Darkwood Film Arts Institute (DFAI) is an eleven year old nonprofit organization established to create educational, economic and cultural development to enhance the success of Independent Filmmakers and Screenwriters, Actors and Directors.

 

 

A 'bare bones' budget is one that is far left of a million dollars, usually helmed by a multi-tasking filmmaker that produces an independent motion picture by any means necessary.  We adopted the name as representative of the kinds of films to be screened and exhibited.

 

Muskogee, OK is the 4th largest populated city in the state of Oklahoma, boasting some of the states most outstanding landmarks and museums and industries.  With Oklahoma being situated in the middle of the USA, you can travel from Tulsa to either coast in the same amount of time, making it a perfect location for this event.   "Proud to be an Okie From Muskogee" was named top city country song by CMT.  Eddie Burris & Merle Haggard penned the lyrics to this song in the dressing room of Muskogee's Civic Center. 

 

You have a couple of options for getting to Muskogee from the Tulsa International Airport. (about a 45 minute drive) Rent a car from one of the outlets and take the scenic drive from Tulsa through Broken Arrow to your final destination.  Carpools with other arriving passengers is a money-saver.  Or, you may request a Festival shuttle provided by volunteers who will pick up as many as feasible within a specified time range.  This will require prior notice for coordination.  There is no other established transportation options.

We do not recommend hitchhiking.

 

Veteran and Newcomer Volunteers handle all aspects of the festival.  A steering committee plans the events and joins enthusiastic volunteers is carrying them out.

 

The historic Roxy Theatre is located at 220 W. Okmulgee in the heart of downtown.  Two film venues are available.

 

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is located at 401 S. 3rd Street in the Museum District.  Music and Film Venue.

 

Max's Garage is located at 116 S. Main (at Broadway) and will be our main music venue with 3 stages.

 

Muskogee Civic Center is located at 4th & Okmulgee and boasts a wide array of venues for panels, workshops, & movie screenings.  Market Square (outdoor venue) is located in front of the Civic Center.

 

Dickison Theatres are located inside of Arrowhead Mall and will offer a stadium seating venue.

 

Yes, for the general public, there is a special Opening night reception and a Awards Gala afterparty.  See ticketing page for prices to these events.  There are also filmmaker sponsored parties and special guest parties held throughout the festival, open to all-access passholders and sponsors and volunteers.

 

JURIED AWARDS for are given in the categories of Best Screenplay, Best Feature, Best Mini, Best Short, Best Documentary, Best Music Video, Best Soundtrack, Best Student, Best TV pilot. 

 

INDIE AUTEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD is given to the feature filmmaker who demonstrates the best entrepreneurial spirit for getting their project made By Any Means Necessary (BAMN) in terms of positions on and off the set and the most efficient budget.

 

AUDIENCE CHOICE Awards are selected by registered attendee balloting for movies and movie poster art. 

 

GENRE AWARDS are given for Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Horror/Thriller, Best Sci-Fi, Best Family, Best Western.  (partial listing) 

 

SPECIAL AWARD CATEGORIES: Oscar Micheaux Spirit Award, Lois J. Weber Spirit Award, Native Vision Award, and the Rick Schmidt Excellence in Independent Filmmaking Award.

 

Films for the Bare Bones International Film Festival are selected by the programming committee for acceptance.  An open call runs from August through December.  Each submitted film is viewed in it's entirety by the committee using a judging point system.  All are considered for awards but not guaranteed a screening.  Entry forms are available online.  Programming inquiries should be sent to barebonesfilmfestivals@yahoo.com   401 W. Broadway, Suite 308 Muskogee, OK 74401

 

Unproduced screenplays may be submitted online in pdf or word along with an entry form.  Hard copies may also be submitted for consideration.  A reading team reads all scripts in their entirety using a point judging system.  Finalists may be invited for a live reading during the festival.  Winners are announced during the Awards Gala. Inquiries should be sent to barebonesfilmfestivals@yahoo.com

 

Volunteers are welcome.  For a volunteer request form, click on the volunteer link.  We offer special daily drawings for volunteers only.  Volunteers are also able to participate in all aspects of the film festival in accordance with their volunteer hours.   For more info, contact barebonesfilmfestivals@yahoo.com

 

A number of generous sponsors make this festival possible.  Visit our sponsor link for sponsor opportunities.  Sponsor banners are listed on the main festival page. Send inquiries about customizing your sponsor offer to shironbutterfly@gmail.com  or for more information about sponsoring an event, program, party, award, etc.

 

Darkwood Film Arts Institute (DFAI)  and the City of Muskogee are our Producing Sponsors.  Additional sponsors include the Chamber of Commerce, Muskogee Development, Muskogee Phoenix, Love Bottling, Muskogee Area Arts Council and other local and regional businesses and individuals.

 

For media information, press releases, contact Oscar Ray-Marketing Director-918-616-1335  barebonespress@yahoo.com

 

We offer ticketing options:  'a la carte' for those who just want to sample a few of the festival offerings and our main course is a 'buffet' pass where the festival goers have many options and can pick and choose what they want for one low price.

 

On festival website: www.barebonesfilmfestivals.org

by mail: 401 W. Broadway, Suite 308 Muskogee, OK 74401

Tickets will be held at Box Office for easy pickup.