Once again I am dumbfounded! The disturbing lack of local interest and support for one of the most unique and entertaining film festivals on the planet is confusing, to say the least. In case you haven’t heard, “your” Baker City is home to the world class “We like ’Em Short” Film Festival.” I find it strange that so few have come to see it; it has been part of your community for 12 years. In 2014 it received the “Ovation Award” from the Oregon Festival and Events Association, deeming it the “Best Fine Art/Performing Arts Festival” in the state of Oregon! This year the WLES had 171 films submitted from 29 different countries, sort of a big deal for our small town.

For 10 years, with their generosity and support of the arts, Teresa and Dan McQuisten offered the historic Eltrym Theater (another local gold nugget) as the venue for WLES — thank You! When COVID decided to change our world it was moved to the historic Churchill School where it was shown outside. Oh yes! There is a drive-in theater in our little city! This year Thursday’s “family friendly” show was on the drive-in screen and, with the addition of comfortable seating and an indoor screen, the other three days/four screenings was again at Churchill. This is where, I am guessing, it will remain for the future (provided it doesn’t fall to the wayside through lack of support?).

I was able to view the whole four-day event this year, and there is not enough words to describe my delight. The evening screenings offered some of our best local Mexican food and a full bar! The only thing missing were the people, no reason it shouldn’t be packed? Please mark your calendars for next year, you will be rewarded with some of the best short films in the world! Thank you, Brian Vegter, for your vision of bringing incredible fine art to our community and your determination to have it continue. Thanks to all the filmmakers that made me think, laugh and cry. Please support anything local.

Mike Meyer

Baker City