The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Department of Mass Communication, in collaboration with deadCenter Film, invites the public to the inaugural Oklahoma Teen Film Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 5, in the Mass Communication building on UCO’s campus.

The festival will showcase 20 student-directed films across four categories, with cash prizes awarded to the top two films in each category—$100 for first place and $50 for second place. The festival’s overall best film will receive a trophy and two passes to the deadCenter Film Festival in June.

Beyond film screenings, attendees can participate in workshops led by Oklahoma City Community College and Rose State College, panel discussions and a red-carpet awards ceremony. The festival will also feature an opening address from deadCenter’s Teen Board and guest speaker Matt Payne, a filmmaker and media professional, who will join two panel discussions: “The Future of Film in Oklahoma” and “Opportunities for Students in Film.”

Tickets are $10 and available for students, parents and educators. A limited-time promo code is available upon request for a $5 discount. The first 40 students to purchase tickets will receive a free festival t-shirt. Complimentary pizza will be provided at lunchtime.

First and second place winners of each category will receive two free entries to the screening event and monetary prizes.

The overall category winner will also receive a trophy and a free pass to the deadCenter Film Festival 2025.

Awards Ceremony at 4:30 pm

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