The 2018 deadCenter Film Festival is scheduled to hit OKC June 7-10, but it’s already time to celebrate. This year’s deadCenter fundraiser is Saturday, May 19, with a Studio 54 dance party theme. Kindt Events is converting Tower Theater in Uptown 23rd into a replica of the iconic Manhattan nightclub, and proceeds raised go to support the education outreach and programs of deadCenter.
“deadCenter has a year-round statewide education program, as well as deadCenter University, which happens during the festival,” says Kindt Myers, owner of Kindt Events. “Many of the party’s attendees are donors, but we also make tickets available to the public to help raise more funds.”
Myers said the event used to be the night before the festival kicked off, but the parties became such huge successes that staff and volunteers needed a little recovery time before the festival.
“Tracey Zeeck (PR consultant), and I noticed a few years ago that there was no fundraising event during the festival, so that’s how the party started,” Myers says. “We don’t interrupt the event for a formal presentation, so it feels like a cocktail-dance party, but it’s really deadCenter’s main fundraising event for education programs.”
The money supports educational projects for Oklahoma youth from junior high school through college. Executive Director Lance McDaniel and Director of Programming Sara Thompson travel throughout the state, offering classes at Oklahoma schools; school administrators and teachers can choose a 45-minute presentation during class periods, or a three-hour seminar that includes equipment training. The goal is to help students use film and filmmaking to think clearly and creatively, and to facilitate collaborative, creative work environments.
“During the festival, deadCenter partners with MetroTech to offer hands-on film training as part of deadCenter University,” Myers says. “Students work in every part of the creative process, including equipment, editing and writing.”
The $100 ticket for the Studio 54 party will help deadCenter continue these educational programs. At the event, ticketholders will have access to an open bar, plenty of food and what Myers called “live performances and celebrity appearances,” which includes a DJ playing dance music. In addition to the dance-cocktail atmosphere, Extreme Animals will have a selection of exotic animals at Tower Theater. Myers said to expect a lemur and a baby kangaroo, as well as some surprises.
Tickets are available via Tower Theater’s website or from the deadCenter Film Festival Facebook page.
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