OUT in Focus FilmFest Sponsorship
March 2nd- 4th 2023
BendFilm and OUT Central Oregon present the inaugural OUT IN FOCUSTM FilmFest. This new
annual film festival is scheduled for March 2-4, 2023 in Bend, Oregon and will bring filmmakers and films focused on celebrating LGBTQ+ life experiences, diversity in the outdoors, and includes
premieres of some of the best new films of the year.
The OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest will present newly released, leading edge films to provide a winter
opportunity for the entire community to convene, view, and connect around important topics.
Select screenings will include panel discussions where filmmakers and actors will be invited to
provide a first-hand perspective on the filmmaking process and on issues important to our
community. OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest will run concurrently with OUT Central Oregon’s annual
Winter PrideFest. Films will be screened exclusively at the Tower Theatre and at the Tin Pan
Theater in downtown Bend.
This new festival builds on BendFilm’s 20-year legacy of bringing innovative film festival
experiences to Central Oregon and continues its mission of using film’s unique power to unite the
community and inspire social action.
BendFilm and OUT Central Oregon have collaborated on numerous film screening events for over
three years and are excited to now take this partnership to the next level by launching this
inaugural festival. Both organizations believe this is the perfect opportunity to better serve our
community by celebrating life experiences that have been traditionally underrepresented.
Thank you to our sponsors
Why OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest?
OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest will be held concurrently with OUT Central Oregon’s 5th annual Winter
PrideFest, which has grown from 150 participants in its inaugural year in 2018 to approximately
1,200 in 2022, two-thirds of whom come from outside of Central Oregon, primarily Oregon,
Washington, and Northern California. We are anticipating approximately 1,500 participants in 2023.
Former Sundance Festival and OutFest Director John Cooper stated that the OUT IN FOCUS
FilmFest is timed perfectly to catch new films and filmmakers and help these important works
and their artists reach larger audiences. Cooper will bring his 30+ years experience running and
programming the world’s top film festivals to advise BendFilm for both the OUT IN FOCUS
FilmFest and BendFilm Festivals. Cooper will help secure the hottest titles from this year’s
Sundance Film Festival and leverage his contacts to bring exciting guests to Bend. Cooper
believes that there are very few LGBTQ+ festivals hosted in towns the size of Bend and with
similar character to Bend; this festival marks a big step forward and service to this community.
Get Started – Contact Us or email info@outcentraloregon.com
“We have collaborated with OUT Central Oregon on film events over the past several years and are excited to now take this partnership to the next level by launching this new festival,” said BendFilm Executive Director, Todd Looby. “This is a perfect opportunity to better serve our community by celebrating life experiences that have been traditionally underrepresented. We hope many smaller towns follow.”
“This Festival is timed perfectly to catch new films and filmmakers and help these important works and their artists reach larger audiences,” said BendFilm Advisor and Director Emeritus, Sundance Festival and former OutFest Director/Board Member, John Cooper. “There are very few LGBTQ+ festivals hosted in towns the size of Bend and with similar character to Bend. This Festival led by BendFilm marks a big step forward for an already remarkable organization.”
“We are very excited about our innovative partnership with BendFilm on the OUT in Focus FilmFest, which allows us to bring queer film to Central Oregon on an annual basis,” Jamie Nesbitt, president of OUT Central Oregon said. “FIlm has the power to educate and inspire us all, and we hope the OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest will promote thought-provoking conversation, through the medium of film, on topics important to our
community.”
Why Sponsor?
Bend is recognized as one of the best outdoor towns in the nation and has a growing and
thriving LGBTQ+ community. By presenting Winter PrideFest together with OUT IN FOCUS
FilmFest , we have the unparalleled opportunity to couple distinct and overlapping cohorts of
individuals to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the winter months through outdoor
activities, arts, and culture. Relatively rural communities like Central Oregon typically do not
have access to the culture and films that this festival will celebrate. Your participation in the
inaugural OUT IN FOCUS FilmFest puts you at the epicenter of this unique and growing event.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for your brand or organization to show leadership through support
and local engagement of our diversity and love for arts and culture.
Let’s celebrate our diversity together through the power of film!
Other Sponsorship Opportunities
We are here to work with you to find a level of sponsorship that fits you and/or your organization best.
Contact us to discuss sponsorship options:
415.806.9392
Checkout more about Winter PrideFest:
Welcoming Snocial: – Meet with old and new friends, grab a drink/dinner and pick-up your FREE Winter PrideFest Neck Tube at Gearfix. Join us at the Crosscut Warming Hut and Canteen where several business welcome WinterPridefest guests.
‘Wigs//an Icebreaker’ @Seventh Mountain Resort – ice skating with wigs!! A fun and silly way for participants to connect. This event is all ages – so bring your kiddos!
Dance Party @10 Barrel the fun of ‘Winter PrideFest’ continues this queer dance party. Enjoy a space for all queer people to come together liberate! celebrate! and dance! – Checkout last years party
Winter PrideFest 2022
