12th
Kathryn Jenson White: At the Edge of deadCENTER
Well, today is the day OKC joins — as it has for eight years now — the ranks of Toronto, Telluride, Cannes and Sundance with its annual film fest: deadCenter. With more than 90 films in its five days at eight locations, deadCENTER is the answer to the requests we film lovers send out repeatedly to the uncaring universe: “Please, uncaring universe, send us some good films.” Brian Hearn at the OKCMOA serves as he who provides some respite with the great films he brings to that amazing venue, of course. However, this is the chance to see great films in Oklahoma, about Oklahoma and by Oklahomans. And in gulps, not sips.
The 8th annual event promises to be even more exciting than usual, something that it has been possible to say honestly about the event each year: More people — 6,000 expected this year — more films — officials estimate about a 20 percent increase in entries to more than 400 — and more fun. Check out the Web site for a list of events, parties, screenings and panels: deadcenterfilm.org. You can get All-access passes for $100 and just wallow in good films, screening passes for $50 and tickets to individual films for $10.
deadCENTER has done some cool rethinking and reconceptualizing this year. For example, this year it has grouped its short films thematically. Melissa Scaramucci, programming director, says the shorts are long on talent.
“This year for the first time we decided to name them with categories like Whimsical Shorts, Comedy Shorts, Dramatic Shorts,” she says. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to connect to the audience better. Which makes sense, I mean that’s how they sell you feature films. This is a romantic comedy, etcetera, so we’re doing that with short films. And they are really, really strong this year.”
Scaramucci recommends that all those attending try to make the screenings at the Individual Artists of Oklahoma Gallery venue.
“Every year at IAO we get to show things you won’t get a chance to see in the multiplex,” she says. ” And, basically, it’s a party every night at IAO. We’ve learned that if we create an exciting venue for a screening, we get more attendance.”
OFCC members judged the documentary short category, and we saw some strong films with three standouts we narrowed down to … Well, go to screenings for the answer to that.
It’s time to put your butt where your mouth is, figuratively speaking. If your mouth complains about the lack of art films in OKC and Norman, put your butt in a seat or two during these next few days. Start by visiting the deadCENTER Web site and reading the fest schedule. If that won’t get you moving, you need to avoid ever again talking about the paucity of good films in OKC.
I hope to see you there. Make the effort. I know you’ll be glad you did.
