The 21st Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF21) announces “Rediscover Oakland” to utilize film to improve Oakland’s economy. (OIFF21) kicks off Sept 14th, 2023 at the Historical Grand Lake Theater.

September the 14th, 2023 is the first day of this years 21st Oakland International Film Festival.

The main destination area for day 1 is the Lake Merritt area of Oakland. Not only is this district the home of the Historic Grand Lake Theater, it is also the home of this years prime location for filmmaker q & a ‘s, before and after screenings at Cana Bar and Lounge.

One of this years goals is to demonstrate through the Oakland International Film Festival, that film can be utilized as a vehicle to stimulate Oakland’s economy.

To promote this relationship  of film and improving our local Oakland’ economy, this years Oakland International Film Festival is launching Rediscover Oakland. 

After having several conversations with random individuals about the changes in Oakland during and after COVID and personally experiencing  venues, i.e theaters, schools, restaurants, who we work with, go out of business, put us on a expedition of discovery in the City of Oakland.


To rediscover, means since COVID, what changes are there in Oakland? Better yet, now that the smoke seems to have cleared, who is still standing and how can we utilize film to promote their businesses to keep them standing, while promoting the independent filmmaker