Vacant Era Film Festival in Norman
Norman readies for film festival
Journal Record
September 23, 2008
NORMAN – Film festivals have surfaced the past few years in a handful of cities in the state, and starting next week, Norman will have its own.
More than 40 films and as many as 2,000 visitors per day are expected for the Vacant Era Film Festival Oct. 2-5 at Sooner Theater in Norman. Admission is $15 per day to see the films that will be spread out over the four days, but much of the supporting musical entertainment and art shows will be free to the public.
Meleah Montgomery, production manager and festival coordinator, said the idea surfaced when a group of Norman filmmakers were formulating ideas for a movie. Ideas for a film turned into ideas for a film festival for Randy Aspell and Corey Allen.
Montgomery said Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal proclaimed the period as Norman Film Festival Week. “The idea evolved and then really snowballed,” Montgomery said. “In the process, we needed something more to unite filmmakers. There’s tons of talent in the state and it’s really spread out.”
Montgomery, Carey Bell, Katie Avila, Madison Belanger and Anthony Pego all came on board in April to begin planning the festival.
Vacant Era Film Festival will feature films made in the state and also will have some from other states and nations.“One of the best things about the festival is that it will draw folks not only from other Oklahoma cities to Norman, but individuals from across the country and internationally,” Montgomery said.
“The city of Norman and its local businesses should benefit from the short-term tourism that the festival will create culturally and economically.”
In addition to the films, the festival will include displays of paintings and sculptures from area artists, music by local bands and musicians and filmmaking workshops. “We decided to do something to promote Oklahoma film and emerging artists,” she said. For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to Vacant Era Films.
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