Who We Are...
We are people who believe that art is best channeled through creative genius; not commercial interests. We also believe that film festivals are best experienced in a relaxed atmosphere where the next venue is a block from the last and the words "velvet rope" apply to fashion choices; not exclusive access ordeals.
Our contribution is to provide brave and talented independent filmmakers exposure, opportunity and, well, CASH. The creation of film without the burden of box office concerns is a luxury BendFilm cultivates for filmmakers. One of our favorite pursuits toward that end is creating new ways to add cash to the BendFilm awards. For those who demonstrate mastery in the craft of filmmaking, BendFilm salutes them and then provides capital that will help them to continue their work.
Additional motivators include the cultural betterment and economic stimulation of our home: Central Oregon. There is no better proof that our efforts are appreciated than to stand on Wall Street during the festival and watch the enthused expressions on fellow Bendite's and out-of-town faces. It's a rush that keeps us on task during the less fun times of creating this event.
Finally, we are a group who believe that by supporting film education, we are cultivating generations who will understand the value of independent art from an early age. Arts education programs are drying up in Oregon schools. We see access to arts education for all as a vital component for a well rounded mind and population.
As you've read this far, you are probably of like mind. We are thrilled by the outpouring of positive commentary we receive. Thank you for your interest and whatever support you provide to independent film. To learn more about ways to support our mission, click here.
BendFilm Staff...
Orit Schwartz
Artistic Director
Erica Boismenu
Office Manager
Erica Boismenu is a writer and aspiring documentary filmmaker who studied English Literature and Film Studies at the University of Oregon. In 2007, she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she worked at an urban planning and design firm. Erica was able to further cultivate her passion for film, specifically independent cinema, as a member of the San Francisco Film Society. She volunteered at the San Francisco International Film Festival in May of 2009 before relocating to Bend in November of that year. She has been involved in a number of creative projects throughout the years; as a member of the Student Productions Association in college, she tapped into her love of theater arts as an on-stage actor, playwright, and stagehand. Erica first volunteered for BendFilm in 2010; in 2011 she became the office manager. As someone who proudly supports a number of film organizations, she is grateful to be working for BendFilm.
BendFilm Board of Directors...
Ben Dittman, President
Originally from the Chicago area, a search for the “best place to live in the United States” landed Ben Dittman in Central Oregon six years ago. As a professional, Ben is an entrepreneur with a bent towards business process optimization and a passion for technology. His sundry background reveals employment ranging from mitigation consulting in fair-lending lawsuits to speech writing for Thailand's Prime Minister of Finance. A lover of travel, Ben has traversed the globe from Africa to East Asia, but he was immediately enamored with the enthusiasm and beauty of the Bend community. He found his niche serving on multiple non-profit boards, and within two years of relocating to Bend, received The Cascade Business News “Accomplished Under 40 Award” for his involvement. He has a knack for ensuring that non-profits achieve sustainability through strategic use of donor dollars and the empowerment of volunteers. Though he is passionate about film, Ben will be the first to admit he is even more passionate about his local community. He is proud to be a cog in the big wheel of BendFilm’s critical role in bringing arts and culture to Central Oregon throughout the year.
Tina Borders, Vice-President
Tina Borders grew up in Oregon’s Willamette Valley surrounded by hazelnut orchards and vineyards, she learned early on the need for beauty when city drivers would stop and ask if they could pick the daisies that grew wild in her family’s pasture. She began selling them, and in a way she’s been doing that ever since. She earned her Bachelors degree in Clothing and Textiles at Seattle Pacific University and spent her early career working at companies like Eddie Bauer and Marshall Fields in product management/buying. About twelve years ago, she decided to try and strike a balance between creative independence and family by forming a small advertising agency with her ad-man husband, called Me Myself and I, Inc. At the same time she rediscovered her love of acting and now works regionally in the Northwest doing commercials, theatre and independent film. Tina first volunteered for BendFilm in 2008 in merchandising, and joined the board in 2009.
April Munks, Secretary
April Munks is a native Oregonian and a graduate of Oregon State University. She works for the Department of Human Services as a Lean Leader, focusing on improving processes and creating efficiencies to save money, streamline work and improve customer service. She has also been a trainer and a caseworker for DHS. April moved to Bend in 2004 and enjoys the variety of activities Central Oregon offers, the breathtaking views and the challenges of gardening in the high desert. April fell in love with BendFilm after attending the opening night film in 2004. The feature film and short films were different than the usual offerings at local cinemas, the filmmakers were present to talk about how they made their films and answer audience questions, and the buzz surrounding BendFilm was fun and exciting. She decided to support BendFilm because it was clear the festival brings something fun and unusual to Central Oregon. She has volunteered as a venue manager since 2006, has been a ballot manager and selections committee member, and joined the board of directors in 2009.
John Gottberg Anderson
John Gottberg Anderson is an internationally published writer and photographer with 19 books and scores of magazine articles to his credit. After a vagabond life—during which he sheared sheep in New Zealand, made furniture in Sweden, played with a soft-rock band in Hawaii, tended bar in Amsterdam, worked as a line cook in Australia and taught skiing in France—he settled in Bend, where he now contributes weekly travel features and restaurant reviews to The Bulletin, Bend's daily newspaper. John's fascination with the film industry began in the early 1990s, when he worked as an editor at The Los Angeles Times. His arrival in Bend coincided with the first BendFilm festival, in 2004; he joined the board of directors after serving on the festival selections committee for several years.
Kim Cooper Findling
Nationally published writer Kim Cooper Findling is a native Oregonian who has lived in Central Oregon for sixteen years. Her work has appeared in many publications over the last decade including Travel Oregon, Horizon Air, Oregon Quarterly, Sky West, The Best Places to Kiss NW and High Desert Journal. Kim is the author of two books, Day Trips From Portland: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveler, and Chance of Sun: An Oregon Memoir. Kim fell in love with film at an early age, loving the escape into story that a dark theatre and a good movie provide. She has attended every single BendFilm Fest since the event’s inception except one, the year she accidentally went to New York City for her birthday, instead. It was a huge mistake and made her realize that she is always meant to spend her birthday at BendFilm. She joined the board in 2011.
Michael Gough
Michael Gough made his first film when he was still in high school in the 1970s. Entitled Eulogy for Nature, the short made it into the Atlanta FilmFestival. In the decades since, Michael has worked in the film business, starting in the art department of the Atlanta film scene, where he also attended Georgia State University's Film School. He relocated to Sisters in 1996 to began working as a technician on the world’s largest camera crane at Fluid Images, a nationally recognized film and video production company based in Sisters, for whom he served as creative director from 2004 to the end of 2010. Michael's latest venture is as principal of GreenScream Media, which specializes in creating film for socially and environmentally conscious entities. An Emmy and Telly Award recipient and 25-year veteran of the film industry, Michael now wants to focus on giving a voice through film to those who struggle to be heard.
Frank W. Groundwater
Frank W. Groundwater, a lawyer in private practice, joined the board of BendFilm in 2010 after serving as the volunteer coordinator in 2009. Frank, his partner Rebecca, and their young daughter moved to Bend from Seattle in 2008, where Frank had served as legal counsel and on the board of the Olympia Film Society for 18 years. Frank is inspired by the pure volunteer nature of BendFilm and how it is truly a festival put on “For Bend, By Bend." Frank also enjoys skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing and is a certified yoga instructor. His passion for independent film comes from growing up in a small town that screened only Home Alone for 18 months straight.
Gina McClard
As the newest member of BendFilm’s Board, Gina McClard brings fresh energy and an international perspective to our film festival. She is an international legal consultant for NGOs and Women’s Rights groups in Africa. Her current project takes her to Uganda. A “Jill of all trades,” she has been a magazine editor in Liberia, a barmaid, a lifeguard, a mechanic’s assistant in Antarctica, a law professor and a non-profit attorney working to eradicate violence against women. Gina loves film of all genres because of its ability to entertain in the worst of times, and educate and open the most closed minds and hearts. BendFilm is that perfect combination of entertainment, wonder and enlightenment, and Gina is thrilled to be a small part of it. Gina lives in Bend with her two groovy kids and loves SUP paddling, yoga, dancing, watching films, dakine grinz and dinner with friends.
Justin Snyder
Justin Snyder moved from Seattle to Bend during the summer of 2010 with his wife and two children. He has worked in a variety of roles in commercial lending, credit risk management and small business, and currently works for a local financial institution. During his seven years in Seattle, he watched the BendFilm festival grow and knew it was an endeavor he wanted to be a part of. He joined the BendFilm board in July of 2011 because of his passion for cultural and economic development in Bend, and that he values the role that the arts play in building a dynamic and diverse community. While he loves being a part of the urban experiences Bend offers, such as the film festival and art walks, Justin is also an avid cyclist and enjoys snowboarding and camping with his family.