OKC Thunder to debut Bismack Biyombo documentary at deadCenter Film Festival

He hasn't been with the Oklahoma City Thunder for long, but the team is already putting its appreciation for Bismack Biyombo on film.

OKCThunder Films, a collaboration between the Thunder’s broadcasting and basketball communications departments, announced Thursday that the veteran NBA center will be the subject of the new short documentary "BISMACK."

"BISMACK" will premiere in June during Oklahoma City's 24th Annual deadCenter Film Festival.

The 2024 deadCenter Film Fest is set for June 6-9 in downtown OKC, with screenings at Harkins Bricktown 16, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Rodeo Cinema Film Row, Scissortail Park and the new dC Hub at the Fordson Hotel (formerly 21c Museum Hotel).

Passes for the fest are on sale for $200 at deadcenterfilm.org.

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"It has been an honor to partner with the OKC Thunder to showcase the dynamic sports documentaries that they produce. What an exciting time to be in the playoffs again, and we can't wait to show deadCenter audiences the immense impact of charitable players like Bismack," said deadCenter Film Executive Director Cacky Poarch.

What can OKC Thunder fans expect from the new Bismack Biyombo short documentary?

The short documentary "BISMACK" will take viewers through the challenges, conflicts and triumphs of Biyombo, 31, who signed to the OKC Thunder in February.

Growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Biyombo had a dream to play in the NBA, even before he had basketball shoes to wear. His basketball journey as a teenager took him to multiple countries before he was drafted into the NBA in 2011.

As a 19-year-old rookie, he quickly realized he had a platform that could be used to provide opportunities for the Congo and its people, so he formed the Bismack Biyombo Foundation. His basketball camps have brought the love of the game to hundreds of young players, include several who have followed him into the NBA.

Biyombo has played with the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Hornets), Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns before coming to the Thunder. 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.

“This is the seventh OKCThunder Film to debut at deadCenter. 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," said Dan Mahoney, co-executive producer for OKCThunder Films.