Bringing talented behind-the-scenes people like Producer Mike S. Ryan to Oak Cliff is a big reason why the 1st annual OCFF was a real hit. Click thru for photos and more video interviews from the Festival.
The Texas Theatre joined with 6 other venues to show films and 1 party house. The venues were scattered around OC and South Dallas, one was a packed Kessler Theatre.
Another a captivated audience at the intimate Bishop Arts Theater Center.
Chris James Thompson took home the OCFF 2012 Documentary Film Competition award for his captivating look into Jeffery Dahmer in Jeff. I was able to chat with Chris just before he boarded a train headed for Milwaukee.
Back to the wonderful venues. There was the quaint room with Red Hook beer and red curtains at the Texas Theatre.
The atmosphere was intimate, inventive and intriguing. In fact I really loved the red look so much I got kick-ass director Mike Malloy to have our interview in the Red Hook Red Room Lounge.
More on Mike’s latest film, here.
The OCFF really showcased its muscle over the weekend though. Saturday the buzz was all about Love and a .45 being shown with charismatic Director C.M. Talkington and Star Rory Cochrane in attendance.
Of all the filmmakers and guests at the festival, Carty appeared the most excited by the whole experience. He was awarded a special prize on closing night, a reel the Texas Theatre fellas found in the basement. Carty was so happy that he promised, “To bring back this filled with film and ready to play at the Texas in 1 or 2 years”. But Saturday held its own special time as the Q & A was a real hoot. Moderator Robert Wilonsky seemed to have a real blast.
The reserved and quiet Rory Cochrane seemed to break open from his normal shell at the OCFF. He was out and about even sticking around for Sunday’s Closing Night ceremony in which Carty received the special gift. Rory had some really amazing things to say about the OCFF. He seemed so at home in the OC.
Overall though I think the element that made the OCFF experience shine was the involvement of the Dallas Zoo. The Zoo closed the festival (minus parties later on).
The element of children at the event really gave the OCFF a wonderful opportunity to grow its audience.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (Greatness!) was the final film and all those that came out that night got to meet some real life critters and creatures.
Alright he’s not real. But these guys/gals sure are.
Gator scales were like little pieces of armor. Now speaking of armor.
Sonny (I always lean on the Corleone spelling of “Sunny”) was a hungry fella, he kept racing off to grab some grass to munch on.
I had the luxury of befriending a Zoo guide who was turning out lights and waterfalls for the animals when I asked if I could tag along. We started out with these two bad cats.
Interesting fact, male cougars don’t normally act all chummy. These two guys have had their manly parts taken out so they can live in bosom buddy harmony. Either way they were still a scary looking duo. I was so afraid of these fellas I certainly didn’t ask their names.
“So you don’t like me calling you Kittie!?! Cool No Problem!”. Off to hang out with Mrembo (Beautiful in Swahili) the Black Rhino.
Dude was fast asleep and no matter how many times I sang In The Jungle he wouldn’t wake up.
But you know who was wide awake?
Those darn Flamingos party late! I’m just glad I didn’t call them pelicans like Tony.
If you want to fly at the zoo, holla at Timbo the Trolly driver. Kid snaked us thru the Zoo in no time at all.
A few more shout outs. The Oak Cliff Film Festival did a great job bringing out the finest of folks.
Check out the Pearl Snap Shirt from Captain Fort Worth. That’s loyalty!!! Mad love Frank.
But all the love really needs to go to the four horsemen.
All the information you’d ever want to know about the films, filmmakers, venues and much more at the OCFF website.