About the Eugene International Film Festival
EIFF Purpose – and What Makes Your EIFF Experience Special
We are proud to have become a major, respected element in the filmmaking process and development of the literary works behind them, not only by showcasing your efforts, but by offering truly unique opportunities for you to network with key players in the business — to help you market your books, films, your talents and yourself one-on-one with distributors, exhibitors, broadcasters, web-casters, Hollywood agents and producers.
From our yearly complimentary filmmaker buffet mixer, to our exciting awards ceremony, the Eugene International Film Festival offers its entrants unparalleled chances to mix, schmooze, and build lasting relationships with people who can make a difference.
Moreover, EIFF offers professionally-presented production workshops and the very special only-one-of-its-kind EIFF Writers/Filmmakers Retreat™ — taught over three days by a successful Hollywood writer, a famed Beverly Hills literary agent, and film highly credentialed Distributor.
And all of it in a setting like no other, on the banks of the lovely Willamette River in accessible, friendly Eugene, Oregon.
There are a lot of film festivals and competitions — but there is only one Eugene International film Festival.
*If you’re unable to attend, you can be sure that your film, if accepted, will be presented with your best interests at the forefront.
Officers and Board Members
Mike Dilley – President and Director
With 25 years of hands-on success in film production, as producer, director, camera and/or soundman, as well as developing/packaging home entertainment, corporate presentations, etc., he has also enjoyed organizing film, TV and audio workshops for over 10 years. A speaker at universities and colleges, he also writes for a variety of publications. Mike’s career began in the music business. He’s served as an Honorary Governor of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (S.F. Chapter) and later as President of the Mid-Oregon Production Arts Network.
Rick Syfert – Vice President/Secretary, Festival Print and Media Production
Rick Syfert has a BS in Business Management as well as an AS in Data Processing and an AS in Humanities. With many media production awards over his 20 year career, Rick Syfert brings much to the festival. He lives on a ridge overlooking the Willamette Valley where his state of the art editing, 3D, and CGI suite is located.
Mike Katchman
A festival participant since the beginning, Mike Katchman has been a champion of independent filmmakers throughout his life. Early in his career became the Sr. VP of home entertainment sales for Orion Pictures. His duties included film acquisitions, a world which he shared with independent producers as well as the glory day blockbuster films of Orion. When Orion was sold to MGM, he filled a similar role until being drafted by Lionsgate.
Following that achievement, Mike decided to break away from the establishment and create a brand new entity. He is now at the helm of Patient Educational Media Services, Pemsed.com, creating valuable Film Discharge learning programs, in order to provide better patient health care outcomes.
International Advisory Board
John Frohnmayer
John Frohnmayer is a lawyer, author, ethicist and was a guardian of the arts as Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts during the first Bush Administration. His book “Leaving Town Alive” tells the story of his life under attach by the religious right and party politics. The experience did not dull his love for the arts and the First Amendment. He has been a workshop presenter at the EIFF, most recently with a University of Oregon Arts Management class held is association with the EIFF.
Erik Fransman
Based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Producer Erik Fransman created the classic Dutch film “In Retrospect.” He has attended the EIFF, presenting a workshop on international film production. He is a former president of NBF, the national association of filmmakers in The Netherlands. More…
Barry Perelman
Barry Perelman has mastered the art of being a mover and shaker in the film and television industries. At the helm of the Barry Perelman Agency since 1982 his background includes entering the industry through the William Morris Agency Agent Trainee Program after attending Law School at DePaul University. His credits include Steven Spielberg’s first contract with Universal Television leading to the acclaimed telefilm “Duel.” In 2003 he was Executive producer of “The Keeper,” starring Dennis Hopper and Asia Argento. More…
Neil Hollander
Paris, France is home to Neil Hollander. an award winning Writer/Producer/Director with films, books, and museum exhibits to his credit. His personal interest in sailing led to his authoring of “The Last Sailors,” a globe-hopping documentary narrated by Orson Welles. “The Last Sailors,” which he also directed, received numerous international awards when it was released and has been shown worldwide on television. “Nobel Voices,” a documentary which he Produced and Co-directed, is exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum and Deutsches Museum. Thirty-four Nobel Laureates are featured. The EIFF has been represented by Neil Hollander at numerous European film events including Cannes. He has been a presenter at the EIFF Screenwriters’ Retreat.
