The new addition this year explores films that explain the possibilities for what’s to come in filmmaking.
deadCenter Film Festival will screen a collection of immersive films and experiences created by storytellers navigating cutting-edge technology that are expanding how stories are told.
These forward-thinking films use tools such as motion capture, drones, digital animation, augmented reality and fully immersive 360 virtual reality in their films.
The festival, which is Oklahoma’s largest film festival, will screen these Future of Film screenings June 9 and 10 in downtown Oklahoma City.
The festival has about a $5.5 million economic impact every year drawing about 30,000 people in attendance most years.
The Future of Film
Here’s a breakdown of the films expected to be screened at this year’s deadCenter Film Festival as part of the new segment, The Future of Film.
The Origin of Strawberries
Director/Lead Animator: Michael Lister, Executive Producer: Jennifer Loren
Cherokee Nation Film
This ancient story told in the Cherokee language about strawberries as a symbol of reconciliation is drawn into the future using the latest motion capture animation, designed and executed by the Cherokee Nation Original Content team. (World Premiere)
Behind the Dish: The Starred Chef, A Twisted Soul, The Sushi Master
Director: Chloé Rochereuil, Producers: Victor Agulhon, Jonathan Gleit
Behind the Dish is a virtual reality docuseries that dives into the world of gastronomy. Through three 10-minute episodes in 360-degree film, meet extraordinary women chefs revolutionizing the food industry and watch their cuisine in super-sized macro 3D. (Oklahoma Premiere)
MLK: Now is the Time
Director: Limbert Fabian, Producers: Matthew O’Rourke, Sulivan Parker, Screenwriter: Andrina Wekontash Smith
An immersive journey that explores key themes of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and highlights systemic inequities that persist in our society. Audience Award Winner at the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival. (Oklahoma Premiere)
Resurrection VR
Writer/Director: Lance McDaniel, Animator: Ryan Bellgardt, Co-Writer: Ryan Johnston
Produced by McDaniel Entertainment and Boiling Point Media
Travel back to ancient Israel to experience the resurrection of Jesus in this 5-minute virtual reality film that mixes live action footage with CGI animation inside the Unreal engine. Based on the Biblical text from Matthew 28. (World Premiere)
Body of Mine VR
Director/Producer/Screenwriter: Cameron Kostopoulos
Experience gender dysphoria and trans identity with Body of Mine VR, an intimate experience that takes you inside the body of another gender. Special Jury Award Winner at the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival. (Oklahoma Premiere)
JFK Memento
Director: Chloé Rochereuil, Producer: Victor Agulhon
JFK Memento is a VR documentary chronicling JFK’s assassination. Narrated by the last living witnesses of the events, it explores the defining moments of the investigation as archive photos and films remastered in 3D come to life in the historic sites. Audience Award Winner at the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival. (Oklahoma Premiere)
Fresh Memories: The Look
Directors/Screenwriters: Ondřej Moravec, Volodymyr Kolbasa, Producers: Ondřej Moravec, Robin Pultera
A look into the eyes of Ukrainian people whose home has been taken away by war. (Oklahoma Premiere)
Once a Glacier
Director/Screenwriter: Jiabao Li
Once a Glacier is a VR story about a girl and her relationship with a glacier. As the girl grows older, the piece of ice is threatened. The viewer is taken on a journey through her seemingly futile efforts to protect what was once an entire glacier. (Oklahoma Premiere)
From the Main Square
Director: Pedro Harres, Producer: Lorena Junghans, Screenwriters: Angelina Urbanczyk, Pedro Harres, Rafael Loss
A compact portrait of social disruption. Encircling a central square, a new town emerges in all its diversity. A crossroad of stories, buildings, hopes and conflicts. People nurture sympathy and care for their equals, but also animosity towards those who are different. It doesn’t take long for an “us-versus-them” atmosphere to take over. (Oklahoma Premiere)
Thunderbird Drone Festival Spotlight
Curator: Chris Castor
This 30-minute collection of very short movies filmed using drones includes some of the most breathtaking visuals from around the globe and across Oklahoma. Curated by Chris Castor, drone filmmaker, enthusiast and founder of the Thunderbird Drone Festival in Woodward, Oklahoma.
See this year’s schedule.
Go through this year’s Film Guide.
Information on festival passes.
