Bend snowboarders take center stage in new film “KEVORKIAN”
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Some of Bend’s top snowboarders are coming together for a new full-length film celebrating the sport, the people behind it and the Central Oregon community they call home.
“KEVORKIAN”, the debut feature film from Bend-based creative agency and production house 500 Motors, will have its world premiere October 1st at Trailhead Lodge in Bend.
The film features an all-star lineup of professional snowboarders and Oregon riders, including Jared Elston, Parker Szumowski, Curtis Ciszek, Austin Smith, Ian Boll, Charles White, Dustin Craven, Ben Ferguson and Gabe Ferguson.
Directed and edited by longtime filmmaker Jake Price, the film was shot on 16mm and 35mm film and follows riders across resorts and remote backcountry terrain around the world.
But the project is about more than snowboard tricks.
According to 500 Motors, “KEVORKIAN” combines high-level riding with the personalities and experiences of life on the road — including unscripted moments, crashes and the camaraderie that develops among riders.
The film is also described as a tribute to Bend, Oregon, and the professional snowboarders who live there.
The Bend premiere will kick off a series of screenings across the U.S. and Europe, including stops in Salt Lake City, Innsbruck, Seattle, Denver and Portland.
The film's Bend connection runs deeper than simply being the location of its world premiere.
500 Motors is based in Bend and specializes in creative production, visual arts and analog filmmaking. The company says its work focuses on documenting action sports, fashion and youth culture through hand-produced, analog film.
“KEVORKIAN” is supported by Mt. Bachelor and several other brands, including Smith, Arc’teryx, Arbor, K2, Columbia, 10 Barrel Brewing, Bataleon, DC and others.
The film's principal cinematography comes from Jonah Elston, Jake Price and Joni Vicorino.
Following the premiere tour, “KEVORKIAN” is scheduled for a digital release on the 500 Motors YouTube channel January 1, 2027.
The “KEVORKIAN” world premiere is scheduled for:
-Thursday, October 1, 2026
-Trailhead Lodge
-Bend, Oregon
A second film, "QUARTET", features local riders Elijah Pyle, Griffin Biancucci, Kai Huggin & Haden Mcalister.
