OWASSO, Okla. — Cherokee Film Institute is now accepting applications for its upcoming June and October sessions, continuing its mission to develop Native and local talent for Oklahoma’s growing film and media industry.
Applications are available now at cherokeefilminstitute.com for interested individuals ages 18 and older.
As the world’s first tribally operated film education and workforce development center, CFI trains, develops and elevates Native American and local talent to work professionally in film and media.
Since launching in 2024, the industry-standard certification program has continued to grow. Last year, 36 students graduated from the program and went on to work in a variety of industry roles, including acting, production assistance, producing, wardrobe, art department, podcasting and stunt work.
CFI’s flexible program of study emphasizes craft development, hands-on production training and apprenticeship opportunities that prepare students to enter the workforce with industry-ready skills. The increase in demand for the program prompted the addition of both summer and fall sessions in 2026. CFI will also now accept applications year-round.
“This is such an exciting time for CFI as we see the real impact our program is having on the industry,” said Brettlyn Bevenue, program manager for CFI. “Our local and Native talent are ready and exceedingly capable for the opportunities that lie ahead, and as CFI graduates, they are well-positioned to develop meaningful careers in an industry they love – right here in Oklahoma.”
CFI is part of the broader Cherokee Film ecosystem, based within the Cherokee Nation Reservation in Oklahoma. It includes four distinct branches — Cherokee Film Productions, Cherokee Film Studios, Cherokee Film Commission and Cherokee Film Institute — all working toward a shared goal of advancing narrative sovereignty while creating economic development opportunities within the reservation.