening Manager

TARA SEGALL

HANNA MASON

AARON WONG

Designer & Project Mgr.

Operations Admin

Communications & Marketing Manager

KATIE CLARK

MICAH PIETROWSKI

SHAYLA MICHEL

Summer Intern

BendFilm: Basecamp Coordinator

Programming Admin

STAY CONNECTED AT BENDFILM.ORG & @BENDFILMFESTIVAL 5

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT FILM ALL YEAR LONG Since 2003, BendFilm has been celebrating independent cinema’s unique power to enrich lives, amplify diverse voices, and inspire change. In addition to hosting an annual festival that attracts thousands of attendees, the organization supports and educates future storytellers, offers film-based experiences and opportunities to the communities it serves, and uplifts independent filmmaking across Central Oregon throughout the year.

THE BEND FILM FESTIVAL Now in its 23rd year, Bend’s annual film festival has grown into a five-day celebration of independent film anchored in Central Oregon. Led by a small yet passionate team, and supported by a generous community of sponsors and volunteers, the Bend Film Festival screens hundreds of films, welcomes enthusiastic attendees, and shares the joy of film in venues all over Bend every single year.

BENDFILM: BASECAMP BendFilm’s annual filmmaker development program that brings together 30+ emerging and mid-career writers, directors, and producers for 4 days of intensive professional development and creative exchange. Fellows work closely with industry professionals through panels, roundtables, breakout sessions, and one-on-one meetings. The program concludes in Bend with a public pitch competition, where one Fellow receives a $5,000 film grant.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Young people across Central Oregon can find opportunities to explore filmmaking, develop new skills, and share their work. Through our Summer Filmmaking Camps, Student Filmmakers Commercial Contest, and Youth Jury program, students learn from working professionals, create original films, engage critically with cinema, and take part in the Bend Film Festival.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH We exist to benefit the people who live here, and we host events to build community around film throughout the year. Special, discounted, and free screenings are frequently offered at Tin Pan and other venues in Central Oregon; and our free Movies in the Park series with Bend Parks and Recreation is thriving in its 6th year.

TIN PAN THEATER IS BEND’S ONLY ARTHOUSE CINEMA Tin Pan Theater is a beloved community cinema in the heart of Bend’s historic downtown. Tin Pan screens independent films year-round, inspiring viewers in their cozy, nostalgic 28-seat theater setting. October Spookies This October brings thrills, chills, and free refills at Tin Pan Theater! Enjoy films and events (like Disaster Dungeon) for spooky-enthusiasts of all ages and tastes, plus our regular carefully curated programming. Outdoor Films & Special Screenings The year is full of special screenings and activities at Tin Pan, including our summer alley screenings, Spaghetti Western Wednesdays, Spanish Language collaborations, thematic series, and staff picks. Rent the Tin Pan Theater Need a space to watch that one film your partner hates? Want to practice your standup routine? It’s perfect for birthday parties, corporate events, holiday parties, and film premieres. We even saw our first proposal in Tin Pan last year—maybe a wedding is next?! You bring the movie (or stream it), sit back, and enjoy the private screening experience. Submit a request at tinpantheater.com

PARTNERSHIPS & DEVELOPMENT We are sustained by the people and businesses who believe in the value of independent film and in what it brings to our community. Whether through membership, giving, partnership, or simply showing up for a great film, we’re always looking for new ways to bring more people into the BendFilm community. Our annual BendFilm Gala, held on Oscar Sunday, is a fun way to support the work we do all year long. Details on p. 77 7

NEED TO KNOW FESTIVAL INFO We’re hosting five full days of films, fun, and festivities at theaters and venues around town. Enjoy ticketby-ticket or grab a pass for better access to the best weekend of independent film in Central Oregon.

FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE Scalehouse Gallery 550 NW Franklin Ave Ste 138, Bend

FESTIVAL PASSES All Access Pass $325 • Access to all film screenings at all venues* • Ticket to Opening Night Party and Awards Ceremony* • $25 donation to BendFilm Full Film Pass $250 • Access to all film screenings at all venues* Student Pass $100 • Access to all film screenings at all venues* • Student ID required for purchase

Hosted at Scalehouse Gallery, in Tin Pan Alley, the Festival Box Office is a hub of help and information for all things Bend Film Festival. Pick up passes, buy limited-edition Festival merch, and get assistance with wayfinding, reserving tickets, and other Festival inquiries.

*Ticket price is included for Passholders but admittance is contingent on venue capacity—to guarantee a spot, please reserve your ticket ahead of time and arrive 20 minutes before showtime. Seats are subject to resale 5 minutes before showtime.

Box Office Hours

FILM TICKETS

Wed 10/7 - Sat 10/10

10 AM to 6 PM

Festival 4-Pack $64

Sun 10/11

CLOSED

• Good for 4 individual regular-priced film screenings

FILM SCHEDULE Turn to page 38 to see the full schedule of films and festival events or view the schedule online at BendFilmFestival2026.Eventive.org.

HOW IT WORKS All films and some parties are ticketed, and tickets need to be reserved ahead of time to guarantee your seat. Standby or ‘at the door’ tickets may be available and will be offered on a first come first served basis and subject to venue capacity limits. Refer to page 11 for more details on specific events. Festival passes, ticket-packs, and individual tickets for screenings and events can be purchased online at BendFilmFestival2026.Eventive.org. Screenings in the smaller venues tend to sell out early; guests are strongly encouraged to buy or reserve tickets ahead of time online. Print your tickets or save them on your smartphone to be scanned at the door. All venues are cash-free.

Ticket Packs are not passes, and films must be reserved in advance. These tickets cannot be used for sold out screenings (no walk-ins), changed, or canceled. Individual Advanced Tickets $17 • General admission to film screenings; reserved ahead-of-time Standby Tickets $17 • General admission to film screenings, purchased at the venue day-of Standby tickets will only be sold if seats are still available after all Advanced Ticket Holders and Passholders are seated.

PARTY TICKETS Tickets may be reserved ahead of time or purchased at the door, but venue capacity is limited, so reservations are encouraged. Opening Night Party $40 Awards Ceremony $50

Scan to buy passes, browse films, and book your tickets! 8

GETTING AROUND TOWN

ACCESSIBILITY

Bend is a relatively small city and many destinations are accessible through a variety of transportation means, including on foot, by bike or board, or by using public transportation. Rideshare is available, and addresses for each venue are listed on the map (inside front cover).

The Bend Film Festival fosters an inclusive environment where we welcome storytellers and audiences across a wide range of identities. We strive to ensure the whole of our community has access to the transformative power of film and we support actions and accommodations that make it easier for people to participate in the Festival.

Public Transportation The City of Bend offers public transportation in the form of bus service that runs every ½ hour or every hour, depending on the day, and Bend Dial-A-Ride, a paratransit service for the disabled community. Visit CascadesEastTransit.com for more information. Bike Rentals Located just down the alley from the Festival Box Office is our electric bike partner. Rent an e-bike and pedal power your way around the Festival. Veo bikes are also available around town.

If you have specific questions or requests regarding accessibility, please contact the BendFilm team at operations@bendfilm.org Key ADA

ADA-standard doorways, ramps, theater seats, and restrooms Gendered, multi-user facilities All-gender, single-user facilities

Film Venues

Bend Electric Bikes 869 NW Wall St #104

Tower Theatre

Parking

Ten Assistive Listening Devices are free for use, pending availability. Inquire at the front desk.

• Downtown Bend – Paid parking at Centennial Parking Garage; variable free and paid street parking

ADA

Regal Cinemas ADA

Oxford Hotel Ballroom

ADA

McMenamins – Father Luke’s

ADA

• Old Mill District – Free parking at Regal

Tin Pan Theater

• Wyam Youth Center – Free parking at the venue

There is one step into the theater that may hinder people with limited mobility or those who use mobility aids; seating can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers. Films shown at Tin Pan usually also screen at alternate venues throughout the Fest.

FLASH YOUR PASS Passholders get perks all around Bend with ‘Flash your Pass’ deals from select businesses around town. Show your 2026 Bend Film Fest pass to receive 10% off your purchase.*

Wyam Youth Center ADA

• Deschutes Brewery

River Pig Saloon ADA

• Dudley’s Bookshop Cafe

Oxford Hotel Ballroom

• Elixir Wine Group & Ermisch Cellars

Bonta Gelato

• Minnie’s at The Westman Hotel

Scalehouse Gallery ADA

• San Simón • Sisters Coffee Co. • The Commons Cafe and Taproom + more to be announced — check in at the Box Office for the most up-todate list of participating businesses. *Some restrictions may apply.

Event Venues McMenamins – Theater ADA ADA

ADA

The Commons Plaza ADA Greg’s Grill

ADA

CAPTIONED FILMS Film showings that are listed with OCAP online and in print are films that are fully captioned; these will also be marked on the Film Schedule (p. 38).

PARTIES & EVENTS BASECAMP PITCH COMPETITION

FRIDAY NIGHT AFTER PARTY

McMenamins Theater 700 NW Bond St, Bend

River Pig Saloon 555 NW Arizona Ave Ste 40, Bend

$5 // Included for all Passholders*

Free event // Passholders receive a drink ticket

Close out the 2026 BendFilm: Basecamp program with this year’s Fellows as they pitch their film projects to a panel of judges for a chance to win a $5,000 grant. Read more about Basecamp on p. 72.

Keep Friday night going with filmmakers, friends, and fellow Festival-goers. Snag a late-night nibble or something from the bar, snap a pic in the photo booth, and settle into a good time at this favorite local spot for a few more hours of Festival energy.

WED 10/7 — 4 to 5:30 PM

SHORTS OPEN AFTER PARTY WED 10/7 — 9:30 PM to 12 AM

River Pig Saloon 555 NW Arizona Ave Ste 40, Bend

Free event // Passholders receive a drink ticket The first night of the Festival keeps going at River Pig Saloon. Stretch your legs after Shorts Open, come by for drinks, conversation, yummy food, photo booth fun, and good company.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

FRI 10/9 — 8 to 11 PM

BEND ON BOARD — SKATE JAM SAT 10/10 — 2:30 to 4:30 PM

The Commons Cafe and Taproom 875 NW Brooks St, Bend

Free event An afternoon of skateboarding, music, a product toss, free NA beverages and beer for sale just before the 5 PM screening of Through My Board at the Tower Theatre.

THU 10/8 — 8 to 11 PM

AWARDS CEREMONY

Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions 10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend

Greg’s Grill 395 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend

SAT 10/10 — 7 to 9:30 PM

$40 // Included for All Access Passholders*

$50 // Included for All Access Passholders*

Celebrate Opening Night with a lively night of drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, and good conversation at the Oxford. Come raise a glass to five days of independent film with fellow festival-goers. Admission includes two drink tickets.

Celebrate the winning films and filmmakers at the culminating awards ceremony and banquet dinner. This sit-down dinner is served by Greg’s Grill, and includes beer and wine, plus a full evening program emceed by Fertile Liza. Admission includes two drink tickets (beer, wine & cider).

FILMMAKER SOCIAL HOUR FRI 10/9 — 4 to 6 PM

Bonta Gelato 920 NW Bond St #108, Bend

Free event // Gelato for purchase Meet the filmmakers behind this year’s Festival selections at Bonta Gelato. Grab a scoop, strike up a conversation, and connect with filmmakers in a casual setting between screenings.

FESTIVAL WRAP PARTY

SAT 10/10 — 9:30 PM to 12 AM Greg’s Grill 395 SW Powerhouse Dr, Bend

Free event // Cash bar Immediately following the awards ceremony, everyone is encouraged to show up to celebrate another great year of independent filmmaking.

*Price is included for All Access Passholders but admittance is contingent on venue capacity. To save a spot, please reserve your ticket ahead of time. 11

C AS CA D E

dedicated to Arts & Culture in Central Oregon Since 1995

PO Box 53 . Bend . 541.388.5665 CascadeAE.com

Independent Women for Independent Film

INDIEWOMEN Empowering Women Behind the Camera and Off The Set In a world where stories shape culture, female filmmakers remain vastly underrepresented. As of 2025, women made up only: 13% of directors, 20% of writers, 28% of producers, and 7% of cinematographers. And since 1929, only three female directors have won an Academy Award for their work. Three. In almost a century. That’s not just a gap—it’s a call to action. IndieWomen is BendFilm’s answer to that call. It was created by the late Pamela Hulse Andrews, the founder of Cascades Publications, as a movement of 100 women each donating $100 in support of female filmmakers. Today, Pamela’s legacy is carried on by an expansive, ever-growing network of film-lovers whose annual support helps fund filmmaker awards and travel costs, as well as the BendFilm Indie Filmmaker of the Year award. 2026 IndieWomen Alayna Fardella

Donna L Rice

Kim Paxton-Hagner

Rebecca Warner

Alexandra Hsu

Emilie Cortes

Laury Riley

Romy Mortensen

Amy Renalds

Irene Taylor

Liz Rink

Sharon Maier-Kennelly

Beth Morrell

Jenny Green

Lori Elkins

Suzanne Johannsen

Carolyn Dietz

Kaari Vaughn

Lynn Nebus

Tammy Baney

Cheryl Parton

Karen Anderson

Mary Meador

Terryl Kemple

Christi Haynes

Karen Koppel

Molly Foerster

Yvonne Hunt

Christine Nowicki

Kate Kamaya

Nicole Earl

Yvonne Zbranak

Coco Vaughn

Katharine Vaughn

Paige Sullivan

Deanne Buck

Katie Post

Pat Fulton

Deb Mortimore-Lane

Kendall Carlson

Patti Carlson

Whether you’re an industry professional or an avid movie fan, IndieWomen is your backstage pass to a more inclusive and inspiring film industry. All genders are welcome! Join the movement to overcome gender disparity in the film industry and enjoy curated mixers, special screenings, panels, and workshops—all within a supportive community of film lovers. Become an IndieWoman member at BendFilm.org/IndieWomen 13

Congratulations to our 2026 Climate & Ag Scholarship winners!

Ava Bowen CRANE

Jacee Otley

Gabriel Endersby PILOT ROCK

PENDLETON

Clackamas Community College

Big Bend Community College

Eastern Oregon University

Hoyt Kudlac

Maxwell Hendricks

Michae Wills

Allison Rolfe

Boise State University

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Mt. Hood Community College

Eastern Oregon University

PRINEVILLE

BURNS

KLAMATH FALLS

MAUPIN

Roy Jones

MORO

Through personal stories, local observations, and thoughtful analysis, scholarship recipients wrote exceptional essays examining how climate change is affecting farming, ranching, natural resources, and rural livelihoods. NewSun is proud to support and encourage these students as they pursue their dreams.

RORY KENNEDY IS BENDFILM’S 2026 INDIE FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR

Growing up in a family deeply intertwined with American political and cultural history, Kennedy developed an early proximity to questions of public service, power, responsibility, and the forces that shape our collective experience. Those themes resonate throughout her work, which examines institutions, history, politics, public accountability, and the people caught in the middle. Across her films, Kennedy pairs investigative depth with a distinctly human point of view, bringing clarity and compassion to complicated stories without losing sight of their larger implications. BendFilm is honored to celebrate Rory Kennedy and her enduring contribution to documentary filmmaking as this year’s Indie Filmmaker of the Year. Rory Kennedy is an Academy Award®-nominated, Primetime Emmy®-winning documentary filmmaker who has directed and produced more than forty films. Most recently, she directed Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing, a follow-up to Downfall: The Case Against Boeing. Other projects include Queen of Chess, which marked Kennedy’s tenth documentary to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival; HBO’s The Synanon Fix; and The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari, which became Netflix’s #1 film worldwide. Her earlier work includes the Academy Award–nominated Last Days in Vietnam, HBO’s Ethel, and Ghosts of Abu Ghraib, which won a Primetime Emmy Award. Rory will be available for an extended on-stage conversation after the screening of The Trial of Alec Baldwin at the Tower Theater, and for a Q&A after the screening of Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing at Regal. She’ll also lead the documentary filmmaking panel—see p. 18 for more details.

For more than three decades, Rory Kennedy has approached documentary filmmaking with curiosity, rigor, and a willingness to take on complex subjects.

The Trial of Alec Baldwin FRI 10/9 — 4:45 PM at Tower 111 min | USA Filmmaker scheduled to attend In the wake of a fatal on-set shooting, actor Alec Baldwin faces trial for involuntary manslaughter. But as headlines feed on his fame and reputation, a question looms: is Baldwin being judged by the law—or by the court of public opinion?

Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing SAT 10/10 — 1:15 PM at REGAL 16 OCAP 93 min | USA Filmmaker scheduled to attend An investigative documentary that explores the deepening corporate crisis and systemic safety failures at Boeing, following the fatal 737 MAX crashes and the tragic death of whistleblower John Barnett. 15

ﬁrstinterstate.com

TANTOO CARDINAL IS BENDFILM’S 2026 INDIGENOUS HONOREE Tantoo Cardinal has been widely recognized for her contributions to the growth and development of Indigenous performing arts in Canada and the United States.

Photo: @kristinecofskyphotography | Clothing Designer: Sugiit Lukxs Designs

Over 50 years she has performed in more than 130 roles. She broke barriers for onscreen representation and challenged negative stereotypes throughout her career. Film roles include Dances With Wolves, Legends of the Fall, Killers of the Flower Moon, Black Robe, Where the Rivers Flow North, Loyalties, and Smoke Signals. Her TV work includes Godless, Three Pines, Stumptown, Longmire, Frontier, Echo and Avatar: Last of the Air Benders to name just a few. “I deeply admire the path Tantoo Cardinal has forged across decades, paving the way for Indigenous storytellers and beyond while honoring our narrative traditions and continually elevating our representation. Tantoo’s impact across Indian Country runs profoundly deep—her presence on screen has not only opened doors for emerging actors, directors, and filmmakers, but her unwavering commitment to authentic representation has also inspired native people across generations to see themselves and their stories held with dignity and truth. It is a profound honor to celebrate Tantoo Cardinal and to recognize her years of work and her relentless dedication to our people.” — LaRonn Katchia, Indigenous Programming Consultant

Smoke Signals FRI 10/9 — 4:30 PM at WYAM SAT 10/10 — 4:30 PM at FR. LUKE’S 89 min | USA, Canada Filmmaker scheduled to attend Award-winning drama of the spiritual journey of two Native Americans (Adam Beach, Evan Adams), who learn some important life lessons as they travel to recover the remains of a man who was the neglectful father of one and enigmatic rescuer of the other. For the Festival Showcase at WYAM, refer to p. 25; for all film screenings in Warm Springs, refer to the full Festival film schedule on pgs. 38-41.

PANELS Step beyond the screen and behind the scenes of indie filmmaking with these panel discussions that are free to attend and hosted at Scalehouse Gallery—550 NW Franklin Ave Ste 138, Bend

CONQUERING INDIE FILMMAKING FRI 10/9 at 11:15 AM BendFilm’s Managing Director of Education and Development, Clay Pruitt, will talk to this year’s competition filmmakers, director Arabella Oz (Mallory’s Ghost), producer Harrison Allen (Isle Child), and director Kelly O’Sullivan (Mouse, Ghostlight) about their work, tips for directing, producing and marketing indie films in the ever-changing film industry. The challenges of the craft are many, but the conversations are always fun and reveal the creative genius it takes to make a movie. Moderated by BendFilm’s Managing Director of Education & Development, Clay Pruitt

RISKY BUSINESS: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF MAKING AND DISTRIBUTING DOCS FRI 10/9 at 1:15 PM BendFilm’s Indie Filmmaker of the Year, documentary director-producer Rory Kennedy (Last Days in Vietnam, Downfall: The Case Against Boeing) will chat with this year’s documentary filmmakers in competition, Bryan Storkel (I Got Bombed at Harvey’s), David Booth Gardner (The Last Place on Earth), Sarah Mowaswes (Edward Said: Between Worlds), and Will Thwaites (Crime & Parody) about the risks they are taking in making and distributing their films. What does it mean to be making docs today to reveal the truth and entertain an increasingly skeptical audience.

SHORT FILMS, LONG GAME: BUILDING A CAREER ON THE FESTIVAL CIRCUIT SAT 10/10 at 11 AM Short films are often where filmmaking careers start—but turning one into a festival favorite takes more than just a good idea. Ideal length, clear goals, how to build a marketing and festival plan… This panel covers all of this, straight from three people immersed in the festival world: Daniel Crooke (programmer at AFI Fest, Outfest), Laura Henneman (Industry Relations at Sundance) and Max Geschwind (CAA Media Finance). Come hear what these three jurors for this year’s shorts program actually look for in a short film. Moderated by BendFilm’s Managing Director of Programming & Artistic Vision, Selin Sevinç

INDUSTRY PANEL: DEVELOPMENT, PACKAGING & FINANCING, DISTRIBUTION SAT 10/10 at 1 PM There are endless ins and outs of the rapidly changing independent film industry. This panel of industry professionals can answer your most pressing questions on the mysterious development process, how to package and get financing for your film, and the path to getting your film in front of an audience. Charlie Sextro (Acquisitions at Utopia), Max Geschwind (CAA Media Finance), Sebastián Hernández (Creative Executive at Netflix) and Whitaker Lader (Development Executive) will share keen insights on how to elevate and accelerate film careers with storytellers at any stage of the journey. Moderated by Producer Shannon Hamblin

Moderated by Indie Filmmaker of the Year, Rory Kennedy This project was supported by a grant provided by the Creative Opportunity Program and Oregon Film - OregonFilm.org 18

AWARDS & RECOGNITION The BendFilm jury awards generous cash prizes, provided by BendFilm and our sponsors and grantors, to up-and-coming filmmakers to help them build their filmmaking careers. In addition to the cash prize, each winning film will receive a BendFilm trophy. Join us at Greg’s Grill on Saturday October 10th from 7 to 9 PM to celebrate the winning films and filmmakers at the Festival awards ceremony and banquet. More information on page 11.

BEST DRAMATIC SHORT $500 Made possible by Charlotte Dixon BEST COMEDY SHORT $500 Made possible by Charlotte Dixon BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT $500 Made possible by Independent Women for Independent Film BEST ANIMATED SHORT $500 Made possible by Independent Women for Independent Film BEST INDIGENOUS SHORT $500 Made possible by Bob Lane

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE $1,750 Presented by Brooks Resources since 2004

YOUTH JURY AWARD $100 On behalf of Caldera by Priscilla Bernard Wieden in loving memory of Dan Wieden

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE $1,750 Presented by Brooks Resources since 2004 BEST INDIGENOUS FEATURE $1,250 Made possible by Bob Lane BEST ENVIRONMENTAL/OUTDOOR FEATURE $1,250 Made possible by NewSun Energy

KATIE MERRITT FEATURE FILM AUDIENCE AWARD $750 & SHORT FILM AUDIENCE AWARD $500 Made possible through ticket sales. Audience votes for and contributes directly to the filmmakers who walk away with these awards.

The Bend Film Festival Award Trophy As a nod to the land around us, the Bend Film Festival trophy is designed using reclaimed wood from two of Oregon’s most significant trees: Douglas Fir and White Oak. To give the trophies even more significance, the design features a “live edge” carved in the shape of the Deschutes River that runs directly through the heart of Bend, giving filmmakers a little piece of our city to take home. Artist Michael “Myco” Hang is a marine biologist turned NASA scientist turned woodworker based in Monterey Bay, California. He specializes in regenerative woodworking by utilizing reclaimed/recycled materials, sourcing local lumber, and practicing sustainable woodworking techniques. @mycomakes

BEND FILM FESTIVAL JURORS NARRATIVE FEATURES JURY CHARLIE SEXTRO Charlie Sextro is the Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Utopia. Since its launch in 2019, US distributor Utopia has released an exciting slate of films like Red Rooms, Shiva Baby, Holy Spider and We’re All Going To The World’s Fair. Prior to Utopia, Sextro served as the Sundance Film Festival’s Senior Film Programmer for 13 years. He supported the early work of many beloved contemporary filmmakers, including Ryan Coogler, Sean Baker, Chloé Zhao, Ari Aster, Janicza Bravo, and DANIELS.

SEBASTIÁN HERNÁNDEZ Sebastián Hernández is a Creative Executive on the Original Film team at Netflix. They have worked across over 20 films that have come out of the studio including The Kissing Booth franchise, Do Revenge, and most recently, Roommates. Prior to Netflix, Sebastián worked at WME in their Motion Picture Literary department. Sebastián is a native of Los Angeles and a graduate from Emerson College.

WHITAKER LADER Whitaker Lader is a film & TV producer who ran Nicholas Hoult’s production company, Dead Duck Films, and Casey Affleck’s Sea Change Media, and she currently works with David Lowery’s Sailor Bear. Her films include The World to Come, Falcon Lake, and Light of my Life and she developed Oscar-winning Judas & The Black Messiah and Train Dreams. She previously managed the Board of Trustees and helped launch Catalyst at Sundance Institute, and she has an MBA from Stanford.

DOCUMENTARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL/OUTDOOR FEATURES JURY DIANE BECKER Diane is an Academy Award-winning producer and the co-founder of Fishbowl Films. Navalny won the U.S. Documentary Audience Award and the Festival Favorite Award at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and was awarded a BAFTA, PGA, DuPont, and the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Additional credits: King Coal, Tina, and Blink. She received the 2020 Sundance Institute/Amazon Producer’s Award for Whirlybird. The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and is now on Peacock. Diane is a member of the PGA, the DPA, BAFTA, the Television Academy, and AMPAS.

MATTHEW CAREY Matthew Carey is Senior Documentary Editor at Deadline.com and co-host/EP of Deadline’s weekly Doc Talk podcast. He previously served as Senior Producer at CNN in Los Angeles, where he wrote and produced documentary specials and oversaw CNN’s live Oscar red carpet specials, coverage of the Sundance Film Festival and other events. Carey earned two Peabody Awards and a DuPont-Columbia Award for his contributions to CNN’s coverage of politics and breaking news.

MIA BRUNO Mia Bruno is a distribution producer and founder of Fourth Act Film, supporting independent films through distribution releases without taking rights. Fourth Act partners with film teams to manage theatrical booking, marketing, sales, non-theatrical distribution, and awards campaigns, reflecting today’s flexible, innovative, filmmaker-driven models. Focusing on transparency and filmmaker agency, Mia helps teams understand costs and tradeoffs so distribution becomes a deliberate creative phase rather than a reactive process.

YOUTH JURY

CORA MARTIN

MAC SCHLAADT

Cora Martin (17) is a Caldera High School student who loves the outdoors, working with kids, fitness, and community. She approaches new experiences with curiosity and an open mind.

Mac Schlaadt (16) is a Cascades Academy student and musician who brings humor, creativity, and kindness to everything she does. She loves using her musical talents to uplift and empower others.

BEND FILM FESTIVAL JURORS INDIGENOUS FEATURES AND SHORTS JURY DAWN JONES REDSTONE Named one of Portland’s most distinct creative voices, Dawn Jones Redstone is a queer, Mexican American writer/director whose work centers women of color and explores identity, resistance, and emotional connection. Dawn’s award-winning feature Mother of Color streams on major platforms, while her shorts (Sista in the Brotherhood, Hostile Work Environment) have been recognized for their thoughtful exploration of identity.

JOHNNIE JAE Johnnie Jae is a journalist, media critic, and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Jae is the founder of Red POP! News and A Tribe Called Geek, and a Coordinating Council Member and Co-Lead of the Sharing the Story Committee for Walking in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors, an initiative focused on healing, reconnection, and truth-telling for the Otoe-Missouria people.

LARONN KATCHIA LaRonn Katchia is a NATAS Emmy award winning Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. His credits include behind-the-scenes work for FX’s Reservation Dogs and a 30-minute documentary with Oregon Public Broadcasting titled Guardian of the Land, exploring Indigenous Sasquatch perspectives from the Pacific Northwest. He also serves as Programming Consultant for the Indigenous Film Program at Bend Film Festival.

NARRATIVE, ANIMATED, AND DOCUMENTARY SHORTS JURY DANIEL CROOKE Daniel Crooke is a film programmer based in Los Angeles. He currently serves as Senior Programmer at Outfest, Programmer at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Associate Programmer for short films at AFI Fest. He has advocated for visionary work from independent filmmakers from around the globe while posted up at Palm Springs ShortFest, Overlook Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Vancouver Queer Film Festival, the UCLA Film and Television Archive, and Sundance.

LAURA HENNEMAN Laura Henneman’s career in film festivals has been longer than she might like to admit. Favorite projects include developing a live music and film programming track at the Mill Valley Film Festival and curating themed short film programs at Palm Springs ShortFest. Currently, she’s the Assistant Director of Industry Relations at the Sundance Institute. She’s a four-time fantasy baseball champion, a trivia and puzzle enthusiast, and she’s probably drinking coffee right now.

MAX GESCHWIND Max Geschwind works in the Media Finance department, focusing on packaging, sourcing financing, and selling the distribution rights to independent films at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Geschwind is a member of CAA Elevate, a state-of-the-art program for agents and executives in training. He graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in Cinema and Media Studies & Political Science.

POPPY POST Poppy Post (16) is a Bend Senior High School student with a love for movies and all things creative. She is excited to bring her perspective and enthusiasm for film to the Youth Jury. 21

FESTIVAL SHORTS OPEN WED 10/7 — 8 PM at REGAL 6

Tickets: $17 in advance or at the door

95 min | 5 Short Films | On the Verge ~ Shorts Block

Price is included for Festival Passholders but seats aren’t guaranteed. Please reserve your ticket ahead of time.

Filmmakers scheduled to attend An opening act to our opening night film, the Wednesday night shorts open is the perfect way to ease into five days of film. “On the Verge” showcases five short films that feature sharp characters for whom transformation comes in mysterious forms under unexpected circumstances: Oh Whale (Winslow Crane-Murdoch), First Death (Alyssa Lerner), Crisis Actor (Lily Platt), Just My Luck (Nicholas Pitts), and The Oracle (JJ Adler).

After the screening join us for the SHORTS OPEN AFTER PARTY 9:30 PM to 12 AM River Pig Saloon 555 NW Arizona Ave Ste 40, Bend

Opening night sponsored by First Interstate Bank Tower Theatre sponsored by Brooks Resources Corporation

OPENING NIGHT FILM Tickets: $17 in advance or at the door; space is limited. Included for Festival Passholders.*

Paralyzed by Hope: The Maria Bamford Story THU 10/8 — 5:30 PM at TOWER THEATRE OCAP 116 min | USA | Oregon Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend Maria Bamford has spent her entire career saying the quiet parts out loud and turning the fears most people bury into comedy that’s both catharsis and chaos. Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story is an intimate portrait of an artist who’s spent decades mining her mental health, family history and everyday misadventures for something honest...and hilarious. BendFilm Team says: There’s something joyous and heartbreaking about Maria Bamford’s humor and that contrast is incredibly compelling and alluring. A fun, affecting ride!

Directed by Judd Apatow & Neil Berkeley Judd Apatow is a renowned comedic director known for his iconic comedic films and documentaries. Neil Berkeley is an Emmy-nominated director known for inventive, heartfelt documentaries.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

THU 10/8 — 8 to 11 PM Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions [21+] 10 NW Minnesota Ave, Bend Tickets are $40 in advance or at the door; space is limited. Included for All Access Passholders.** Celebrate Opening Night in the heart of downtown Bend at one of the Festival’s biggest gatherings of the week. Join us for a night of drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, and plenty of time to connect before the weekend gets into full swing. Admission includes two drink tickets. *Price is included for Festival Passholders but admittance is contingent on venue capacity—to guarantee a spot, please reserve your ticket ahead of time. **Price is included for All Access Passholders but admittance is contingent on venue capacity—to guarantee a spot, please reserve your ticket ahead of time.

FESTIVAL SHOWCASE AT WYAM ALL SCREENINGS HOSTED FOR FREE AT THE WYAM YOUTH CENTER IN WARM SPRINGS, SPONSORED BY NEWSUN ENERGY

SHOWCASE SUPPORTED BY VISIT CENTRAL OREGON FUTURE FUND

Smoke Signals

The River Remembers

FRI 10/9 — 4:30 PM at WYAM

SAT 10/10 — 5 PM at WYAM

Directed by Chris Eyre

Directed by Jordan Riber

89 min | USA, Canada

63 min | USA | Central Oregon Premiere

Tantoo Cardinal scheduled to attend

The River Remembers follows Tribal members of the Elwha and lower Klamath Rivers as they lead the largest dam removals in U.S. history, restoring salmon and renewing culture after a century of struggle. The film is a story of resilience and hope, showing that when rivers heal, people heal too.

Award-winning drama of the spiritual journey of two Native Americans (Adam Beach, Evan Adams), who learn some important life lessons as they travel to recover the remains of a man who was the neglectful father of one and enigmatic rescuer of the other.

Narrative Short Film Showcase FRI 10/9 — 7:30 PM at WYAM 6 narrative short films | 91 min Featuring Shadow in the Desert by Boise B Esquerra (p. 63), Imprint by Ran Jing (p. 60), The Humbug by Cole Paviour (p. 63), First Death by Alyssa Lerner (p. 55), The Perfect Palm by Ayşe Altınok (p. 57), and Just My Luck by Nicholas Pitts (p. 55).

Read more about the film and director on p. 27

Documentary Short Film Showcase SAT 10/10 — 7 PM at WYAM 5 documentary short films | 85 min Featuring Shaped by Land by Emily Sullivan (p. 65), Pretty Frickin’ Deadly by Seth Gillis (p. 57), Oh Whale by Winslow Crane-Murdoch (p. 55), Eructation by Victoria Trow (p. 63), and Dick’s-AThon by Dylan Young (p.66).

INDIGENOUS FEATURES COMPETITION Aanikoobijigan (Ancestor) THU 10/8 — 5:30 PM at TIN PAN FRI 10/9 — 1:30 PM at REGAL 7 80 min | USA, Denmark | Oregon Premiere Trapped in museum archives, Ancestors bend time and space to find their way home. History, spirituality, and the law collide as tribal repatriation specialists fight to return and rebury Indigenous human remains, offering a revealing look at the still-pervasive worldviews that justified collecting them in the first place. Presented in English and Anishinaabemowin with English subtitles Preceded by Shaped by Land | 17 min (p. 65) Indigenous Features are sponsored on behalf of Caldera by Priscilla Bernard Wieden in loving memory of Dan Wieden

BendFilm Team says: A genuine and emotional film weaved together with animation, poetic imagery and a surrealesque filmmaking style that lifts it up and gives it an impressionistic power.

Directed by Adam Khalil & Zack Khalil Adam and Zack Khalil are members of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Adam is an artist whose practice attempts to subvert traditional forms of image-making through humor, relation, and transgression. Zack is a filmmaker and artist whose work centers Indigenous narratives in the present—and looks towards the future— through the use of innovative nonfiction forms.

INDIGENOUS FEATURES COMPETITION Kikuyu Land FRI 10/9 — 10 AM at REGAL 6 OCAP SAT 10/10 — 6 PM at TIN PAN 93 min | Kenya, USA | Oregon Premiere While investigating a local man’s civil petition against the British Crown and Kenya’s global tea industry, Nairobi journalist Bea Wangondu stumbles upon her own family’s concealed secrets, pushing her to peel back the layers of Kenya’s colonial legacy. Presented in English, Kikuyu and Swahili with English subtitles Indigenous Features are sponsored on behalf of Caldera by Priscilla Bernard Wieden in loving memory of Dan Wieden

BendFilm Team says: Spotlighting Kenya’s history, politics and tea plantations, the doc creates a tapestry of the human cost of unchecked power. Besides, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of this land!

Directed by Bea Wangondu & Andrew H. Brown Bea is an award-winning producer, journalist, and founder of The Bea Company, a Kenya-based creative studio dedicated to high quality and culturally rich storytelling with a strong focus on women and girls. Her work spans documentaries, branded films, and community-centered narratives designed for global audiences. Andrew is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker whose work explores land, memory, and the enduring relationship between people and place. He has spent more than a decade living and working across sub-Saharan Africa, first as a humanitarian and then as a filmmaker collaborating closely with local communities.

The River Remembers FRI 10/9 — 3:15 PM at REGAL 6 SAT 10/10 — 5 PM at WYAM SUN 10/11 — 11 AM at REGAL 7 63 min | USA | Central Oregon Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend The River Remembers follows Tribal members of the Elwha and lower Klamath Rivers as they lead the largest dam removals in U.S. history, restoring salmon and renewing culture after a century of struggle. The film is a story of resilience and hope, showing that when rivers heal, people heal too. Preceded by First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath | 28 min (p. 65) Indigenous Features are sponsored on behalf of Caldera by Priscilla Bernard Wieden in loving memory of Dan Wieden

BendFilm Team says: A balanced account of the work and heart it takes to get these dam removal projects off the ground, and their complex aftermath.

Directed by Jordan Riber Jordan Riber is a Zimbabwe-raised filmmaker based in Washington State. His work spans documentary and scripted storytelling, with a focus on culture, community, Indigenous perspectives, environmental restoration, and social change. 27

NARRATIVE FEATURES COMPETITION Hot Water FRI 10/9 — 4:15 PM at REGAL 7 SUN 10/11 — 1 PM at OXFORD 97 min | USA | Oregon Premiere In this unconventional and comedic road odyssey, a Lebanese mother and her American son drive across the United States, revealing the fractures and bonds between them. Poetically shot against the country’s wide-open vistas, Hot Water upends traditional ideas of home and belonging with cutting humor and remarkable beauty. Presented in English, Arabic, and French with English subtitles Film sponsored by City of Bend Storm Water Management Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions

BendFilm Team says: Like the two leads in the film, we’re asked to slow down and take a breath. Amusing and unexpectedly moving, there’s something to take away from this road trip for everyone.

Directed by Ramzi Bashour Ramzi Bashour is a filmmaker based in New York. He grew up in Beirut, Lebanon and over the years has worked as a cook, baker, journalist, musician and film editor. Hot Water is his debut feature.

Isle Child WED 10/7 — 8:30 PM at REGAL 16 FRI 10/9 — 12 PM at OXFORD 91 min | USA | Northwest Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend Si Miller is the star baseball pitcher in Concord, Massachusetts – popular, confident, and passing in every way that counts. He’s Korean-born, adopted at 3 years old, and has never looked back… until he finds a hidden letter about his dying birth mother in Korea asking to reunite. Only once there is nothing left to protect, Si returns to Korea to face the truth of where he came from.

BendFilm Team says: Centering around the complex but universal themes of searching for who we are and who we belong to, we enjoyed the quiet elegance and emotional weight in this film.

Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions

Directed by Thomas Percy Kim Thomas Percy Kim is a Korean-American writer/director—his first short, Si, sold to HBO Max, and Busan, 1999 qualified for the 2023 Oscars. A Sundance and TIFF fellow, he crowdfunded his debut feature Isle Child at 22 years old and is now developing his second feature, Staring at the Sun. 28

NARRATIVE FEATURES COMPETITION Labrador Autopsy of Silence FRI 10/9 — 8:30 PM at REGAL 6 SAT 10/10 — 1:30 PM at REGAL 7 120 min | Canada | Northwest Premiere As a cargo ship sails through a storm off the coast of Basse-Côte-Nord, a cook is found murdered on board. From the perspective of Alupa Tulugak, an Inuk mechanic and friend of the victim, this story reconstructs the events as a thriller. Presented in English, French and Inuktitut with English subtitles

BendFilm Team says: A gripping tale in the vein of The Anatomy of a Fall, but even subtler. It presents a truth through its many layers in an unsentimental and yet powerfully stark way.

Directed by Rodrigue Jean Rodrigue Jean is known for Labrador - Autopsy of Silence (2026), Lost Song (2008) and Men for Sale (2008).

Mallory’s Ghost FRI 10/9 — 7:45 PM at FR. LUKE’S SAT 10/10 — 10:30 AM at REGAL 16 87 min | USA | West Coast Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend Mallory, plagued by fears of being unremarkable, joins her playwright boyfriend Sam on a retreat to coastal Maine. When she discovers he once brought his beautiful ex Louise there, she spirals into obsessive comparison. Convinced she’s being haunted by Louise’s ghost, Mallory is pushed into a surreal journey that takes her to the center of her envy. Preceded by Still Life | 12 min (p. 64)

BendFilm Team says: Consistently amusing and intriguing, this ambitious film takes the ghost story trope to a new and original level.

Directed by Arabella Oz Arabella Oz wrote her debut feature Mallory’s Ghost while working as a mental health counselor in New York, and made the film largely with her husband, Nick Canellakis. They premiered the film at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival in the Narrative Feature Competition.

NARRATIVE FEATURES COMPETITION Mouse THU 10/8 — 1:30 PM at REGAL 16 SAT 10/10 — 12:30 PM at REGAL 6 120 min | USA | Northwest Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend It’s 2002, and best friends Minnie and Callie are heading into their senior year of high school, with Minnie long living in the shadow of the charismatic Callie. When their friendship is suddenly upended at the start of the summer, Minnie struggles to define her own identity and forms a complicated relationship with Callie’s poised, attentive mother, pulling her further from her own chaotic home.

BendFilm Team says: A deeply moving tale of grief and healing that harbors within it the contrasting feelings of joy and loss, hope and despair. A human tapestry of emotion conveyed expertly by two lovely actors.

Directed by Kelly O’Sullivan & Alex Thompson Kelly O’Sullivan is a writer, director and actor. She made her debut with the screenplay for Saint Frances, which premiered at SXSW in 2019 and won the Audience Award. In the same year, Filmmaker Magazine named her one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Alex Thompson is a director, producer, and screenwriter who directed and produced Saint Frances. His second feature, Rounding, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2022. Together, they co-directed Ghostlight, which opened the Sundance Film Festival in 2024 and was nominated for the Cassavetes Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Take Me Home WED 10/7 — 3:30 PM at TIN PAN SUN 10/11 — 10:30 AM at OXFORD 90 min | USA | Oregon Premiere Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee, cares for her aging parents in a fragile balance of meeting each others’ needs. When a Florida heat wave shatters their family and Anna’s routine, her future is uncertain until she creates a world where she can thrive. Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions

BendFilm Team says: A sweet, endearing story about aging and healthcare we rarely witness. An ode to those who live–and thrive–on the sidelines of a system not designed for them.

Directed by Liz Sargent Liz Sargent is a Korean-American adoptee and filmmaker whose work explores adoption, disability, and family dynamics. With a background in choreography, she brings emotional depth to her storytelling, shaped by her experience growing up as the middle child of eleven. 30

NARRATIVE FEATURES COMPETITION The Long Haul FRI 10/9 — 4:45 PM at FR. LUKE’S SAT 10/10 — 10 AM at REGAL 6 91 min | USA | West Coast Premiere CJ, a seasoned truck driver who has spent her years traversing the American Southwest, has meticulously constructed a life of distance from her past until a letter from the parole board threatens to dismantle the walls she has painstakingly built. Facing the prospect of retirement and a reckoning she has evaded for years, CJ must finally find the courage to pause and contemplate her future.

BendFilm Team says: An authentic depiction of inability to let go that felt truthful and relatable. The film, brewing with subtle tension, keeps us on a hook that’s worth sticking with.

Directed by David Drake David Drake is a self-taught American filmmaker and photographer based in the UK. He has worked with artists like The 1975, Glass Animals, Django Django, Tom Grennan, IDER, and Kele Okereke. The album cover he shot for The 1975 was nominated for an ‘artwork’ Grammy in 2017.

Union County SAT 10/10 — 6:45 PM at REGAL 16 SUN 10/11 — 10 AM at FR. LUKE’S

OCAP

97 min | USA | Central Oregon Premiere Cody and Jack are brothers navigating a courtmandated drug rehabilitation program in a pocket of rural Ohio hit hard by the opioid epidemic. Provided with hope for the first time since their struggles began and with the support of a tireless counselor, the brothers work toward a brighter, sober future. BendFilm Team says: With a mix of actors and non-actors, this film brings us into a world we know little about, exploring a delicate subject matter rarely handled with such care.

Directed by Adam Meeks Adam Meeks is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker. His short film Union County (2020) premiered at the 70th Berlinale. He is a 2023 Film Independent Screenwriting Lab Fellow, a 2021 Yaddo Artist-inResidence, and a graduate of NYU Tisch. Union County is his first feature film. 31

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES COMPETITION Crime & Parody THU 10/8 — 1 PM at REGAL 6 FRI 10/9 — 8 PM at TOWER 87 min | USA | West Coast Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend In 2016, amateur internet comedian Anthony Novak was arrested, jailed, and charged with a felony carrying up to 18 months in prison after mocking his local police department online. In the years that followed, his legal battle to defend his First Amendment rights gained national attention, received support from The Onion, and reached the U.S. Supreme Court. Preceded by All the Real Boys | 11 min (p. 64) Film sponsored by The deNovo Initiative Tower Theatre sponsored by Brooks Resources Corporation

BendFilm Team says: This doc is a straight shot at the underbelly of authoritarianism pointing to how it germinates and festers. Beneath the micro story of one man’s fight for his sense of humor lies the biggest threat to democracy.

Directed by Will Thwaites Will Thwaites is a documentary filmmaker who has spent the past decade producing premium documentary features and series for Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and PBS.

Edward Said: Between Worlds WED 10/7 — 5:45 PM at REGAL 16 OCAP FRI 10/9 — 10:30 AM at REGAL 16 OCAP 107 min | USA | Northwest Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend Celebrated as a prophet and vilified as a terrorist, Palestinian-American scholar Edward Said was America’s most outspoken critic of the West and Palestine’s fiercest advocate. Twenty years after his death, Said guides viewers through the untold history of Palestine through a kinetic assemblage of footage, recordings, and newly digitized archives. Presented in English and Arabic with English subtitles

BendFilm Team says: A historical narrative and an emotionally stirring portrait of one of the most gracious and fascinating intellectuals of our times. Edward Said’s nuanced view of peace is enduring.

Directed by Maiken Baird Maiken Baird is a Danish-American film director and producer. Baird directed the films Venus and Serena and Ghislaine Maxwell: Filthy Rich for Netflix. Baird was an EP of the Academy Award-winning film Icarus. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and speaks four languages.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES COMPETITION Hanging by A Wire FRI 10/9 — 5:45 PM at REGAL 6 SAT 10/10 — 3:30 PM at REGAL 6 77 min | Pakistan, UK, USA | Oregon Premiere In August 2023, a routine school commute in northern Pakistan turns terrifying when two cables snap, leaving eight passengers— including six schoolboys—dangling 900 feet above a ravine as rescuers race desperately to save them. Presented in English, Urdu, and Pashto with English subtitles Preceded by Stalin Boys | 22 min (p. 64)

BendFilm Team says: A universally relatable representation of the precarious nature of life. This doc is a mesmerizing—albeit tense—depiction of true events where the experience of fear, fate and luck are palpable.

Directed by Mohammed Ali Naqvi Mohammed Ali “Mo” Naqvi is an award-winning filmmaker, Emmy-honored producer, Academy member, and Chairman of Pakistan’s Academy Awards Selection Committee, renowned for acclaimed documentaries and nonfiction series.

I Got Bombed at Harvey’s FRI 10/9 — 2 PM at TOWER SAT 10/10 — 4:30 PM at REGAL 7 94 min | USA | Northwest Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend In 1980, Big John Birges built an ingenious boobie-trapped ticking time bomb, filled it with 1000 pounds of dynamite, and successfully wheeled it in the front doors of Harvey’s Wagon Wheel Casino in Lake Tahoe. But that’s about all that went right for Big John. Preceded by The Chimney Sweeper | 9 min (p. 65) Tower Theatre sponsored by Brooks Resources Corporation

BendFilm Team says: An impressive, wacky crime story that plays like a heist movie. The quirky antics of the characters playfully spotlight the underlying dramatic depth of the father-son dynamics at play.

Directed by Amy Bandlien Storkel & Bryan Storkel Bryan and Amy Storkel most recently directed and produced the Netflix Original 4-part series Hulk Hogan: Real American. They are also known for their Emmy-winning doc The Pez Outlaw and were Showrunners/producers for the HBO comedy series, It’s Florida, Man.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES COMPETITION Loving Karma FRI 10/9 — 1:15 PM at REGAL 16 SAT 10/10 — 3 PM at OXFORD SUN 10/11 — 1 PM at TIN PAN OCAP 79 min | India, UK, USA | Central Oregon Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend As a struggling young boy, Lobsang Phuntsok found healing in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Years later, he returned to the Indian Himalayas to found Jhamtse Gatsal, a home for vulnerable children. Loving Karma asks whether compassion and community can heal even the deepest wounds. Presented in Hindi, Monpa, and English with English subtitles Preceded by The Boy with the Dinosaur Head | 10 min (p. 64) Film sponsored by InFocus Eye Care Oxford Ballroom by Flip Flop Productions

BendFilm Team says: A heartwarming and captivating film that plainly shows the beauty of children and the power of love and compassion to transform those who are most vulnerable.

Directed by Johnny Burke & Andrew Hinton Johnny Burke is an award-winning director and editor whose films explore trauma, relationships and the human psyche. Andrew Hinton is an Emmywinning documentary filmmaker whose intimate work explores resilience and hope. Together, they co-directed Loving Karma.

Manhood THU 10/8 — 8:15 PM at TIN PAN SAT 10/10 — 9:15 PM at REGAL 16 91 min | USA | West Coast Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend Manhood follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make penis enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along the way, an OnlyFans star and a father of five put their bodies—and their insecurities—on the line. Blending dark humor with unexpected empathy, Manhood examines shame, addiction, and the fragile myths of American masculinity.

BendFilm Team says: A fantastic doc exploring the uncharted territory of the ultimate male insecurity. We suspect the audience will be gasping, squirming, laughing and bewildered all at the same time with this fascinating conversation opener.

Preceded by 1981 | 8 min (p. 65)

Directed by Daniel Lombroso Daniel Lombroso spent eight years building the Oscar-nominated video departments at The New Yorker and The Atlantic before launching his own premium documentary studio in 2025. His debut feature, White Noise, was named one of the year’s top documentaries by Vox and The Boston Globe. His work has premiered at Sundance, SXSW, and TIFF. Manhood is his second feature-length film. 35

After the credits roll, settle into Coorie. Great films spark conversation. Great meals keep it going. Join us for seasonal dishes, inventive cocktails, and evenings worth lingering over.

Now Open at Tetherow | coorierestaurant.com

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES COMPETITION Saving Etting Street FRI 10/9 — 3:45 PM at REGAL 16 SAT 10/10 — 4 PM at REGAL 16 67 min | USA | Northwest Premiere Filmmaker scheduled to attend In Baltimore, a master carpenter rebuilds a block of abandoned row houses into a community of Black women homeowners. But rising tensions in the group and a suspicious fire threaten to burn her dream down. Preceded by Brick By Brick | 31 min (p. 64)

BendFilm Team says: Shelly is the opposite of an image-conscious corporate leader, and her vision and perseverance in the face of many obstacles is endearing and empowering.

Film sponsored by Coldstream Wealth Management

Directed by Dena Fisher & Amy Scott Dena Fisher is a Baltimore-born multimedia artist, licensed clinical social worker, and filmmaker whose work lives at the intersection of art, healing, and social justice. Amy Scott is an independent documentary filmmaker and senior correspondent/host at public radio’s “Marketplace.”

State of Firsts WED 10/7 — 6 PM at TIN PAN FRI 10/9 — 6:45 PM at REGAL 7 93 min | USA | Oregon Premiere A portrait of Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first trans Member of Congress, the backlash that ensues, and her fight for change amidst intensifying political extremism.

BendFilm Team says: A necessary look at the trials and tribulations of a smart and articulate politician–Sarah McBride is a trooper and a badass, and what she’s taken on is one hell of a tough job.

Directed by Chase Joynt Chase Joynt is a non-fiction filmmaker and writer who works at the edges of genre. His documentary feature Framing Agnes was named a Best Movie of the Year by The New Yorker after premiering at Sundance where it won two awards. Chase co-directed No Ordinary Man, which was presented at Cannes Docs-in-Progress before premiering at TIFF, and most recently The Nest which premiered at Hot Docs 2025. 37

2026 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7 — FRIDAY OCTOBER 9 WED 10/7

10A

11A

12P

3P 2:45

REGAL 6 REGAL 16

AMERICAN PACHUCO: THE LEGEND OF LUIS VALDEZ (P.48)

2:15

LA BOLA NEGRA (P.46)

TIN PAN

3:30

TAKE ME HOME

THU 10/8

B CO

4:00

OTHER 10A

11A

12P

TOWER REGAL 6

1:00

*CRIME & PARODY (P.33)

REGAL 16

1:30

3:45 LOVE ON T

MOUSE (P.30) 3:00

TIN PAN

*THE CALDERA (P.53)

OXFORD FRI 10/9

10A

11A

12P

2:00

TOWER REGAL 6

10:00

REGAL 16

KIKUYU LAND (P.27) OCAP OCAP 10:30

REGAL 7

12:30

1:15

AMERICAN DOCTOR (P.48)

3:15

*THE RIVER REMEMBE

*LOVING KARMA (P.35) 1:30

3:45

*SAVING E

*AANIKOOBIJIGAN (ANCESTOR) (P.26)

4:15

1:30 THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH (P.45)

FR. LUKE’S OXFORD TIN PAN

*I GOT BOMBED AT HARVEY’S (P.34)

*THE LAKE (P.43)

EDWARD SAID: BETWEEN WORLDS (P.33) OCAP OCAP 11:00

12:00 10:00

PARALYZED BY HOPE: THE MARIA BAMFORD STORY (P.50) OCAP OCAP

2:30

ISLE CHILD (P.28) 1:00

CONNECTIONS (P.62)

ON THE VERGE (P.55)

3:30

TALES OF T FUTURE (P.

WYAM SCALEHOUSE

11:15

FILMMAKING PANEL (P.18)

1:15

DOCUMENTARY PANEL (P.18)

OTHER NARRATIVE FEATURE

4:00 DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

SHORT FILM BLOCK

PANEL, EVENT OR PARTY

*SHORT SCREENING WITH FEATURE

JANE ELLIOTT AGAINST THE WORLD (P.49)

5:15

5:45

E (P.30)

8:00

8:30

STATE OF FIRSTS (P.37)

8:30

ISLE CHILD (P.28) LATE NIGHT (P.63)

BASECAMP PITCH OMPETITION (P.11) 6P MIN 5:30 30 INTRO

CARL SAGAN: WE ARE MADE OF STAR STUFF (P.49)

6:15

KNIFE: THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OCAP OF SALMAN RUSHDIE (P.50) OCAP

7:30