OKC VeloCity | deadCenter Film Festival marks 25 years with record lineup and Oklahoma focus
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deadCenter Film Festival marks 25 years with record lineup and Oklahoma focus

By Chamber Staff / Events / June 10, 2025

The 25th annual deadCenter Film Festival will take place June 11–15 in downtown Oklahoma City, featuring a record number of independent films, world premieres and Oklahoma filmmakers. 

The five-day event includes 25 world premieres and showcases work from 38 Oklahoma filmmakers, underlining the festival’s local roots. It will also feature panels, workshops and networking events designed for both experienced and emerging filmmakers. 

The festival opens June 11 with an “Okie Style” night that includes screenings of “Okie Shorts” and the world premiere of “Reverence,” directed by Oklahoma filmmaker Kyle Kauwika Harris. Organizers will also announce deadCenter’s new executive director during opening night events. 

A highlight of this year’s program is “Incomparable,” a new documentary by OKC Thunder Films that explores the history and impact of the Myriad Convention Center. Other world premieres include: 

  • “67 Bombs to Enid” (Ty McMahan, Kevin Ford) 
  • “Salt of the Earth” (Kara Choate, Jeremy Choate) 
  • “The Jurassic Games: Extinction” (Ryan Bellgardt) 
  • “Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?” (Amy Scott) 
  • “Close Enough To Burn” (Benjamin Tefera) 

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the festival will honor five individuals as deadCenter ICONS: 

  • Amy Scott, filmmaker 
  • Hayley McFarland, actor 
  • Adam Hampton, filmmaker 
  • Wayne Coyne, musician 
  • Mayor David Holt, Oklahoma City community leader 

The festival will close June 15 with a free screening of “UFOs at the Zoo” at OAK, featuring a pre-show conversation with Holt and Coyne. 

deadCenter is one of 27 festivals recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as Oscar-qualifying in three categories: live action short, animated short and documentary short. 

The event’s educational arm, deadCenter University, offers free programming for both students and teachers. In addition to screenings and panels, the festival will include networking events and parties open to pass holders. 

Festival passes cost $225 and includes access to all films, panels and events. Individual film tickets are available for $10, sold 20 minutes before screenings, as space allows. 

For a full schedule and ticket information, visit dcff.eventive.org/schedule.