“BISMACK” debuts June 7 during deadCenter Film Festival
OKCThunder Films released the trailer for its latest project, “BISMACK.” The story winds viewers through the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs of Oklahoma City Thunder center Bismack Biyombo. The free admission film debut is set for Friday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Harkins Theatre as part of the 24th annual deadCenter Film Festival.
Growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and even before he wore basketball shoes, Biyombo dreamed of playing in the NBA. His basketball journey as a teenager took him to multiple countries before he achieved the dream and was drafted into the NBA in 2011. It’s a journey his parents in the Congo advised against, but his heart and drive to excel led him in another direction, while never forgetting his roots.
Biyombo’s true dream was more than just hoops. He wanted to make his home country a place where people would want to stay and not leave for other opportunities. Throughout his NBA career, he has raised millions of dollars to build schools, sports facilities, and health care programs. He even donated his entire NBA salary one season to build a hospital in the Congo in honor of his father, who died of COVID-19.
“This is the seventh OKCThunder Film to debut at deadCenter,” said Dan Mahoney, OKCThunder Films co-executive producer. “We love the partnership and the creative energy the festival brings to our community. This year we are proud to be able to tell Bismack’s story.”
Segments of the film were recorded utilizing cutting-edge technology at Oklahoma City’s One Set Studio. That includes the use of One Set’s dynamic and immersive 40-foot-wide curved LED wall as a virtual backdrop.
Other OKCThunder Films projects that made their debut at deadCenter include “Mr. Thunder” (2018), “Growing Up George” (2019), “The Everyday Saint” (2020), “Pause the Game” (2021), “Seeds of Greenwood” (2022), and “Steps” (2023). Several have won regional Emmy Awards, and “Seeds of Greenwood” was screened at the White House and South by Southwest’s Education Conference.
The complete library of OKCThunder Films is available at okcthunderfilms.com.