OKC Thunder Films debuts 'Steps,' story of Derek Loccident at deadCenter
Derek Loccident had a question Thursday before attending a screening of “Steps,” the latest project from OKCThunder Films.
“Is it cool if I wear shorts?” Loccident asked.
It wasn’t long ago that Loccident avoided shorts, sticking with sweats and jeans to hide his prosthetic left foot. For the former UCO football player, his prosthetic was an embarrassing reminder of a 2018 train accident, in which his foot was severed.
Now, Loccident’s prosthetic is a point of pride. It’s helped fuel the Westmoore grad to the pinnacle of track and field. Next summer in Paris, Loccident will represent the United States in the Paralympic Games as a long jumper and 100-meter sprinter.
“Steps,” which will debut Saturday at deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City, tells the story of Loccident’s inspiring recovery and how he overcame both physical and mental battles.
The 15-minute film is narrated by Loccident and directed by Michael Zubach, a creative lead in the Thunder’s broadcasting department. The cinematography matches the grace and depth of Loccident’s story.
“Absolutely beautiful,” Loccident said after seeing the film for the first time. “Me being the center of that, it still feels unreal.”
“Steps” is the sixth project from Thunder Films to be shown at deadCenter, and it’s the first that doesn’t feature a Thunder connection.
Players and staffers have been the subjects of past Thunder Films, and last year’s film, “Seeds of Greenwood,” highlighted the Thunder Fellows program in Tulsa.
“But as we’ve gone along through this over the years, we wanted to stretch ourselves and really tell great stories,” said Matt Tumbleson, Thunder VP of basketball communications and engagement.
“We want to tell people community hero stories, and Derek is certainly that.”
More: Tramel's ScissorTales: Why Thunder-Nuggets trade of NBA Draft picks makes sense for all
“Steps” was originally scheduled to premiere at an outdoor screening Saturday night at Scissortail Park, but the event has been moved indoors due to the wet weather. "Steps," along with the Indigo Girls biopoic "It’s Only Life After All!," will be shown for free at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Harkins Bricktown 16. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis, and people are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early.
The OKC Thunder short film also will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Harkins as part of deadCenter.
Starting Monday, "Steps" will be available to view on the OKC Thunder's social media, website and mobile app.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder Films debuts 'Steps,' story of Derek Loccident at deadCenter
