Diversity, glamour, volunteerism at deadCenter winter events

Last Updated on December 19, 2023, 9:23 PM | Published: December 19, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — It’s a big winter season for Oklahoma’s own deadCenter Film, and it’s already well underway.

With deadCenter recently breaking out across the full spectrum of the calendar with their ongoing Continuum screenings and events, the state’s film leaders have been finding plenty of new and exciting ways to engage the community, fixing their spotlight primarily on filmmaking diversity and inclusion.

deadCenter Film explores ‘Pride, Support, & Acceptance’ in Oct event

Following a packed and groundbreaking autumn slate that saw their Indigenous Peoples’ Day mini-festival and the Pride, Support, & Acceptance event with Rep. Mauree Turner, they’ve been keeping the projectors rolling with a winter lineup full of buzzworthy filmmakers and the glitziest gala this side of the silver screen.

Whether you’re keeping your eyes peeled for the best, most unexpected movie screenings, or you’re raring to get involved with organizing the screenings themselves, deadCenter’s got you covered through the next month.

‘Alcarràs’ with The Respect Diversity Foundation and Better Together

Partnering with the Better Together Interfaith Group and the Respect Diversity Foundation, deadCenter brought Spanish writer/director Carla Simón’s shockingly authentic look at the bonds of family, labor, and the generational connection with the Earth to Rodeo Cinema in the Stockyards on December 14th.

Centering on a multi-generational family in Catalonia, Spain, “Alcarràs” tackles the questions that plague the world’s working classes when new ownership, new technologies, and new money enter the picture, following a family of peach farmers facing eviction and the harrowing uncertainty of their future.

In keeping with deadCenter’s driving mission of encouraging greater cultural discussion through film, the event saw a panel discussion following the screening, one of many that deadCenter has planned through the next year.

Una Noche Con with OKC Latino Young Professionals

Likewise, deadCenter kept the conversation flowing through the next night on December 15th at Capitol Hill’s Yale Theatre by partnering with OKC Latino Young Professionals for Una Noche Con.

Meaning “one night,” Una Noche Con saw a lineup of short films from Hispanic filmmakers, each wrestling with the realities of immigrant life and work in America:

– “La Cosecha” follows Nolvia Castillo, originally from Guatemala, as she learns and drive in America and makes her way delivering produce across her community.

– “Weapons and their Names” sees a young Latina in rural Florida attempting to confront her frustrations over her family and her stepfather’s death by firing guns in the woods.

– “La Telaraña” (or “The Spider’s Web”) weaves a tale of the narcotic-dealing Alvarez brothers and the secret life as a DEA informant that one of them is hiding.

In addition to the slate of shorts, the evening saw networking, discussions, and even live music from DJ Joe Diaz.

‘But I’m a Cheerleader: Director’s Cut’ with the Oklahoma Pride Alliance – Friday, December 22nd – Rodeo Cinema Stockyards

Both the good times and the great partnerships keep rolling this coming Friday when deadCenter teams with the Oklahoma Pride Alliance for a night of LGBTQ+ celebration featuring 90s cult-classic “But I’m a Cheerleader” alongside some fierce, festive drag for an event they’re calling “Make the Yuletide Gay.”

Acclaimed drag performers Josie Du’Coll and Patty BouRey will be on hand before the screening for fun and photos, and following the film, deadCenter’s Head of Pride Programming Laron Chapman will lead a discussion with Kylan Durant, head of the Oklahoma Pride Alliance.

For tickets and reservations, visit deadcentercontinuum.eventive.org.

GlitterBall: Chalet – Saturday, January 13th – The Jones Assembly

What film fanatic hasn’t imagined themselves inside the world of the extravagant and impossibly debonair British superspy James Bond?

Well, if you’ve ever wished to party like you’re on Her Majesty’s secret service, then deadCenter is finally giving you the chance with their GlitterBall, a shining, shimmering fancy-dress event celebrating all-things Bond and all-things film, especially film education.

Ticket sales (starting at a cool $100) will go toward funding deadCenter’s year-round film education initiatives and Continuum screenings.

Tuxes and gowns are a must, and you better believe that martinis will be on the menu.

For tickets and a full list of support tiers, visit deadcenterfilm.org/gb24

Apply for the deadCenter Screening Committee

So maybe you love movies, you love the community screening events and discussions, and you love getting dressed up and playing spy to help fund it all, but you just need to be on the other side of the curtain, helping to select and organize the festival’s offerings.

Well, now’s your chance.

Volunteer applications are open for deadCenter’s Screening Committee, the body that views submissions and helps to determine the festival’s slate, shape, and showings.

And with submission numbers for the fest growing ever single year (reaching into the thousands by 2023,) there’s sure to be plenty of opportunities to catch the work of cinema’s best rising talent before anyone else.

To apply to volunteer for the Screening Committee, visit deadcenterfilm.org.

---