2025 Bend Film Festival

Dir. David Fortune USA

Following the passing of his wife, a devoted father learns to raise his son with Down syndrome as a single parent.

“Featuring striking black and white cinematography that makes every frame feel like a beautifully composed photograph, this film is a masterful debut…a tender portrait of Black fatherhood that’s as striking as it is heart-wrenching.”

Fernando Barreda Luna

She is bitter as dark coffee. He is sweet as cream. A blend of nostalgia and dreams.

“An intimate two-hander that brims with authenticity and a loving sense of place.”

Dir. Yun Xie / USA

In a harsh land forbidding abortion, Mowanza, pregnant against her will, journeys with a battered car to a distant land for a second chance.

“A visually rich and increasingly claustrophobic desert dystopia”

Dir. David Osit /  USA

A thought-provoking exploration of the hit show To Catch A Predator, and the world it helped create.

“An unflinching, honest, and provocative look at our society’s evolving perceptions of crime and punishment—challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths and expectations.”

Dir. David Osit /  USA

A thought-provoking exploration of the hit show To Catch A Predator, and the world it helped create.

“[Osit creates a] chilling, engrossing, and at times profound meditation on media, human nature, and the very act of filmmaking”

Dir. Bonni Cohen, Pedro Kos, Jon Shenk / USA

An all-archival film, telling the dramatic origin story of the climate crisis and how a political battle in the George H.W. Bush administration changed the course of history.

“[A] masterful distillation of a vast body of archival material — shaped with creativity, clarity, and an engrossing story.”

Dir. Ben Sturgulewski / USA/Afghanistan/Germany

After missing his chance to become Afghanistan’s first Olympic skier, a coach inspires his home village to create their own ski competition.

“[A film with] breathtaking visuals, [an] uplifting story of hope and unity, and [an]intimate look at the joy of sport in war-torn Afghanistan as well as its power to bridge long-held divides.”

Dir. Amanda Erickson / USA

The story of a sister’s love and the spirit, strength and will of Indigenous women refusing to let their loved ones remain invisible in the eyes of the justice system.

“Focus[ed] on the strong bond and commitment shared among Indigenous women… impressively reveals the Kafkaesque institutional barriers to justice that these women encounter, while also showcasing with moving intimacy the transformative journey a family embarks on in pursuit of justice for their sister and daughter.”

by Arturo Lacal, Alex Salu, Jordi Jiménez.

“[Showcases] the beauty of the different styles of animation, the existential conversation it brings through the art and conveying how all we want is connection.”

by Ali Rosenthal

“Beautifully done in scope and production, and the performances were on point. This film brought us pure joy.”

by Giovanna Molina

“Sensitively and intimately portrays a group of students with vulnerability and emotions that we all share when ending a chapter of our lives – hope, isolation, uncertainty.”

by Bachar Khattar

“A powerful message of hope and peace, reminding us that connecting with nature and challenging our bodies and fears foster trust, belonging, and a sense of purpose.”

by Victoria Boult

“Through the protagonist’s journey with her father, we’re reminded of the fragile balance between love, loss, and belief — and how powerful those bonds really are. This is a film that stays with you long after it ends.”

by Anna Lueck

“The rich history and traditions of this tribal community while centering the story on one family with remarkable intimacy and sensitivity…heartfelt storytelling, authenticity, and inspiring vision.”

by Elizabeth Rao

“Masterful storytelling and precise pacing… exceptional performances… a rare intensity while engaging with deeper political and social themes.”

by Grace Philips

“Inspires passionate conversation surrounding how the passage of time changes the relationship audiences may have with a particular work of art… maturely and delicately portrayed.”

by Elizabeth Rao

“Encapsulates the anxieties arising from our changing political landscape… also reflects the division within our country, something that will only be conquered by the resilience and determination of our generation… captivating visuals, harrowing personal realism, fearlessness, and emotional authenticity.”