Oklahoma Teen Film Festival 

The future of Oklahoma’s film industry starts with students. 

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Megan Cox, assistant chair of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Central Oklahoma. “I’ve been sitting down with state representatives talking about how to grow this industry. It really starts with high school and college and workforce development.” 

That vision is at the heart of the Oklahoma Teen Film Festival, now in its second year. The festival takes place on March 28 on UCO’s campus and is designed for teens ages 13 to 19 who attend school or homeschool anywhere in Oklahoma. 

“This started as an idea I shared with my colleagues Milos Ajdinovic and Mark Scott,” Cox said. “We were running a film camp and realized a uniquely Oklahoman teen film festival was missing.” 

The festival was built almost entirely by students. Cox’s strategic communications seniors designed the event from the ground up during a campaigns course, using deadCenter Film as a resource. Several students stayed on for independent study to help run the first festival, and a new group of seniors is leading the effort this year. 

“The students change out every year, so there’s always trial and error,” Cox said. “Last year we had about 100 people, 20 film submissions, and screened eight films. This year, we expect to double in size.” 

Film submissions cover categories including horror, comedy, drama, documentary, and microfilm, which is three minutes or less. Films must be under 15 minutes total. 

“A lot of students shoot short documentaries or really creative horror films,” Cox said. “What’s special is that every student who submits gets feedback from industry judges who have actually worked in film.” 

Even students who do not submit films can attend workshops on production, makeup, cinematography, animation, stop-motion, and screenwriting. “It’s all about making sure young people are heard and supported,” Cox said. 

She credits deadCenter for helping make that possible. “We wouldn’t have been able to do this without them,” she said. “Victor Caballero jumped right in, and their Teen Board will even come to speak at the festival.” 

For Cox, the festival is also a window into UCO’s hands-on approach. “We’re smaller than some of the bigger schools, but you will know your professors, and they will know you,” she said. “We are deeply connected to the industry, and our students are prepared to walk into jobs when they leave.” Student organizers say that connection is what makes the event special. 

“The best part of this event is that it’s reaching young filmmakers across the state,” said Phoebe Hilliard, a graduating senior serving as marketing and content creator. “The film community is growing every year, and it’s amazing to see future filmmakers want to be involved.” 

Libbie Smith, a senior and event manager, said the festival feels personal. “It brings together two communities that shaped my path, deadCenter and UCO,” she said. “It creates a space where teens can see their work on screen and connect with the film community.” 

Cox sees it as a preview of what’s coming. “There are future filmmakers here,” she said. “As Oklahoma continues to make room for film, these students are going to do great things.” 

The festival will be held March 28, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets and full festival details are available at filmfreeway.com/OklahomaTeenFilmFestival.