SULPHUR, Okla. (KTEN) — Popcorn was popping and cameras were rolling for the eighth annual Holba' Pisachi' Native Film Festival.

"Native film festivals are even more special because they give us a chance to share our tribal stories," said Mark Williams, director of "The Journey of Tiak Kikiya Ohoyo."

The Holba' Pisachi' Native Film Festival returned to the Chickasaw Cultural Center for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, with this year's theme was exhibiting cultural renaissance through indigenous cinema.

"The film festival started in 2015. Since then, we have grown," said Chickasaw Cultural Center executive officer Fran Parchcorn. "Chris Eyre, the director of 'Smoke Signals,' he taught me that film festivals aren't always just about the films; it's about film and fellowship."

Saturday's film festival featured eight films and one video podcast, capped off with the film "Montford: Chickasaw Rancher."

Guest panels and Q-and-A's with film directors also took place, giving film enthusiasts insight into the creative process.

"It's an opportunity for us to network and meet other people in the industry, directors and actors," Williams said.  "Really just getting the feedback... especially the ones who are from that community, seeing their stories told on the big screen. It's something that's exciting for them. They're seeing it for the very first time."

As the Holba' Pisachi' Native Film Festival concludes, Fran Parchcorn says that even with the draw of film enthusiasts, its also an opportunity to celebrate all tribes and museums in the region.