The Duncan, Oklahoma based Trail Dance Film Festival began in 2006 and lasts for three days each year. The event programs around 100 movies, helping filmmakers showcase their work to locals and visitors from around the country. Trail Dance is also one of the top Oklahoma film festivals that attract submissions from other countries. Submissions to this event have come from Australia, Hawaii, Sweden, France, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the Netherlands.
Some filmmakers who had films screened at Trail Dance went on to receive additional opportunities such as distribution with the Starz cable network, directing opportunities on ABC’s Wife Swap and roles on NBC’s Heroes. Film submissions are reviewed by a judging panel that rates each entry on specific criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the festival. Submissions are judged on production quality, lighting, sound, acting, directing and story. Filmmakers with movies accepted into the festival receive four passes to attend and discounts on additional tickets.
The Trail Dance Film Festival gives out over two dozen “Golden Drover Awards” for short and feature length films in a variety of genres including comedy, thriller and drama. Awards given also include “Best Native American Film”, “Best Experimental Film”, “Best Foreign Film”, “Best Director” and “Best in Festival”. Trail Dance provided a $2,000 scholarship to one winning Oklahoma high school filmmaker in 2010.