The Oklahoma Film and Music Office (OF+MO), a division of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, is proud to be a returning partner of the 22nd annual deadCenter Film Festival. For 2022, deadCenter returns in person with screenings, panels, networking events and more in various locations throughout Oklahoma City June 9-12.
deadCenter is the largest event of its kind in Oklahoma and is now an Oscar-qualifying film festival. This year’s festival will feature more than 175 films with dozens of standouts from Oklahoma moviemakers, including the feature films “Out of Exile” and “Tenkiller” as well as the television pilot “Faculty Lounging,” all of which were produced in Oklahoma utilizing the state’s film incentive program administered by OF+MO.
As part of its partnership with the festival, OF+MO will host a series of FREE, educational panels highlighting the production of film, television, documentaries and more that will spotlight both Oklahoma’s growing film and television industry as well as this year’s deadCenter filmmakers who will be joining the festival from around the country. These panels will be held at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art on the hour 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, and include:
Indie Film 101: Breakthroughs on a Budget
Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m.
Making a movie is no easy feat, and these talented filmmakers have proven the art of independent filmmaking is alive and well with their amazing films that were selected for this year’s festival. Find out more about producing independent films on a budget and the journey of their projects from script to screen. Moderated by OF+MO, this panel will feature Oklahoma filmmakers Cate Jones (“Chicken House”) and Kara Choate (“Tenkiller”) as well as Nick Richey (“1-800-HOT-NITE”)
Storytellers: Defining Documentaries
Saturday, June 11 at 11:00 a.m.
Does the subject inform the film? Does the film inform the subject? There are multiple ways to unpack the art of documentary filmmaking. Join our filmmakers for a discussion on the documentary production process and how as storytellers they worked to craft intimate, authentic snapshots of reality to inspire and educate audiences. Moderated by OF+MO, this panel will feature Christopher Fitzpatrick (“Oklahoma Breakdown”), Elizabeth Porter (“Octopus”) and Dan Mahoney (“Seeds of Greenwood”).
Cast & Crew: Making It in the Movies
Saturday, June 11 at 12:00 p.m.
What does it take to “make it” in the movie business and start your film career? Whether you’re in front of the camera or behind the scenes, everyone plays an integral role in the movie making business. Hear from an esteemed panel of film professionals who will share insight on how you can dive into the film industry no matter your interest or experience and make a career for yourself! Moderated by OF+MO, this panel will feature Chris Freihofer (Freihofer Casting), Kim Mott (UPM, “Cricket”; Producer’s Asst., “Killers of the Flower Moon”) and Kyle Kauwika Harris (Writer/Director, “Out of Exile”).
Gamechangers: Television in Oklahoma
Saturday, June 11 at 1:00 p.m.
From promising pilots to network series and streamers, television is emerging at the forefront of Oklahoma’s film production landscape. Hear from our distinguished panel of working professionals on the rise of the television industry in Oklahoma and what it means for filmmakers, on-screen talent and more. Moderated by OF+MO, this panel will feature Dylan Brody (“Reservation Dogs”), Kate Duffy (“Faculty Lounging”) and Candace Lee (Impact Productions).
“The Oklahoma Film and Music Office has been a vital partner of deadCenter for decades,” said Cacky Poarch, interim executive director of deadCenter Film. “We are thrilled to align values to create a dynamic workforce and continued education for a thriving film community in Oklahoma.”
In addition to the panel series, OF+MO will also co-present the Oklahoma Film Party at The Big Friendly on Saturday, June 11, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. This event will commemorate the success of the state’s film and television industry and honor this year’s homegrown filmmakers. Additionally, OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky will lead an in-depth conversation with deadCenter ICON and Cherokee Nation Film Office & Original Content Director Jennifer Loren following the presentation of her film, “ᏚᏙᎥᎪᏪᎸ: Signature: The Cherokee Speakers Roll,” at the First Americans Museum on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
“As evidenced by the depth and diversity of the Oklahoma filmmakers and projects represented this year, the landscape of the state’s film and television industry continues to grow leaps and bounds, and we look forward to educating, inspiring and engaging audiences at this year’s deadCenter through our events as we spotlight all Oklahoma can offer moviemakers and our local talent,” said Sofsky.
For a complete schedule of screenings and events as well as information on purchasing all-access passes, visit deadcenterfilm.org.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.