I am no expert in what Oakland was and what Oakland is today. But, i can tell you, since COVID hit in 2020, Oakland, California is different.

My perspective on how Oakland is different revolves around directing The Oakland International Film Festival and therefore utilizing various venues within the City of Oakland to host film screenings, networking events, panel discussions , parties, etc.

Before the pandemic, places, like The Historical Grand Lake Theater and Jack London’s Regal Theater were our main places to screen independent films each year. Holy Names University, The Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Geoffrey Pete’s Inner Circle, The New Parkway, Oakland’s Museum and other smaller venues have also became venues to host The Oakland International Film Festival.
Other the years, I cannot count the times I have heard someone say, “I’ve never been here before,” with I kind of excitement that says, “I will be back.”

Unfortunately, during this pandemic, we lost three venues: Lungomare at Jack London Square and Luka’s Lounge in uptown and recently Holy Names University. All three graciously opened up their restaurants to enable filmmakers / film community to watch films, network, etc. They will be missed…

In addition to the larger venues, mentioned above, Oakland, CA is full of smaller, artistic houses, restaurants that give the culture seeker a taste of Oakland that is constantly in motion 365 days a year. These smaller venues feature new artist, foodies, who operate on a regular basis to showcase their talents to audiences far and wide.

REDISCOVER OAKLAND THRU FILM is a very intentional declaration to add filmmaking, filmmakers into our economy and in our hearts and mind, through the stories they tell, locally and around the world.

REDISCOVER OAKLAND THRU FILM also says to the world outside Oakland, look at Oakland again. Check out the FILMS, THE MUSIC, etc, being Made in Oakland.

REDISCOVER OAKLAND THRU FILM is an opportunity for theaters, restaurants, work spaces, open spaces to join the excitement surrounding The 21st Oakland International Film Festival. Some of he excitement is having your business listed as an official location within the program of The 21st Oakland International Film Festival and meeting artistic creators and their connoisseurs at your business during the festival. Another part of the excitement is to have your company listed in the official Rediscover Oakland Directory for a year and years to come.

REDISCOVER OAKLAND THRU FILM is a vision of utilizing all the aspects of film i.e. writing, directing, editing, producing, marketing, distribution, etc to improve the Oakland economy thru film.

REDISCOVER OAKLAND THRU FAMILYHOOD is a 20 year vision of defining schools as the center of the communities development and promoting an inter-generational organizational structure that’s primary focus is to produce Alumni. Familyhood’s “do now’ strategy to advance towards Familyhood is 1st Saturdays – the official monthly volunteer day (see : http://1stSaturdays.com.

REDISCOVER OAKLAND THRU OUR DIRECTORY AND SUPPORT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES
Add your small business to our business listing and map of Oakland businesses.

As we “rediscover Oakland,, let your business be discovered. Join us today!

No business is too small.

We are also seeking venues to host mixers, podcast, panel discussions and other special events.

If you operate a business that you feel would be a great place to be apart of this years 21st Oakland International Film Festival, contact us.

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David N. Roach