This is the first I’ve heard of BendFilm, but based on the buzz I’m getting, I think this is definitely a festival to keep an eye on. It also seems like a fest that would be very friendly to Micro Filmmakers. The festival is held every October in Bend Oregon. Their mission is to celebrate “the brave voice of independent cinema though films, lectures, and education.” Their Call For Entries information is now available and registration is only $30 if you do it before April 5.

BendFilm puts its focus on filmmakers first, with more than $25,000 in cash awards. All competitive entries, regardless of length or category, compete for the $10,000 “Best of Show” prize. Additional cash awards are presented for Best Feature ($2,500), Best Documentary ($2,500), Best Short ($2,500), Best Student Film ($3,000) and the Conservation Award ($2,500). To top it all off, the Audience Award winner receives a percentage of the festival’s gross ticket sales (the 2006 prize was $4,776).