Bend, Oregon – The acclaimed short documentary “Cosmic Heirloom: Buried 400 Years” will be presented to local audiences at Silver Moon Brewing on Oct. 24, 2026. The film earned the Best Short Documentary award at the Oregon Short Film Festival in Portland, highlighting Bend’s growing reputation as a hub for independent cinema.
Film background and award
Directed by Brian Craig Hinderberger, the 20‑minute documentary explores the centuries‑long suppression and recent resurgence of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms. By tracing the hidden history of these “psychedelic mushrooms,” the film challenges lingering stigmas and invites viewers to consider modern scientific and cultural interest in the substance.
Hinderberger, who also founded the event organization Song of Sunset, said the festival experience was “incredible” and that winning the award made the evening “unforgettable.” He added that the film’s purpose is to spark conversation about a topic often misunderstood by the public.
Local screening details
The Bend showing is part of Song of Sunset: UNDERGROUND, a live‑cinema program that pairs the film with a panel discussion and regional musical performances. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the program runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The venue, located at 24 NW Greenwood Ave., is a popular gathering spot for the city’s craft‑beer and arts community.
Panelists will include documentary subject David Moss, a researcher who has spent years documenting the cultural legacy of psilocybin, and Kris Solis of Bend‑based Drop Thesis, a nonprofit focused on community education about emerging science. The discussion, organized by Oregon Film, will give audience members a chance to ask questions and hear firsthand accounts of both historical suppression and contemporary research.
Tour stops and regional outreach
Before arriving in Bend, the film will screen at the historic Granada Theatre in La Grande on Oct. 16 as part of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival. Hinderberger noted that traveling to multiple festivals and meeting diverse audiences is “one of the most rewarding parts of the process.” He expressed particular excitement about bringing the film to Central Oregon, where interest in alternative medicine and scientific inquiry is growing.
Support and community impact
The Bend event is partially funded by a grant from the Bend Cultural Tourism Fund, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting arts and cultural programming. By showcasing a film that tackles a controversial yet scientifically relevant topic, the screening aligns with Bend’s broader goal of fostering open dialogue and informed citizenship.
Tickets and additional information are available through the Song of Sunset website. Residents are encouraged to attend, support local filmmakers, and engage in the conversation about how history, science, and community values intersect.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
