I had never been to Oregon before heading there as a fellow in the 2025 BendFilm: Basecamp cohort.
I have traveled to several places within the Pacific Northwest (as seen on this blog in: Washington and British Columbia). But I had yet to visit Oregon, and had always wanted a reason to visit. Last October, I finally had my reason to travel to Oregon and spent time in Bend, Sisters, and eventually Portland.
This was also my first time participating in a retreat-style lab. (Another thing I had always wanted to do.) Blogging about my experience here, is my testimonial to the program.
Faith, Hope, and Charity
Arriving in Central Oregon, I was quite surprised to find the climate extremely arid compared to what is thought to be the damp and rainy signature of the PNW. During the lab, we spent several days nestled in the remote old Western high desert of Sisters, Oregon, named after the three volcanic peaks: Faith, Hope, and Charity.
What ensued was a cultivated and empowering experience in a beautiful and unfamiliar location. With only our concentrated and mindful time spent in our shared space (not to mention no internet or cell service), we were free from the tethers of our busy lives and forced to focus on committing to elevating our work as artists.
This was my first time presenting my first feature project at a lab in-person. To be a writer and a filmmaker at times can be a lonely and harrowing journey where most of the unglamorous labor goes unseen through the countless hours spent alone at your keyboard. To be in community with a talented and supportive group of fellow filmmakers navigating the same road was uplifting, motivating, and inspiring. While being in community with one another, we were also enlightened through intimate stories and advice from our own filmmaking heroes as mentors to our cohort.
The landscape of Central Oregon, like other high deserts, was warmed by the sunshine during the day and freezing by nightfall. Although we weren't able to explore the historic town of Sisters, spending time in Bend felt exciting after being secluded in nature. We were even able to make a group pilgrimage to the last Blockbuster in the world, located in Bend.
Sadly, I snapped my final shots on my disposable camera in Bend before traveling to Portland. However, I have no regrets about using the full roll to capture such a wide range of wonderful memories during my time at Basecamp. I left the experience, changed. A truly transformational time that challenged me to venture beyond my comfort zone and helped to inspire an unwavering belief in myself and my project.
