The 21st BendFilm Festival hits screens in Bend and Madras for a four-day celebration from Oct. 10-13. More than 100 films will be shown, with 125 filmmakers will be in attendance for special screenings, panels and parties.

The festival grants viewers access to independent filmmaking, undiscovered acting talent, and a chance to meet and mingle with filmmakers. Whether you choose to attend as a pass holder, by purchasing advance tickets online or by showing up early in the hopes of a standby ticket, the films promise a thought-provoking experience beyond what is typically offered by Hollywood blockbusters.

Film festival honorees

Karyn Kusama was selected as the Indie Filmmaker of the Year and is bringing two of her films to the festival. “Girlfight” about women’s boxing, will be shown Oct. 11 at the Volcanic Theater Pub, followed by “Destroyer” on Oct. 12 at the Tower Theatre. The latter is a tale about a former undercover police officer (Nicole Kidman) seeking revenge and the screening will be accompanied by a conversation led by Kusama.

Indigenous Honoree Sydney Freeland’s film “Rez Ball” will be shown as the festival’s opening night film. Freeland also directed and executive produced Marvel’s “Echo,” two episodes of which will be screened at Madras’ cinema during the festival.

“Our honorees this year are visionary women whose films illuminate stories of long odds and resolute determination,” said BendFilm Program Director Selin Sevinç, in a release. “Karyn and Sydney have talents that transcend genre and, with a sharp focus on individual stories, strike at universal truths about self-determination.”

What else should I know?

Hosting venues include the Tin Pan Theater, the Tower Theatre, Regal Old Mill, Volcanic Theatre Pub, Open Space Event Studios and Madras’ Cinema 5.

BendFilm recommends allowing extra time for parking and strongly urges arriving at the venue 20 minutes prior to showtime. For downtown Bend films, ample parking is available at the city parking garage on Lava Road and Minnesota Avenue and free parking is available surrounding the Regal theater in the Old Mill District.

Pass holders may attend an unlimited number of films and are given an early opportunity to reserve tickets online. BendFilm has created a YouTube video that walks pass holders step-by-step through the process of reserving tickets. The process is the same for purchasing individual film tickets, which cost $15 online and $17 at the door.

More Coverage

In his first year as BendFilm’s executive director, Gatto aims high

Don’t wait for the virtual fest

A weeklong virtual film fest is typically held the week after the in-person festival. This year, however, organizers have separated the two, moving the virtual festival to Nov. 8-17.

Only short films will be shown at the virtual festival, as it’s difficult for the nonprofit to ascertain permission to stream full-length features. All feature-length films will be exclusively available at the in-person festival.

Don’t hold off on waiting for the virtual festival to roll around, as the festival is best experienced in person.

If You Go

What: 2024 BendFilm Festival

When: Oct. 10-13

Where: Screenings and events take place at a number of venues in Bend and one location in Madras. Festival headquarters are at Scalehouse Gallery, 550 NW Franklin Ave., #138, Bend.

Cost: $15 advance single admission or $17 are the door. Passes cost $200-$250 and include unlimited in-theater tickets.

Contact: bendfilm.org