OKC Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein Explores OKC Bombing's Legacy in New Film

The 14-minute documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard' premieres on the 31st anniversary of the 1995 attack.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:35am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in muted tones of grey, blue, and red, depicting the chaotic events of the Oklahoma City bombing and the community's resilient response in an abstract, multi-perspective style.A cubist interpretation of the Oklahoma City bombing and the community's inspiring acts of compassion in the aftermath.Oklahoma City Today

OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, who was born three years after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, has produced a new short documentary called 'The Oklahoma Standard' that explores the city's resilient response to the tragedy. The film, which premieres on the 31st anniversary of the attack, aims to educate younger generations about the bombing and the community's inspiring acts of compassion in the aftermath.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing was a pivotal moment in the city's history, and Hartenstein's documentary helps ensure the story and the 'Oklahoma Standard' of neighborly support are passed down to new generations. As the Thunder prepare for the playoffs, the film's release on the anniversary date underscores the team's deep connection to the local community.

The details

Hartenstein, who was born in Portland, Oregon and is of German descent, says he didn't know much about the bombing when he first signed with the Thunder two years ago. But after visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, he was inspired to produce a documentary that would focus on the city's resilient response, rather than just the tragedy itself. The 14-minute film, directed by Zachary Taub, features interviews with survivors, first responders, and family members, and immediately immerses viewers in the chaos of the attack before shifting to the acts of compassion that followed.

  • The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will host the 31st Annual Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, April 19, 2026 to honor those impacted by the 1995 bombing.
  • Following the morning ceremony, the Thunder will tip off their 2026 playoff run with a home game at the Paycom Center in downtown OKC.

The players

Isaiah Hartenstein

The OKC Thunder center who executive produced the documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard' to educate people, especially younger generations, about the city's resilient response to the 1995 bombing.

Zachary Taub

The Boston-based director and executive producer who collaborated with Hartenstein on the new short film.

Kari Watkins

The President and CEO of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, who praised the documentary for teaching 'the brutality of evil' and 'the tenderness of the response' to the 1995 attack.

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What they’re saying

“When I signed here two summers ago, Sam Presti took us to the (Oklahoma City National) Memorial, and just going through there and just seeing how the city responded really changed my mind about what it is to really give back.”

— Isaiah Hartenstein, OKC Thunder Center

“Being able to really hear their stories and let the interviewees talk about what they wanted to tell people about the Oklahoma Standard ... was such a pleasure for me.”

— Zachary Taub, Director and Executive Producer of 'The Oklahoma Standard'

“Kids today ... they didn't live through this. So, we have to consciously teach them this story — and teach them how, even in the bad, in the dark, light can come from it.”

— Kari Watkins, President and CEO, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

What’s next

The documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard' will be available for public viewing online via Isaiah Hartenstein's YouTube channel starting on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

The takeaway

Hartenstein's documentary serves as an important reminder that even in the face of unspeakable tragedy, the Oklahoma City community responded with an outpouring of compassion, generosity and resilience that has become known as the 'Oklahoma Standard.' By sharing this story with new generations, the film aims to inspire others to embody those same values of community and service.