Adventure starts with daring, community and joy. From skiing to biking to rafting, these individuals find a lifeline in the outdoors.

Slides on the Mountain follows Talon (17) and Riki (15), two brothers from the Lil’wat Nation, as they decide to ski Ts’zil and set off to learn the skills they need to ride the mountain safely. Their unique personalities shine as we follow them through the winter while their mentors and Lil'wat elders shed light on why it's so significant for Lil’wat youth to be able to experience the mountains so deeply entrenched in their culture. Director's Bio:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/fe01a08b78b03eb45c0f695d5a821062.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;" width="184">Seth is a Director and Cinematographer from Squamish, BC. His work focuses on human stories of community, resilience, and adventure. In recent years he’s shot and directed stories for organizations like National Geographic, Arc’teryx, Destination Canada, REI, and Telus. While a lifelong skier, climber, and documentary nerd, he also takes great pride in his veggie garden and beer-league curling team.

Slides on the Mountain

Two brothers from the Lil’wat Nation set out to ski the sacred mountain they were raised beneath, but face a steep learning curve before they can make their historic attempt.

The short documentary, A Runner’s High, follows Kallup McCoy, a Native American endurance athlete who battles a crippling drug addiction, jail time and the battles of fatherhood. As he is locked up for the final time, he meets a pastor who completely alters his perspective on life, and is inspired to run the Trail Of Tears in its entirety. Eventually running 700 miles in 40 days, finding recovery after many years of drug use and finding purpose through his faith. Director's Bio: <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ac1c6af936d1ca168ce420b7cfdea06a.png" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;" width="169">Director Cameron Wilson is an Asian American who was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina, and is where he still calls home. Growing up in the mountains, like many other areas, story telling is a vital part of passing down traditions and lessons, from sitting around a campfire to the front porch with his grandparents, Cameron was always listening to stories. He pursues real stories inspired by, on ,or about real people. Cameron has become an award winning director and has helped establish a production company with his college best friend back in NC.

A Runner's High

Finding himself at rock bottom, Kallup McCoy II finds the strength within himself to face his personal demons and generational trauma that have haunted him for years.

While navigating a myriad number of life challenges from being her mom’s caretaker, working several jobs, to facing housing insecurity, Anjelica Avella turned to the outdoors in her mid-twenties to improve her mental health. Despite feeling the benefits of time spent outside for her well-being, the lack of other plus-size women of color she was encountering on trail was noticeable. In an effort to form community, Anjelica began leading weekend hikes and trips for other women who too were seeking others with shared lived experiences. Forward chronicles Anjelica’s perspective in a space that has historically excluded individuals like her and shares a profound connection between women who once felt sidelined and are now a catalyst for change. Director's Bio:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/3e2e7e0e560505e68af6ebbbaea1795b.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;" width="145">Palmer is a multi-disciplinary award-winning filmmaker based in Oakland, California interested in stories of humans, our planet, and the interactions of the two. He has a track record of producing impactful films of individuals overcoming adversity, environmental challenges, and finding belonging in community. His work has been shown in National Geographic, PBS, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Outside Magazine and in festivals globally. His films have picked up a nomination for Vimeo’s “Best of the Year”, a Webby Award, and several Telly and festival awards. He currently lives in Oakland, California and is the Co-Founder of Spruce Tone.

Forward

Anjelica turned to the outdoors for her mental health and discovered a lack of plus-size women on trail.

Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer, a world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate, reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community. Amidst conversations and joy along the river, we understand the power and importance of their friendship. As Larry enters what he calls the ‘final chapter’ of his life, he reflects on the lifelong fight for openness and vulnerability within the queer community, and through the desolation of nature, finds contentment in a job well done. Director's Bio:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ffede07707b9868509219a3cade7618f.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;" width="136">Chris is a filmmaker based in Portland, Oregon. An experienced shooter and editor, he works to bring a cinematic aesthetic to the nonfiction form - telling stories of real people that stick with audiences, and honor their subjects. He has worked with brands like Airbnb and The Home Depot, and his work has been featured on Vimeo Staff Picks, Short of the Week, The Atlantic, and at film festivals around the world.

Canyon Chorus

Mikah Meyer reflects with four close friends on the power of mentorship within the queer community

Lea Davison finds her power through riding a mountain bike. A two-time Olympian, Lea knows the toil, pain, and commitment it takes to compete at the highest level. But behind the accolades, she views her relationship with mountain biking as a lifelong journey filled with thrills and heartbreaks, where she eventually found unconditional love. This in turn unlocked the freedom to truly embrace risk, which elevated her relationship with mountain biking above the pursuit of medals and fueled her desire to evolve the sport beyond the inequities and barriers she encountered, making it different for the next generation of female riders. Director's Bio:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/c523f35b5c05a22ab6b9596af17e2786.jpg" style="display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 1em 1em;" width="183">Megan Mayhew Bergman is an award-winning journalist, essayist, and critic. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, The Paris Review, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s Bazaar, and elsewhere. Simon Perkins spends as much time as possible with camera in hand, often following his wife, daughter, son, and dogs on various adventures, trying to capture moments that can translate emotions through the screen.

It Will Be Different For You

A former Olympian fueled to address the sport's inequities for the next generation.

Oregon

LIFELINE

Virtual Admission

Donation to {{name}}

Donate

Gift Cards

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets. Open this page on your phone, and at the door tap the "Show Barcode" button and show your screen to the attendant. 
Prefer paper? Print the PDF attached to the order confirmation email, or click one of the gears below and select "Download tickets PDF". If purchasing multiple tickets, be sure to print or show each unique ticket barcode.

Full Festival Pass (Non-Members)

Full Film Pass

Virtual Pass

None available

2024 Bend Film Festival Passes

Please note, this year there will only be select short films available in the Virtual Festival, all feature length films will be exclusively available during the In-Person Festival (Oct. 10-13th)! Explore our on-demand catalog here. And don't forget to check out what's playing at the Festival's in-person screenings (click "Back..." above).   If you are having any problems streaming, some films are 'geoblocked' to areas outside of Central Oregon. If you live in Central Oregon and are still getting geoblocked, click “Need Help?” above, scroll down to "Live Chat," and ask for access to the film. Thank you!

Join us for the 21st Annual Bend Film Festival. Screening virtually November 8th - 18th, 2024

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.