In old Hollywood style, BendFilm celebrated its 12th year with a kickoff party to precede its annual independent film festival.
On Thursday, September 24, the kickoff party was hosted at G5, a downtown digital marketing company. Upon entering, the expansive office building became a tribute to old Hollywood style, complete with a red carpet and photographer. A select few of this year’s film clips were presented on a towering projector screen and some filmmakers were introduced.
Touted to be the most successful year yet, this year’s film submissions rose from 500 entries last year to 1,100 this year. The selection of films from the BendFilm committee includes 16 documentaries, 15 narrative films ranging from comedy to drama, and 50 shorts packed into one weekend of showings. Due to its variety of styles, topics and cultural narratives, Mimi Brody, this year’s Festival Programmer, describes the lineup as “eclectic.” The Films come from not only the Northwest, but from across the country and even the world.
BendFilm plays an active role in the local arts community, hosting various exhibitions and programs as well as the independent film festival throughout the year, according to their website. They are sponsored by a number of local companies and have a crew of dedicated volunteers that help put together events.
BendFilm Director Todd Looby spoke, “There’s (sic) few festivals that have the kind of community support that this does.”
Janelle Boone, Marketing Director of the local magazine, Fashion Quarterly, added, “It’s great to see so many roles in the community come together for one project.”
This year’s festival is set to take place from October 8–11 at various locations throughout town such as The Tower Theatre, McMenamins, Volcanic Theatre Pub and more. You can see the full lineup online at bendfilm.com where tickets are now available for purchase. You can pay $12 to view each film one at a time or buy a pass for different levels of viewing. There are also discounts available to students.
Bethany Langer | The Broadside
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