As the nation works together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cherokee Nation Film Office, alongside sponsors, including the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (TFMAC), are offering Oklahomans a break from all the stress with a chance to make your own movies via the OklaHomies Short Film Contest.
Now open and accepting submissions, the OklaHomies Short Film Contest is an opportunity to exercise your creativity from the safety and comforts of your own home. All OklaHomies participants must live in the state of Oklahoma and all films must be recorded in the state as well. Entries may be submitted in two categories: the “Short Short” category with films 60 seconds or less; or the “Shorts” category with films one to five minutes in length. Participants may creatively venture into comedy, horror, drama – all genres are welcome – and all entries must be filmed on a smartphone device. Winners will receive Visa gift cards valued up to $300, a trophy and OklaHomie bragging rights for life.
“As every Oklahoman works to get through these trying times in their own way, we must remain calm and try to find some silver linings where we can,” said Jennifer Loren, Director of the Cherokee Nation Film Office. “No matter where you live in our great state, we hope that this OklaHomies Short Film Contest will inspire your creativity, provide a break from the stress of our current situation and help us remain focused on getting through this together in a fun way.” She continues, “Film has always been, and will always be, a powerful tool in so many ways. We hope this contest is helpful to you. Wado.”
“We are proud to join our industry partners at TFMAC in sponsoring the OklaHomies Short Film Contest hosted by the Cherokee Nation Film Office, who brought this opportunity to us,” said Yousef Kazemi, Film and Locations Coordinator for OF+MO. “It’s been incredibly inspiring to see so many people statewide use their creativity to provide innovative platforms such as these that offer entertainment, engagement and educational opportunities.”
First-time filmmakers or novices need not worry and are highly encouraged to participate as this contest is the perfect way to get involved, have fun and learn some new skills in the process. The Cherokee Nation Film Office will be providing movie-making app tutorials and ways to get started on their social media platforms.
Vote today! Online voting for Fan Favorites is going on now through April 12, at 10:00 p.m. VOTE HERE.
The deadline to submit your film is April 8 at 10:00 p.m. Winners will be announced online and on social media Monday, April 13 at 4:00 p.m.
More information can be found at cherokee.film/oklahomies.
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About Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit okfilmmusic.orglink.