BendFilm announces the Eugene-produced feature film Tracktown, written and directed by Jeremy Teicher and Alexi Pappas, will be shown as a part of the 2016 BendFilm Festival, set for October 6-9. The film follows a fictional account of Pappas, a long distance track star and Tracktown’s lead actor, as she combines her love of running with the excitement of a romantic interest and the complexities of balancing them both.
The festival’s screening of Tracktown comes on the heels of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Pappas will compete in the 10,000-meter run after having easily met the Olympic standard with a finishing time of 31:46.85 in a qualifying race. Pappas is the co-founder of the Portland Chapter of the Film Fatales, a network of women filmmakers who meet regularly to mentor each other, share resources, collaborate on projects and build a supportive community in which to make their films.
“As a film made in Eugene by Eugene filmmakers, we’re thrilled for Tracktown to be the first feature announced for this year’s festival. Alexi’s participation is a centerpiece of this year’s Celebration of Women Filmmakers, and we’re excited to have her and Jeremy coming to Bend to screen the film at the festival,” said BendFilm Festival Programmer Erik Jambor. “The film gives a heartfelt intimate look at the behind-the-scenes world of professional track, which the BendFilm audience is sure to love.”
Tracktown tells the story of Plumb Marigold, a famous but lonely distance runner preparing for the biggest race of her life: The Olympic Trials. When an injury forces her to take an unexpected day off, Plumb wanders into a bakery where the aimless boy behind the counter catches her eye. Alexi Pappas makes her feature film debut alongside a cast of Olympic athletes and beloved actors like Rachel Dratch (SNL) and Andy Buckley (The Office).
www.tracktownmovie.com
www.bendfilm.org
About BendFilm:
BendFilm hosts an annual independent film festival as well as year-round film exhibitions and programs. The organization is designed to support and nourish filmmakers and enrich the cultural life of Central Oregon while also providing an economic benefit to the region. Celebrating its 13th year, BendFilm is proud to bring diverse voices and visions to the Bend community. The BendFilm Festival runs every October in downtown Bend, Oregon, at The Oxford, McMenamins – Old St. Francis, Regal Cinemas, Tin Pan Theater, The Volcanic Theater, Cascades Theatrical Company, and the historic Tower Theatre. Make plans now to attend October 6-9, 2016, for four days of inspiring independent cinema, panels and parties, in beautiful Bend, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies, beer lovers and stunning natural scenery. BendFilm is made possible by a dedicated crew of volunteers and generous sponsors. For more information, call (541) 388-3378 or visit www.bendfilm.org.
About Film Fatales:
FiIm Fatales was founded by Leah Meyerhoff in New York City in 2013 and has since inspired dozens of sister groups around the world. Every month, hundreds of women directors meet in local groups to share a meal, update each other on their projects, and engage in a moderated discussion about relevant topics in film.
In an industry where less than 5% of the top box office films are directed by women, Film Fatales provides a structure for women directors to support each other, share resources, and help get their films made and seen. In addition to the monthly meetings, Film Fatales supports a number of other collaborative programs including: panel discussions, industry recommendations, educational workshops, and numerous other special events. For more information, visit http://www.filmfatales.org.