Oklahoma Spring Film Festivals Gear Up for Action

From OKC to Tonkawa, the state's busy event calendar includes several festivals leading up to the state's biggest - deadCenter Film Fest in June.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring sharp, jagged geometric shapes in deep red and bright yellow, conceptually representing the energy and diversity of Oklahoma's spring film festival season.Oklahoma's spring film festival season showcases the state's vibrant independent cinema scene, from experimental shorts to small-town parades honoring visiting moviemakers.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma's spring event calendar is filled with several film festivals across the state, leading up to the 26th annual deadCenter Film Festival, the state's biggest and only Oscar-qualifying fest, in early June. These festivals offer a range of cinematic experiences, from carefully curated family-friendly short films to 24-hour filmmaking races and showcases of experimental styles.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's thriving film festival scene reflects the state's growing reputation as a hub for independent and alternative filmmaking. These events provide platforms for local, national, and international filmmakers to share their work, engage with audiences, and potentially qualify for major awards.

The details

The spring film festival lineup includes Clean Shorts in Tonkawa, a 24-hour filmmaking race in Chickasha, the Experimental Film Festival at Oklahoma City University, and the Tonkawa Film Festival, which features a parade with film-themed floats and costumes. These festivals offer a diverse array of programming, from short films to panels and live music.

  • The 13th annual Clean Shorts festival is scheduled for April 21-23.
  • The 24-hour filmmaking race in Chickasha kicks off at 11:59 p.m. on April 17 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on April 18.
  • The Experimental Film Festival at Oklahoma City University is set for April 23-25.
  • The 7th annual Tonkawa Film Festival will take place on April 26.

The players

deadCenter Film Festival

Oklahoma's biggest and only Oscar-qualifying film festival, held annually in June in Oklahoma City.

Clean Shorts

A film festival in Tonkawa, Oklahoma that offers a carefully curated selection of short films from around the world, designed to provide a family-friendly viewing experience.

Experimental Film Festival

An annual festival organized by the Film Department at Oklahoma City University, intended to open people's eyes to alternative forms, structures, and styles in filmmaking.

Tonkawa Film Festival

A film festival in Tonkawa, Oklahoma that showcases short films from around the world and includes a parade with film-themed floats, costumes, and visiting filmmakers.

Oklahoma Film Exchange

A partnership organization that presents screenings and events related to independent and experimental filmmaking in Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you're interested in viewing cinematic experiments, checking out a small-town parade honoring visiting moviemakers or even racing the clock to make your own short film, there are several spring film festivals happening across Oklahoma.”

— Brandy McDonnell, Author

What’s next

The deadCenter Film Festival, Oklahoma's biggest and only Oscar-qualifying film event, is scheduled for early June in Oklahoma City.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's thriving spring film festival season reflects the state's growing reputation as a hub for independent and alternative filmmaking, providing platforms for local, national, and international filmmakers to share their work and engage with audiences.