Norman Film Festival Returns as the Norman Film Foundation
Broadcast screening and Q&A with Mickey Reece on September 25
Norman, OK - The Norman Film Festival is returning as the Norman Film Foundation after a 6-year hiatus due to the pandemic. It returns with a reinvigorated board and supporters who will bring film and creative media programming to Norman year-round. The foundation debuts Thursday, September 25 at MAINSITE Contemporary Art with a screening of Mickey Reece’s Broadcast, followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker. Screening begins at 8 p.m.
Reece began premiering his films at Opolis in Norman in 2008. By 2016, he had outgrown every room he put them in, and in 2026 his most recent film, Every Heavy Thing (2025), is gaining traction in national film circles as well. The foundation is celebrating 10 years since its premiere at this first event.
The September 25 screening marks the foundation’s first event and the start of monthly programming, with the Norman Film Festival returning in spring 2027. This event will let you meet the team behind the nonprofit and learn firsthand what programming is coming in the new year, as well as when submissions for the film festival will open. Popcorn and light refreshments will be available.
The relaunch follows the City of Norman’s recent certification as an Oklahoma Film Friendly Community, a designation indicating the city has permitting and coordination in place to support production locally. The foundation intends to support that effort by fostering relationships across the state’s film community, developing resources for local talent, and providing a space where filmmakers can get their work seen.
Ahead of the screening, the foundation will appear at Film Friday, a free event hosted by deadCenter Film and the Oklahoma State Fair on Friday, September 18, from 12 to 8 p.m. at the Modern Living Building in Oklahoma City. The inaugural event features short films from across Oklahoma, industry booths, and an awards show honoring local filmmakers. Norman Film Foundation will have a booth with information and goodies.
The Norman Arts Council made the relaunch possible by awarding the Norman Film Foundation the CARY grant to support its return in 2026-2027.
Event Details:
Broadcast screening and Q&A with Mickey Reece
Thursday, September 25, 2026, Screening at 8 p.m.
MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, Norman, OK
Free to attend
About the Norman Film Foundation: Formerly known as the Norman Film Festival, which was shuttered during the 2020 pandemic, Norman Film Foundation returns in 2026 to create a home for film in Norman and build a place where filmmakers have access to year-round resources through monthly screenings, the annual Norman Film Festival, workshops, and industry networking.
The Gayly online. 9/20/26 @ 6:49 p.m. CST.