#EOFF2024 Awards & Wrap-Up!
The 15th Annual Eastern Oregon Film Festival celebrated three days of film, music, and community last weekend, and the dust is just settling in the beautiful Grande Ronde Valley.
Audience Choice Winners:
• Best Feature Narrative: Breakup Season
• Best Feature Documentary: The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane
• Best Short: The Big Wait
• Best Student Short Film: Blue Hour
Awards were crafted by La Grande Glass Artist Kevin Boylan, Birddog Glass, and will sent to the winners in the coming weeks. The big winners are those who were present, participatory, and in turn were able to tap into the event and immerse themselves into the program. Thanks for being there.
We were thrilled to host filmmakers and industry pros who connected with our community, experiencing their work through fresh eyes. These conversations sparked new perspectives, ideas, and opportunities. Our beer garden at HQ was a lively spot, with music from Dave Storrs and friends, Bag of Hammers, and Lost Ox creating unforgettable evenings. Downtown La Grande was buzzing all weekend!
Our screenings at the Liberty Theatre gave a glimpse into the future of EOFF, hinting at exciting possibilities for bringing art house cinema to La Grande year-round. The potential for operating such a venue has sparked new ideas, and we’re eager to explore what’s next.
Spotlight: Breakup Season
Shot entirely in La Grande during the winter of 2023, Breakup Season made its hometown premiere to a full house at The McKenzie Theater. This special screening was a milestone for EOFF, showcasing our commitment to nurturing independent cinema in Eastern Oregon. Keep an eye out for the film this holiday season!
• Official Website: www.breakupseasonmovie.com
• Follow on Instagram: @BreakupSeasonMovie
• Watch the Trailer: Watch Now
Oregon Film Trail Honors Breakup Season
During the festival, Breakup Season was celebrated as the 43rd location on the Oregon Film Trail—a network marking significant filming locations across the state. This recognition places Breakup Season alongside iconic films like The Goonies, Stand By Me, and Twilight. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place downtown, marking the first Oregon Film Trail placard in La Grande.
• Watch the Ribbon-Cutting: Watch Here
• Read More: La Grande Observer Article | Oregon Film Announcement
Share Your Festival Photos!
We’d love to see your favorite snapshots from the weekend. Send your photos to director@eofilmfest.com, and we’ll share them with the community.
Feedback Survey Coming Soon
In the coming days, you’ll receive a survey link to provide feedback on this year’s festival. Your input helps shape future festivals and informs our economic and cultural impact (grantors love this stuff!).
Support EOFF
Help us continue bringing independent cinema and cultural experiences to Eastern Oregon. Donate here to support our mission!
Call for Board Members & Volunteers
Interested in helping shape the future of EOFF? We’re seeking new board members, volunteers, and creative community members to guide this cultural journey. Reach out to us at director@eofilmfest.com for details on upcoming meetings.
It’s been wonderful. Thank you all for a great year and congratulations to the award winners and the incredibly talented filmmakers that made the Eastern Oregon Film Festival part of their story.
Cheers,
Christopher Jennings
Festival Director
Again, a mighty thanks to all of our #EOFF2024 sponsors and annual partners for helping this program come to fruition.
Additional support provided by The Union County Chamber of Commerce and the La Grande Tourism Grant.