News 9 First Look: deadCenter '24 Opening Night

The return of Oklahoma City's annual film festival is set for Thursday afternoon, and ahead of opening night, News 9 caught a first glimpse into what moviegoers can expect.

The deadCenter Film Festival will run from Thursday to Sunday and will feature films directed by and featuring local filmmakers and artists.

Victor Caballero, the director of education and outreach at deadCenter, said those attending any part of the festival can expect quality films and exciting events.

"Have an amazing time and see some incredible films," Caballero said. "It's definitely a good variety this year with what I've seen. I've got to see a little bit of the schedule that the team has selected, and they're really good."

In addition to his role at deadCenter, Caballero also helps run deadCenter University, which teaches Oklahoma students the basics of filmmaking and allows them to take part in the yearly festival.

"For the students shorts block, we're going to have... two shorts that were made by students from the Statewide Education Tour," Caballero said.

Caballero said for opening night, the festivities begin with a rooftop party at the Jones Assembly along Sheridan Avenue in Oklahoma City, and nearby on Main Street, the Fordson Hotel will act as a central hub for festival events.

Several Oklahoma actors will also be involved in the festival. Paul Sparks from "House of Cards," Dylan Brodie and Sterlin Harjo from "Reservation Dogs," which was shot on location in Oklahoma, will all be at the festival.

As for people hoping to attend, Caballero said guests should be able to find something to enjoy in this year's activities.

"I tell them... enjoy themselves, immerse themselves into this world," Caballero said. "Even though we're going on our 24th year, I still encounter people that never heard of it, and yet they're attending, which is awesome."

For screenings, Harkins Theaters in Bricktown, the First Americans Museum, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and multiple other locations will all host feature film screenings.

For a full schedule of screenings, locations, festival events, panels and more, click here.

For more information about deadCenter, click here.