2024 Bend Film Festival

Dir. Hasan Oswald
90 min | USA | Northwest Premiere
Presented in Arabic, English, Kurdish, Turkish with English subtitles

Executive produced by Emma Thompson, the film follows the story of Mediha, a teenage Yazidi girl who has recently returned from ISIS captivity, as she turns her camera on herself to process her trauma while rescuers search for her missing family members.

“For its eloquence, breathtaking storytelling, and profound humanism; a film as heartbreaking, inspiring, and miraculous as is its unforgettable protagonist.” Presented by Brooks Resources since 2004.

Dir. Hasan Oswald
90 min | USA | Northwest Premiere
Presented in Arabic, English, Kurdish, Turkish with English subtitles

Executive produced by Emma Thompson, the film follows the story of Mediha, a teenage Yazidi girl who has recently returned from ISIS captivity, as she turns her camera on herself to process her trauma while rescuers search for her missing family members.

“This filmmaker has created a master work of beauty, courage, and hope in face of unimaginable brutalities and real-world horrors. [We are thrilled by Oswald’s] unflinching, fearless, inventive storytelling, exquisite craftsmanship, and tender, open embrace of their young protagonist’s first-person narrative.” Made possible by Charlotte Dixon.

Dir. Alix Blair
81 min | USA | Northwest Premiere

A rebellious young woman marries a prominent Republican politician twenty-six years older than her. Four decades later, as they anticipate his death, she wrestles with their marriage, her sexuality, and what’s been lost and won through a life by his side.

“Editing a tightly focused personal film about a life partnership is difficult; capturing the nuances of a long-term relationship is just as demanding. To bring the life of a fearless character to the big screen, all the while peeling the layers back slowly and keeping audiences truly invested takes a rich and deep visual language…The care on display in this film’s editing evokes the vision of the woman at its heart.”

Dir. Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie
Canada | Oregon Premiere
Presented in English and Secwepemctsín with English subtitles

A stunning tribute to the resilience of Native people and their way of life, Sugarcane, the debut feature documentary from Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, is an epic cinematic portrait of a community during a moment of international reckoning.

“An emotional, vulnerable, and deeply human story, an important piece of filmmaking that shines a light on the traumas of the Indigenous boarding school experience, but at the same time creates a sense of hope between a father and son working to heal their relationship.” Made possible by Bob Lane.

Dir. Dane Dodds
South Africa, Denmark | Oregon Premiere
Presented in English, Afrikaans and Nama with English subtitles

!AITSA is a transcendental film that explores ancient spiritual knowledge and modern science in the Great Karoo desert of South Africa, where humans seek meaning in the infinite darkness surrounding us all. From the Square Kilometre Array to the Blombos cave, voices ranging from scientists to local clergy and spiritual leaders are heard in this expansive film about existential questions and the many paths towards answers that will always remain slightly out of reach.

“A truly expansive film that endeavors to tell the story of everything. With its gorgeous cinematography and engrossing, atmospheric rock gong music, this gorgeously shot meditation on meaning takes us to the Karoo desert of South Africa…its vision lets its thesis breathe.” Made possible by Frank & Rebecca Groundwater.

Dir. Vea Mafile’o | New Zealand | Northwest Premiere, in “Encounters” block
Presented in English and Tongan with English subtitles

“This film beautifully captures the struggle to maintain cultural identity in a world of shifting values. From an Indigenous perspective, it speaks to the importance of preserving language and traditions, not just as symbols, but as lifelines that connect us to our ancestors. It’s a timely reflection on how we must protect and pass down our ways to ensure they endure for the next generations…Its message resonates deeply with our mission to keep our stories alive.” Made possible by Bob Lane.

Dir. Fatima Kaci | France | Oregon Premiere, in “Shifting Perspectives” shorts block
Presented in Arabic and French with English subtitles

“We found this short to be a beautifully crafted film filled with heartbreaking performances. It brings the viewer into the protagonist’s difficult task of remaining neutral in the face of very complex situations. This film left a deep impression on all of us.” Made possible by Independent Women for Independent Film.

Dir. Agathe Sénéchal, Alicia Massez, Elise Debruyne, Flavie Carin, Théo Duhautois | France | Oregon Premiere, in “Shifting Perspectives” shorts block

“A short film that displays the stunning visual beauty and majesty of our planet, and how its fragile fate and future is invariably interwoven with our own.” Made possible by Independent Women for Independent Film.

Dir. Smriti Mundhra | USA | West Coast Premiere, in “Shifting Perspectives” shorts block

“The filmmakers of this short film captured, in stunning intimacy, the harsh reality of the American corporal punishment system, demanding that we bear witness to its impact on the lives of those confronting justice and forgiveness…unflinching commitment to humanity and transparency.” Made possible by Independent Women for Independent Film.

Dir. Mimi Wilcox | USA | US Premiere, in “Fear Eats the Soul” shorts block
Presented in English and Swedish with English subtitles

“Weaving together her family’s traumatic experience with two other well-known stories, this film shines a modern light on hostage tales and reframes the notion of “Stockholm syndrome.” We congratulate Mimi Wilcox for her impactful narrative… Your story has stayed with us since we watched it.”

Dir. Carlos A.F. Lopez | USA | Oregon Premiere, in “Late Night” shorts block

“The jury was unanimous in its praise for the terrifying imagination and nightmarish scenario this film locks its characters and audience into. After watching this film, we may not be able to sleep so soundly but we are still delighted to present it.” Made possible by Business for BendFilm.

Dir. Phoebe Jane Hart | USA | Central Oregon Premiere, in “Late Night” shorts block

“In its immersive and playful world, the filmmakers of this short demonstrated an immense control of craft, story and humor.” Made possible since 2005 by Dan Wieden and Priscilla Bernard Wieden on behalf of Caldera.

Music by Xiuhtezcatl
Dir. Billy Fortier | Mexico

“This music video has captured a gorgeous, yet understated moment of storytelling for a renowned environmental activist and musician. The work transcends pop culture while maintaining a grounded view into a little known part of the world and traditional Mexican culture. The fly on the wall perspective captured in the video speaks to the filmmaker’s ability to be present yet invisible.”