Support film festival

Whether you like films, music or both, or just want to support a growing community event, this weekend’s fourth edition of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival has something for everyone.

The festival, which runs Thursday through Saturday, has become one of La Grande’s signature events. It has the potential of social, cultural and economic impacts and gives locals and people from afar a chance to kick off the winter doldrums.

Attendance was up 35 percent last year over the previous year, and festival organizers expect the growth to continue. Filmmakers and artists are coming in from across the country, and musicians are coming in from Boise, Portland and Pendleton. 

The festival started in October four years ago. It was moved to late February and early March to boost activity in La Grande downtown during a normally slow time of year. Local businesses and individuals are getting on the bandwagon, but more operational support is necessary to take the festival to the next level.

EOFF has become nationally recognized as a great value, an artist-friendly festival that showcases emerging talent. Once people discover the festival, they often become evangelists for it and reach out to an ever-widening circle of family and friends.

You don’t have to have an All-Access Festival Pass to attend, although it helps and puts numerous perks at your fingertips. General admission tickets will be available for most screenings, special presentations and after-parties and will be sold at the door provided space remains after pass holders have been seated. Granada matinees (before 5 p.m.) are $7 and later shows are adults, $9; children (3 – 10), $7; and seniors (55 and older), $7. Stage Door general admission is $5. After-parties cover charge is  $5.

For information about the festival program, film trailers and to purchase an All Access Festival Passes, $55, visit www.eofilmfest.com or find EOFF on Facebook and Twitter at eofilmfest.com. Also contact Festival Director Chris Jennings for tickets at 541-962-5799.

Whether they love music and films, or just want to show support for a growing community event, people should take the opportunity to sample what the Eastern Oregon Film Festival has to offer.