Oregon Film Festival Debuts in Wallowa

The Eagle Cap Film Festival opens its doors on Nov. 5, marking the first year of the event in Wallowa County. The festival runs through Nov. 7 and will screen nine films at venues in Joseph, Enterprise, Lostine, and Wallowa. Founders Cody Sheehy and Zach Halpern have organized the program to showcase diverse cinematic works to local audiences.

Sheehy, a filmmaker who grew up in Wallowa County, returned to the area after living elsewhere for 25 years. Six years ago, he began exploring ways to contribute to his local community. During that time, he connected with Halpern, a medical doctor who founded the Oregon Psychedelic Institute. The two identified a shared interest in community building and film production, which led to the creation of the festival.

The event highlights the Eagle Cap Wilderness, a region within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest at the base of the Wallowa Mountains. This area encompasses nearly 360,000 acres. Sheehy described the location as one of the most beautiful places on Earth, possibly the most beautiful. The festival aims to connect the visual medium of film with the natural surroundings of Eastern Oregon.

One of the nine selected films is a new documentary by Sheehy titled "The Last Dive." The film tells the story of a manta ray, a scuba diver, and their developing friendship over time. Viewers can expect a preview of this specific project during the festival's promotional materials. The selection of films represents a curated mix of local and broader cinematic interests.

The organizers have coordinated screenings across the four towns to maximize accessibility for residents. The schedule spans the three-day period, ensuring that audiences in different parts of the county have opportunities to attend. The festival serves as a cultural anchor for the region, bringing filmmakers and locals together in a shared setting.

The event concludes on Nov. 7. The festival represents a new annual tradition for the area, with the inaugural year setting the template for future iterations. The collaboration between Sheehy and Halpern continues as they manage the logistics of the multi-venue event.