Bend Oregon – the debut of central Oregon’s new film festival successfully wrapped up here Sunday evening.

Locals and filmmakers we’re treated to an encore presentation of the award winning films. Those honored included Director Catherine Tambini and her documentary “Farmingville”. Catherine was presented with a 10,000.00 check by Juror Gus Van Sant (Elephant, Good Will Hunting) on Saturday evening at the awards ceremony. Catherine’s film explores the issues revolving around the attempted murder of two Mexican day laborers on Long Island. “Farmingville’ received a special jury prize earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival.

Other memorable moments at this years festival were the inclusion of director Meni Tsirbas’ short film “Terra”. “Terra’ was an early selection at BEND film fest” according to founder and executive director Katie Merrit. “We were amazed that this powerful and beautiful short was created by one artist”. Terra screened each day of the festival in both shorts programs and as the opener to “Control Room”. “We were excited about having Dane Allan Smith, Terra’s producer, up here to helm a few panels on the world of independent film. Menithings presence was a big part of this 3 day event.

“The Invisible” , about teens on the fringe of Danish society and “Three”an examination of the human condition received ‘best film’ and ‘best short’ respectively. Ondi Timoner and husband Vasco were also in town to present “DIG!” DIG! documents the ups and downs of two west coast bands over a decade. The film won the Jury prize at Sundance this past January and will hit theaters in NYC and Los Angeles Oct 1st. More information is available at http://digthemovie.com/. Ondi won the “best directors “ honors for her look into the world of independent rock at a time when pop music is dominated by R+B.

The audience favorite award went to Zara Briskie for her powerful story of the children of prostitutes living in Songachi , Calcutta. Each of the children are given a camera and the audience is inspired at the eternal vivacity and hope these children display. “Born into Brothels’ is a jewel of a film that tells the story of the directors attempts to save these children from continuum of prostitution , drugs and crime. The children’s work was displayed in the lobby of the theater and if you want to contribute to this important project visit www.kids-with-cameras.org

Another unique event at this event was the inclusion of a panel that featured Sky Pinnock. Sky is a local resident, his film production company has called Bend home for over a decade. Citing his inspiration as Martin Scorsese’s ‘Taxi Driver” this sport documentary director follows in the footsteps of John Cassavetes as he writes, shoots, edits and exhibits his work outside the studio system Sky has built a global network for his films that feature the cutting edge in winter sports. Sky shared tips and stories with the audience on the heels of a 60 show tour that included Japan and Norway. More info about Sky is available at www.ragefilms.com

Bend film also hosted Roseanna Arquette in a Q+ A presentation of her ‘behind the scenes’ show business documentary “Searching For Debra Winger. Roseanna also appeared in the quirky comedy short “David Mamets Gilded Stones” Director James Dodd ‘s short takes a humorous look at Hollywood Icons David Mamet, John Woo and Martin Scorsese and was a festival favorite.

If the debut is any indication BEND FILM is on it’s way to join the ranks of Telluride, Aspen and Sundance as a world class Film Festival.



DANE ALLAN SMITH