Dear BendFilm Family –

We are thrilled to release our full in-person and virtual Festival schedule for the 18th annual BendFilm Festival. This is truly one of the strongest programs I have seen in my eight years at BendFilm and we cannot wait to begin sharing these 40 features and 70 short films with you. These films will include the Fall’s hottest indie releases and Oscar®-contending documentaries.  This celebration of independent film arrives at a time when the world feels complex and complicated and we know that art can be the antidote to help us heal, process, and recharge.

 

Given our current circumstances, I would like to reinforce the safety measures we are putting in place with a few new additions. For your and our staff’s safety, and with our healthcare community in mind, guests will be required to:

  • Show digital or hardcopy proof of vaccination OR show proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before the festival

  • Wear masks in Festival venues regardless of vaccination status

  • For more information on how to show your vaccine card or negative test please see our website.

After careful thought and consideration, concerns for safety and respect for our health care community, BendFilm has made the important decision to scale back our in-person events significantly:

  • Capacity at in-person screenings will be decreased to 65%.

  • Events will only be hosted in our largest venues (The Tower Theatre and Regal Cinemas) to allow guests to spread out.

  • We are also planning three locally-focused special events at Open Space Studios as well.

  • BendFilm is scaling back in-person events from 4 days to 2 days.

  • Outside concessions will not be available in theaters unless current COVID numbers and projections change significantly.

  • If you have an in-person pass and have questions about these changes please email info@bendfilm.org.

Tickets for the limited in-person events are now available. We hope many of you still choose to join us virtually, support these brave filmmakers, and see a film that provides you a much needed creative inspiration. Here is our ticket availability rollout schedule:

  • Members and Sponsors available now

  • All Access Passholders will receive access on Wednesday, September 22, 2021

  • Full Festival Passholders will receive access on September 23, 2021

  • Tickets will be open to all on September 24, 2021

Instructions to BendFilm Members and Sponsors have been sent via the Ticketing system that includes instructions on ordering your tickets. All non-member passholders will also receive instructions to reserve tickets right before tickets go live.

Thank you as always for your support as we navigate planning a festival under complicated circumstances. I want to thank our staff for remaining responsive, aware and nimble. I also want to thank the filmmakers, board members, and community leaders who have provided invaluable guidance. Overall, we want to especially thank our local health care community who have been keeping us safe under the most extraordinary and stressful conditions these past 18 months.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Todd Looby