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Oregon’s Very Own Sundance, BendFilm Festival, Is One Of The Coolest Film Fests In The World

Bend, Oregon, hosts the BendFilm Festival, a renowned celebration of independent cinema.

Published Sep 15, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

It's safe to say that Bend, Oregon, is a city that loves the movies. Not only is Bend home to the world's last remaining Blockbuster, but each fall, artists, actors, and film enthusiasts flock to this Oregon town to attend one of the best film festivals in the world. Oregon's very own Sundance, BendFilm Festival is a celebration of independent cinema, and a must-attend for all Beaver State film fans.

Lights, camera, action! The 18th Annual BendFilm Festival is set to take place in downtown Bend, Oregon, on Oct. 7-17, 2021.

A crowd gathers outside the historic Tower Theater, with colorful buildings and a cloudy sky in the background.
The Tower Theatre/Facebook

Named one of the “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World,” BendFilm Festival celebrates the “brave voice of indie film” by supporting the independent artists, writers, and visionaries who make them.

A group of people sitting on a bench outside a building, with a sign for BendFilm and ticket sales visible.
Visit Bend Oregon/Facebook

An exuberant celebration of all things film, during the 10-day fest visitors can enjoy myriad film screenings (both in-person and virtual), filmmaker discussions, mentor sessions, awards shows, and more.

A crowd watches a film on a large screen set up outdoors in an urban setting, surrounded by brick walls and string lights.
BendFilm Festival/Facebook

Bend's appreciation for the arts is evident all throughout town. Independent movie houses abound in Bend, with The Tower Theatre anchoring its downtown district.

A vintage theater with a neon "TOWER" sign, illuminated at night, surrounded by trees and light trails from passing cars.
Tower Theatre/Google Local

Just a block around the corner from Tower Theatre, you'll find Tin Pan Theatre, a 28-seat, single-screen art-house cinema.

A vintage movie projector sits beside a small, empty theater with red seats and a large screen at the front.
BendFilm Festival/Facebook

BendFilm actually purchased this art house theatre in 2019, and it shows independent films all year-round.

The BendFilm Festival will show a variety of feature films, documentaries, and short movies. Past festivals screened over 120 movies, many of which featured female directors.

Outdoor screening at Tin Pan Theater, with an audience watching a film in an alley, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
BendFilm Festival/Facebook

This year's event might look a little different than years past, but as they say in the biz, "the show must go on."

Neon-lit Tower Theatre marquee announcing the BendFilm Festival, October 12-15, with festive lights.
BendFilm Festival/Facebook

The 2021 BendFilm Festival will be a hybrid of virtual and drive-in screenings, with most in-person events located in Bend’s beloved Old Mill District.

Aerial view of a vibrant riverside area with shops, restaurants, and a sunset backdrop in a scenic landscape.
Management/TripAdvisor

Mark your calendars and get ready for a 10-day filmic tour de force! The BendFilm Festival really is one of the most unique and exciting fall fests in Oregon.

Did you know about this epic film festival in Oregon? Have you attended before? The 2021 BendFilm Festival happens Oct. 7-17 at various locations in downtown Bend. Learn more at the event's website and Facebook page.

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