BendFilm set for Sisters premier

Dim the lights, kick off your boots, and prepare for a feast of films when BendFilm '09 premieres October 9-11 in Sisters.

The premier marks the first time in its six-year history that BendFilm has extended its celebration of independent film into Sisters.

The festival showcases animation, student shorts, documentaries, and cutting-edge features, all primed for their time in the limelight.

No other film festival in the United States offers two unique venues within the same event.

Jim Bailey, president of BendFilm, sees this expansion into Sisters as an evolving process that will continue to grow with possible artist workshops, seminars, and filmmaking education events throughout the year.

"It's the right time and we are very excited," he said.

Bend's official opening takes place Thursday night, October 8, at the Tower Theatre. After a pre-screening reception amid the glare of searchlights, there will be a showing of the dark Irish comedy, "A Film With Me In It," presented by IFC and BendBroadband.

Cinephiles will adjourn for a late-night happy hour at The Blacksmith Restaurant from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Sisters' opening night is Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Sisters Movie House and offers up a splash of high adventure with the eco-documentary, "At the Edge of the World."

The tale follows the Sea Shepherd Society's Antarctic odyssey as they engage the Japanese whaling industry. This feature follows two short films, Kyle Bell's CGI animated fable, "The Mouse That Soared," and "The Palace of Light," a hilarious "mocumentary" delving into the maniacal marketing of Post Shredded Wheat cereal.

The "BendFilm Stampede" party continues after the films at 9 p.m. at Three Creeks Brewing Co. with live music by The Anvil Blasters.

This is a free event, 21 and over only.

Screenings continue all weekend long with short films, both live action and animated, matched with provocative feature films and illuminating documentaries.

Lisa Clausen, owner of Sisters Movie House, says Sisters is a movie-lovers town, and this festival is a perfect fit.

"We've been trying to get BendFilm here for years," she said. "I'm so happy. We hope everyone will support and welcome it. We want people to sample lots of films over the weekend. That's the fun of a film festival, there's such infinite variety."

"It truly is an unsurpassed lineup," said Terri Mintz, director of operations. "That seems like such a cliché but in this case, it's true. We had over 450 submissions and selected only the top 20 percent. This year's festival is so inclusive. There's something for everyone and every age group. From toddlers to grandparents."

The film festival coincides with the Sisters Harvest Faire weekend and a BendFilm table will be up alongside the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce display on Hood Avenue.

Information on BendFilm and the entire Sisters lineup Saturday and Sunday will be available, as well as T-shirts, BendFilm showbills and festival guides. Guides will be available this week at select locations around Sisters, including Sisters Coffee Company, Sisters Video and Sun Buster Video and Sisters Movie House.

Sisters Movie House will serve as the festival hub for local tickets to screenings and souvenirs. Film tickets in Sisters are $10 for opening night and each block of movies. Full festival passes are $150 and allow priority seating for all movies in Bend and Sisters, as well as entry to the opening night party in Bend, and the awards ceremony. Full film passes are available for $95, and give pass holders the chance to soak in as many screenings as they can.

Consult the festival guide or visit Bendfilm.org for tickets and the entire schedule of screenings, parties, and special events.