BendFilm Kicks Off
For some people, BendFilm is all about the movies, the independent films, or maybe the clever shorts, or perhaps the gutsy features. For me, it’s all about the parties. And this year’s kick-off parties did not disappoint. BendFilm Feed, the exclusive kick-off party for the festival, was held last night at Les Schwab Amphitheater.
That’s outdoors. In October. In Central Oregon.
In case you weren’t aware - October is the rainy season in Bend, and rain it did. Fortunately, no one seemed to mind. Party-goers braved the cold, wet night in their urban threads (not a fleece jacket in sight!), lounging on cushy white furniture on the crimson-draped stage or huddling next to propane heaters as required. Hip-looking waiters (where do they find these guys?) passed prosciutto-wrapped salmon, rare sirloin on fennel crackers, and juicy chicken skewers slathered in salsa verde. The food, I presume, was catered by Merenda’s, because I caught a glimpse of Jody Denton in his chef whites, mingling with the guests. If Denton is indeed responsible for the food, he outdid himself. With each delectable bite, I closed my eyes and thought, I’m so glad I’m not a vegetarian.
As BendFilm Feed wound down, Hot Box Betty’s picked up. By 9:30, the tres chic downtown clothing store was pulsing with DJ Swett’s dance tunes, a full dance floor and go-go dancers in cowboy hats. Plenty of local movers and shakers were there, including Pamela Andrews (Cascades Publishing), Peter Lowes (Lowes Commercial Properties), Katie Merritt (BendFilm founder), John Anderson (former Bend Living editor) and Judy Campbell (Campbell Consulting). Molly Hogan, real estate agent extraordinaire, whipped out her glowing hula hoop for an impromptu performance that was immensely sexier than the local housing market.
There were probably some important film industry people there, but I was too busy dancing to notice. Maybe I’ll take in a film before the weekend’s over.
by Renee Davidson, on assignment for Obsidian Stock