The Red Dirt International Film Festival is where film goes to have fun. We love movies and a good time. We are pleased to showcase films of many genres. The name of the fest is so-called because of central Oklahoma’s uniquely colored red earth.

During its 2-day run March 3-4, 2017, we will feature many films, from full-length movies and documentaries, and short films from filmmakers both local and worldwide. In the past we have featured films from all seven continents, including Antarctica! Red Dirt was formed to bring more inspiration, culture, and entertainment to central Oklahoma, as well as to enliven people of all ages through the united power of the film medium.

Interview with Damon Blalack:

Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Damon Blalack: Allowing them a platform for promoting their work, and putting them into great networking situations.

MT: What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival next year (2017)?

DB: A lot of heart, friendliness, and GREAT films and panels!

MT: What are the qualifications for the selected films?

DB: Something unique, something inspirational on some-level, and well-crafted.

MT: Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

DB: Right. It’s a lot of responsibility for the filmmakers to get their audience together for their film, and for those who don’t do enough promotion, there are always the few gems that win awards despite not-having had an audience.

MT: What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

DB: Helping give back to the film community and film industry by partnering like minds and highlighting the best work!

MT: How has the festival changed since its inception?

DB: Our palette of films has diversified and grown; we’ve grown by leaps in bounds in only three years’ time, receiving much community and statewide support!

MT: Where do you see the festival by 2020?

DB: As a must-attend contender in the region!

MT: What film have you seen the most times in your life?

DB: Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) – Damon
The Cutting Edge (1992) – Marisa

MT: In one sentence, what makes a great film?

DB: Something inspirational to say; well-crafted, and offering a unique voice.

MT: How is the film scene in your city?

DB: Very, very dry and almost otherwise non-existent aside from the festival.

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Damon Blalack (Co-Founder and Executive Director) – Red Dirt founder and Executive Director Damon Blalack is also a filmmaker and current Ph.D. student at Queen’s University, Belfast Ireland. His current focus is on the “fan-edit” film phenomenon, and how it affects the fidelity of adaptive works.

He’s working to crowd-fund a movie-sequel to the 1992 Coppola-directed film, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which is his favourite film, and which is based on his favourite novel, Dracula.

Alongside that film, his lifelong inspiration to become a filmmaker was borne out of the Star Wars saga, of which he has taught courses as a college professor on the mythology of the Star Wars movies and Clone Wars television show. His particular interest is in the prequel films, and Clone Wars series, and part of his current work includes a re-assembly of all 133 episodes of the Clone Wars into a three-film trilogy distillation.

As early as two years old Damon knew he wanted to be a filmmaker, and would project shadows of his action figures onto the walls with lamps. His absolute favourite films include the aforementioned Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) and the Star Wars films (1977-2015), the Universal Classic Monsters films of the 30s and 40s, the Narnia films, and EVERYTHING made by Jodorowsky [El Topo (1970) and Holy Mountain (1973) changed his life!], Kubrick, Melies, Herzog, and Maddin (his favourite filmmakers).

He’s looking-forward to year four of Red Dirt, and very happy to see it growing into such a wonderful staple of the Stillwater and OSU community!

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.