(Illustration by Christopher Street)
deadCenter Film Festival
Wednesday-Sunday
deadcenterfilm.orgSee related stories and the festival program in this issue.
Those new to deadCenter Film Festival don’t need to be embarrassed. With help from our event coverage, the deadCenter guide and this how-to, you’ll be an expert before you even pick up your pass. Last year, organizers said, more than 30,000 guests attended festival screenings and events. As deadCenter’s popularity grows, so does demand for seating.
What is deadCenter, and why should I go?
deadCenter Film Festival is an annual film celebration in downtown Oklahoma City. The festival features more than 100 film screenings from local and international filmmakers during its four-day run. The event, which runs Wednesday-Sunday at venues across the city, is an opportunity to interact with many artists and filmmakers also attending the festival.
Step 1: Check the schedule.
Find an event schedule in this issue and at deadcenterfilm.org. They feature chronological listings and descriptions of films, venues, panels and events. Make note of times and venues of screenings.
Venues include Harkins Theatres Bricktown 16 at 150 E. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City Museum of Art at 415 Couch Drive and Myriad Botanical Gardens’ Terrace Room at 301 W. Reno Ave.
Step 2: Register or buy a ticket.
It’s time to select an attendance option.
For those planning to see multiple screenings, the best option might be an all-access pass. Passholders get priority access to showings, parties, panels and special events. Passes are $150 and are valid through the festival. Register via the festival website at deadcenterfilm.org. Film screening entry is first come, first served, with priority going to passholders.
Remaining seats, if available, are then sold as general admission. Individual tickets are available at the venue 20 minutes before screenings begin. General admission is $10. No advance tickets are sold.
Step 3: Enjoy the film.
If you’re buying general admission tickets, it’s advisable to arrive early. Even with an event pass, it’s advisable to arrive early. deadCenter is the largest film festival in the state, and the popularity of its events and screenings is probably one of the biggest reasons.
Tips:
• Attend the panels. Part of the deadCenter experience is interacting with participating filmmakers. The panel series includes five 45-minute sessions Saturday at the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma (ACM@UCO), 25 S. Oklahoma Ave. All panels are free and open to the public.
• Bring along this issue of the Gazette or download a schedule to mobile devices from the deadCenter website to learn more about the films while you’re waiting for screenings to begin. More than 100 independent projects will be shown at this year’s event, including 22 feature-length selections and 84 short films. Twenty-three selections were filmed in Oklahoma, and six debuted at Sundance Film Festival in Utah. (Don’t you feel smarter already?)
• Many of the festival’s most popular films are screened again Sunday (June 13) at Harkins, said Lance McDaniel, deadCenter Film Festival artistic director. Check the schedule for exact times.
• The free outdoor screenings at Myriad Gardens Great Lawn are popular options for those on a slimmer budget. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial screens 9:30 p.m. Friday. The documentary feature A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story screens 9:30 p.m. Saturday and is followed by an outdoor dance party.
Print Headline: Prime primer, Our quick how-to guide will put even deadCenter rookies up to speed.
