Simply Indie Film Fest brings more than movies

Edmond’s tiara of burgeoning creativity just got another diamond. Visitors notice public art every day, from murals and sculptures to light shows and interactive pieces. Families attend street festivals like VIBES, Heard on Hurd and Edmond Arts Festival. But did you know Edmond also hosts its own film festival? Simply Indie Film Fest will return to Edmond this month with more than 70 films for viewing from Thursday, February 24 through Saturday, February 26. 

Founding the festival

Independent films are diamonds in the rough – gems that spend their time being polished and campaigning for viewers at festivals, which include more than 8,000 events across the nation. Some of the top U.S. film festivals are in locations like Telluride, CO; Park City, UT; Austin, TX; and Santa Barbara, CA, but Oklahoma has started a few of its own.

In the 20th year of Oklahoma City’s deadCenter Film Festival in 2020, the event hosted 35,000 attendees and had an economic impact of more than $5.5 million. Coordinators of deadCenter attended Simply Indie in 2020 and said Edmond was as successful in its first year as they were in their seventh year.

Simply Indie founders Lynzi and Marisa Carlson are long-time Edmond residents and started the festival in 2020 to connect movie lovers, filmmakers, screenwriters, and photographers. The first festival showcased shorts, feature films, a screenplay event and a photography contest. 

The vision of Simply Indie is to become a vital part of the Edmond arts and Oklahoma film communities and to showcase thought-provoking films that open our minds to endless possibilities. 

Edmond’s community support

Local businesses and organizations have embraced Simply Indie Film Fest to make it a successful city-wide event, including presenting sponsor Edmond Electric. 

“Edmond has a robust commitment to the arts in all forms and genres,” said Glenn Fisher, director of electric utility. “Edmond Electric’s title sponsorship is a way to honor that commitment, while showcasing the community-wide support that helped our city earn Oklahoma Film Friendly Certification. This festival shines a spotlight on both local and national talent and that helps spread the word about all that Edmond has to offer to both residents and visitors.”  

Other sponsors include Visit Edmond, The Lark, Empire Slice House, Fields Jewelry, Randel Shadid and Edmond Ambucs. 

“Bringing many forms of arts to Edmond is what our members continually choose to support,” said Andrea Buckelew, Edmond Ambucs board chair. “While the missions of our two groups may be different, our organizations working together make Edmond stronger and an amazing place for us all to call home.”

Find your favorite film

Simply Indie will host more than 70 independent films throughout the weekend in genres including animation, horror, documentary, comedy, action, native American, student and foreign at ShowBiz Cinemas. 

“We are proud to host and honored to be a part of Edmond’s cultural and arts community,” said Jeremy Devine, vice president of marketing at ShowBiz. “Our state-of-the-art seats, sight and sound will help showcase the talented independent filmmakers’ works.”

The party kicks off at The Patriarch Craft Beer House & Lawn on Thursday, February 24, and after parties will be held at Edmond Railyard on Friday night and at Frenzy Brewing Co on Saturday night.

“Being involved in community activities is extremely important to Frenzy, so we’re especially excited about events that build community with its citizens,” said Jeremy Estle, partner of Frenzy Brewing Co. “We look forward to patrons and guests coming to our taproom to gather over a beer and discuss the various films they saw during the festival.”

The Simply Indie Film Fest has multiple ticket options including an all-access pass for $40, a weekend pass (Friday and Saturday without parties) for $30, a day pass for $15 or kickoff party ticket for $10 at the Simply Indie website.