Oklahoma City's deadCENTER Film

There are few other entities in the state embracing the independent film spirit like deadCENTER Film in Oklahoma City. Its name referring to Oklahoma City's unique status as the center of the United States, deadCENTER was founded in 2001.

Along with the increasingly popular annual deadCENTER Film Festival, the organization has a filmFACTION membership program, presents short films on the first Wednesday of every month at the Colcord Hotel's XO Lounge and works in conjunction with the OKC Museum of Art in presenting feature length films as well.

The membership program for deadCENTER film is called filmFACTION. It costs $125 and offers a number of benefits including a pair of complimentary tickets to special screenings at the OKC Museum of Art and the "Oklahoma Film Series" at Harkins Bricktown Theater, shortsSUITE screenings (see below), festival pass discounts and more.

Get details on becoming a filmFACTION member online or by calling (405) 246-9233.

On the first Wednesday of every month (January and June excluded) deadCENTER film offers shortsSUITES, a showcase of the best short films from previous festivals. The showings take place at the Colcord Hotel's XO Lounge at at 15 North Robinson downtown. You must be 21 or older to enter, and the doors open at 8pm.

2001 marked the first year of the deadCENTER Film Festival, and the event has grown in popularity. Featuring over 100 independent films from around the globe, the festival is designed to "inspire growth in the local film industry." Around 6,000 attendees enjoy narrative films, documentaries, animation and Oklahoma projects, and awards are presented in 9 categories (see below for previous year winners).

In addition to the showings, the festival features kid's activities, food, professional panel discussions and much more. See the official site for more information.

The 2009 deadCENTER Film Festival is number 9 and takes place from June 10th through the 14th. Showings are held at various venues around Oklahoma City including Harkins Bricktown Theater, the OKC Museum of Art and Kerr Auditorium.

The kickoff party is at the Film Exchange Building at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10th, and there will be an Opening Night Party at the museum on the 11th. The Closing Night Party begins at 11:30 p.m. at the Skirvin Hotel on Saturday the 13th.

In addition, a free outdoor screening will take place Saturday at NE 3rd and E.K. Gaylord downtown.

A full festival schedule is available online.

The winners for the 2009 deadCENTER Film Festival are:

• Screenplay: "Laura Looks Up" by Keri Schreiner
• Narrative Feature: "Weather Girl" directed by Blayne Weaver
• Documentary Feature: "Official Rejection" directed by Paul Osborne
• Narrative Short: "Gaining Ground" directed by Marc Brummen
• Documentary Short: "Forced Into Comfort, Fighting for Apology" directed by Theo Lipfert
• Animation: "I'm So Proud of You" directed by Don Herzfeld
• Student Film: "Science Fair" directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp
• Oklahoma Film: "Barking Water" directed by Sterlin Harjo
• Oklahoma Short: "Starvation Doctrine" directed by Zac Davis
• Grand Jury Narrative Feature: "Yveete" directed by Rogelio Almeida
• Grand Jury Documentary Feature: "The Day After Peace" directed by Jeremy Gilley