Jim Cummings as “Jordan” and Virginia Newcomb as “Caroline” in Jim Cummings’ and PJ McCabe’s “The Beta Test.”

LA GRANDE — La Grande’s signature celebration of cinema is approaching, with each artistic creation bringing a unique perspective to this year’s rendition of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival.

One of the 17 filmmakers traveling to La Grande to present their film in person, Anthony Orkin portrays his appreciation for the outdoors in his feature-length film “Hello From Nowhere.” Orkin’s film reflects his personal journey of his move from New York City to Portland, utilizing Oregon scenery in a comedic, midsummer night’s dream film.

“The film is my love letter to the great outdoors,” Orkin said. “I wanted to show what it’s like to go from the big city to living in the woods.”

In “Hello From Nowhere,” two couples encounter a lonely hiker whose secrets and abnormalities create a rift among the group.

A major aspect of the film is the scenery, which Orkin said was a priority. He utilized a boy scout camp near Mt. Hood for the movie’s set, and that landscape becomes somewhat of a character in the film.

“This is some of the most beautiful countryside,” Orkin said. “I really wanted to feature it throughout the movie.”

With the heavy focus on the outdoors in “Hello From Nowhere,” Orkin found it very fitting that the movie will premiere in La Grande. He noted that the Eastern Oregon Film Festival will be a perfect setting to show his movie to an audience who can appreciate its setting and meaning.

“I wanted to make a movie that people would feel good walking out after and hopefully get a laugh at,” he said.

The Eastern Oregon Film Festival will be showing 52 films across three days, with the events beginning on Thursday, Oct. 21. Orkin is scheduled to be the only feature-length filmmaker presenting work in person.

This year’s festival will combine both in-person and virtual elements. Festival pass holders will be able to attend in-person screenings, while virtual passes are available to all. Purchases passes and preview the films at the Eastern Oregon Film Festival website, www.eofilmfest.com.

Films may be viewed online throughout the course of the weekend on EOFF’s virtual platform: https://watch.eventive.org/eofilmfest. Virtual screenings may be viewed individually or by way of a virtual all-weekend pass.

Public screenings at EOU

In addition, two feature public screenings will be held at EOU’s McKenzie Theatre. Pre-purchase stand-alone tickets to the general public are on sale at www.eofilmfest, and the events are free to Eastern Oregon University students.

“The Beta Test,” a new thriller from Jim Cummings (“Thunder Road,” “Wolf of Snow Hollow”) and PJ McCabe, will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22. In this film, married Hollywood agent (Cummings) receives a mysterious letter for an anonymous sexual encounter and becomes ensnared in a sinister world of lying, infidelity and digital data. This film is not recommended for children.

Saturday, Oct. 23, will feature “Everything in the End” at 7 p.m. This quiet, contemplative humanist story is set in Iceland. It explores themes of grief and death, and of how, in the end, human connections allow us to forgive and accept. “Everything in the End” was shot on location in Iceland over 10 days with a crew of four people and is filmmaker Mylissa Fitzsimmons’ first feature film. This film is recommended for ages 12 and older and may be screened in person or virtually.

More

Salons: EOFF will be hosting 17 visiting filmmakers during the weekend and they will be sharing their films with EOFF members, visiting artists, colleagues, and EOU students via two Short Salons in the Schwarz Theatre at EOU on Friday and Saturday of the event.

After parties: After parties with live music will be held at HQ, 112 Depot St., on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23, after the evening feature films. Bands include Blood Lemon and Floating Witch’s Head from Boise. Tickets are $10 at the door but subject to capacity availability.

Public safety: Masks are required in all in-person screenings and indoor events.