Last Updated on April 16, 2024, 10:39 AM | Published: April 16, 2024
deadCenter Film sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 11, 2024) – Regional industry trailblazer, deadCenter Film, returns for its 24th annual festival with the release of Opening Day features and expands its vision for deadCenter University to cultivate live action projects and hands-on guidance for students and teachers, respectively. Committed to engaging festival-goers with schedule tidbits earlier than ever, throughout April, deadCenter Film will release portions of the schedule each week. As always, the deadCenter Film Festival will return to downtown OKC the second full weekend in June, the 6th through 9th, with screenings at Harkins Theatres, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Rodeo Cinema Film Row, Scissortail Park and the new dC Hub at the Fordson Hotel.
deadCenter Film has produced the state’s largest film festival since 2001, bringing together the creative minds of independent filmmakers from near and far, emerging and established, providing an award-winning festival experience to showcase their work and connect with global audiences. In 2021, the organization was designated as an Academy Award ®-qualifying festival in the animated and live action short film sections. With its 24th edition, the deadCenter Film Festival returns with longtime programmer Sunrise Tippeconnie stepping into a full-time role, leveraging his tenure with the organization to keenly modify existing processes and modernize.
Each year the programming team is challenged to consciously highlight the contributions of Oklahomans, a task that has shifted in range as the scale of output matures from home-grown productions to global film-industry integrations, both above-the-line and within the well rounded below-the-line crew roles.
“As our festival evolves we are trying to find the ways in which to both highlight what’s best for the filmmakers as well as reignite the flame audiences have for cinema,” Tippeconnie said. “More than 1800 films were submitted this year, and the festival programming team has worked tirelessly to select the few hundred films they feel reflect themes within the submissions and in world-cinema trends, but also respond to the way in which Oklahoma ties have expanded within the industry. We’re excited to roll out part of the schedule earlier than ever before, and bring programmatic updates throughout the festival experience.”
In an effort to spotlight trends and distinctions of filmmaking, this year’s festival schedule will uniquely reflect the concept of various ‘Centerpiece’ titles, in which aspects of a film’s relationship to themes and cultural or industry distinctions will be emphasized across the program.
The Oklahoma Documentary Feature Centerpiece will be the World Premiere of Saucedo on Opening Night, which explores the emotional journey of Oklahoma boxing champion Alex Saucedo who suffered a career ending brain injury, forcing him to redefine his identity, find new purpose and take care of his family. The film includes a cameo by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and was shot in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, reflecting the aspects of contributions and collaborations with Oklahomans in front of, and behind, the camera.
An additional World Premiere on Opening Day will be Hailey’s Game, a supernatural LGBTQIA feature romance, entirely shot with Oklahoma City locations, cast, and crew, directed by first-time queer director Katie Hightower. Finally, Opening Night Feature Documentary La Singla is a beautiful portrait about Antonia Singla, a flamenco dancer who was born deaf and revolutionized the art at the age of 17. She was widely considered “the best flamenco dancer in the world,” but disappeared before turning 30 years old, returning 50 years later to tell this tale in its Oklahoma Premiere.
deadCenter will host two events to bring programming announcements to life weeks before the slate is typically announced. On April 18, the organization will host a livestream event to reveal music videos, experimental films and episodics-series category at Factory Obscura from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On May 1, at Rodeo Cinema Stockyards, programmers will reveal additional layers of the schedule, packaging up programming tidbits, themes and insider tips on how to navigate this year’s festival. The public is invited to attend and learn more about the programmers and the 2024 slate.
New this year deadCenter will offer the dC Hub for festival goers, beyond the well-trodden routes attendees typically pause for a breather, refreshments and camaraderie. The newly opened Fordson Hotel, formerly 21c Museum Hotel, will offer passholders virtual reality films, panels, conversations with deadCenter ICONS and multiple events including a late-night pajama party complete with rice crispy treats.
Leveraging its place as a leader in the burgeoning film industry, deadCenter Film is thrilled to announce the expansion of its educational outreach with two incredible – free – initiatives aimed at nurturing budding filmmakers and empowering educators in Oklahoma. Applications for both the student and teacher tracks close on April 19.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3-6, before the festival kicks off, deadCenter Film will operate deadCenter University Youth Camp, sponsored by the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, at Oklahoma City Community College for high school students. OCCC is considered a Top 25 Film School and for the first time ever deadCenter University students will create a short film to premiere at the 24th Annual deadCenter Film Festival. Participants will delve into various crew positions of filmmaking, from script breakdowns to editing, under the guidance of experienced industry professionals, making this a fantastic opportunity for youth to explore their creativity and learn the ropes of filmmaking in a dynamic and supportive environment.
On June 6 and 7, deadCenter University for Educators will be held at Oklahoma City University. This specialized program is tailored for educators eager to integrate film into their classrooms. Limited to 25 teachers, this immersive experience from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will equip educators with the tools, resources, and strategies to effectively teach film to their students.
In addition to invaluable learning experiences, both students and teachers will receive two free passes to the deadCenter Film Festival, allowing them to immerse themselves in the magic of cinema and experience a diverse range of films from talented filmmakers around the world.
“The two tracks of deadCenter University emphasizes deadCenter’s groundbreaking commitment to fostering a vibrant filmmaking community in Oklahoma and beyond,” said deadCenter Film’s Director of Education and Outreach Victor Caballero. “By investing in the next generation of filmmakers and empowering educators with the tools they need, we’re laying the foundation for a bright future for the film industry.”
The 24th Annual deadCenter Film Festival will take place June 6-9. Additional film selections and programming highlights will be released weekly until the festival begins. Passes are currently on sale for $200 at deadcenterfilm.org.
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