Bend is a destination location that festival fairy tales are made of. Small town, scenic, full of character... and there is no attitude. "Altitude without Attitude" is a favored motto. Red velvet ropes aren't allowed within the city boundaries during the month of October. Instead, the festival offers intimate access to all the action, the esteemed jurors and industry vets for the networking opportunities and, most importantly, the films and fun. 

During the second weekend of October, Bend, Oregon is transformed from a recreational haven into a small-town possessed by the soul of independent film. Downtown theaters, lecture sites, restaurants, bars and party venues spark with the energy excited by the overwhelming presence of cinema.

Named one of MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE's 20 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, the event runs deeper than the marathon film-watching that fills guests' schedules from dawn until, well, dawn. Everyone you see on the sidewalks, in the restaurants and bars makes, cares, or has an opinion about film. It is the serendipitous encounters and ensuing discussions with the filmmakers and fellow passholders that makes the weekend so inspiring, affecting, and infectious.

Central Oregon is breathtakingly beautiful in October, and the opportunities for activities other than movie watching are endless, should attendees find some reason to disengage from the festival for a few hours. Bend is at the base of Mount Bachelor, the Three Sisters and Broken Top. The surroundings create stunning views, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. The Deschutes River runs through town which again provides both beauty and recreation. Downtown Bend is charming and stocked with enough great stores that some travel here for the shopping alone.