Image courtesy of OCFF
2023 marks the most successful year to date for the Oak Cliff Film Festival, organizers say.
“This year we had a mix of unexpected movie and musical ingredients suspended in a diverse conssumé of human experience. OCFF 2023 delivered an eclectic menu of films, shorts and live performances never before seen in Dallas, many unseen statewide, and once-in-a-lifetime moments which the audiences lined up for in huge numbers,” according to a OCFF presser. “The organization saw a 30% increase in badge and ticket sales over 2022 and the highest overall attendance in Oak Cliff Film Fest history. Clearly OCFF is growing, and appropriately representing the unique and sundry beauty the neighborhood of Oak Cliff has always had.”
Oak Cliff native Lizbeth Luz Sanchez, box office co-coordinator, called the festival and “surreal experience.”
“Growing up with my dad’s side of the family in Oak Cliff, I always got this magical feeling about the West side of town. I’m grateful to live the dream in my hood surrounded by filmmakers of all kinds,” Lizbeth said. “I’m proud to be a part of a growing organization that highlights indie filmmaking among underrepresented communities. Here’s to making movie magic no matter who you are.”
Movie makers raved about the weekend’s events.
“Oak Cliff was a perfect festival experience. The festival organizers took such good care of us, and I had a blast watching the impeccable line up of lovingly-crafted indies at the incredible Texas Theater. Can’t wait to come back next year,” said Olivia West Lloyd, director of Somewhere Quiet.
“OCFF was a wonderful experience where I got to watch great films and meet great filmmakers. They do a fantastic job of creating community and their programming is first-rate. Couldn’t have asked for a better weekend in Dallas!” said Michael Litwak, writer/ director of Molli and Max In The Future.
Hospitality co-ordinator Ian Loomer says some 60 filmmakers, musicians and artists were involved in the festival.
“It’s amazing to see these creators come back again and again because of the amazing culture that the OCFF leadership creates, the team and staff emulates, and the artists and attendees celebrate,” Ian said.
2023 OCFF awards
Best Narrative Feature: Molli and Max In The Future
Best Documentary Feature: Long Live My Happy Head
Special Jury Mention: Don’t Fall In Love With Yourself
Best Narrative Short: The Sidewalk Artist
Special Jury Mention: Dream Carriers
Best Documentary Short: Breaking Silence
Special Jury Mention: 4DWN
Best Student Short: Comadre
Special Jury Mention: Cats Don’t Sleep At Night
“The overall selection left OCFF decision makers with some tough choices,” according to the press release. “We’d like to acknowledge the esteemed members of this year’s OCFF jury.”
OCFF judges
Filmmaker Neal Creque Williams
Doc. filmmaker and OCFF alumni Bradford Thomason
Filmmaker Merced Eliondo
Filmmaker, OCFF alumni Kelly Williams
Doc. Filmmaker Leigh Steglitz
Denton Black Film Festival’s Linda Eadey
Dallas International Film Fest’s Amber Ekleberry
VideoFest Bart Weiss
Thin Line Film Fest Claire Dejarnett
Independent Film Ops Consultant Gina Cuomo
AMP Creative Ardis Campbell
Film Fest Doctor Rebekah Louisa Smith
Local Radio Host Craig Miller
UNT Media Arts Marielena Resendiz
Melissa ISD Film Teacher Randall Kramen
