2022 recap.
Check it out!
Wow, what an incredible year 2022 was for the Thunderbird Drone Festival! Our second annual event saw explosive growth in every area! But it wasn't just about the numbers - the festival was an absolute blast from start to finish!
Take a look at our electrifying recap video to see all the highlights of 2022’s festival. Jaw-dropping aerial displays, NW Oklahoma’s first drone light show, thrilling drone races, and learning opportunities were all part of this two day event. There was something for everyone, whether a seasoned drone expert or a curious newcomer.
Don't miss out on the action - join us at our next Thunderbird Drone Festival and experience the excitement for yourself!
Film & Photo Award Winners
Get ready to be blown away by the world's most talented drone filmmakers and photographers as you view the category winners of the 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival! Our team of expert judges sifted through over 200 submissions from every corner of the globe to handpick the crème de la crème of aerial artistry. From breathtaking landscapes to heart-pumping action shots, the following category winners represent the pinnacle of drone cinematography and photography.
PERSPECTIVE.- Simon Mulholland & Timothy Hay - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival Best of Show and Landscape, Architecture, & Sports Category Winner
ICELAND Epic Landscapes from Above - Joshua Sol Turner - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - FPV Category Winner
HOPE - Jun Pyo Hong - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - Narrative, Dronie, & More Category Winner
My Home - Taylor Michael Henderson - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - New Filmmaker Category Winner
Parting Ways - Joanna Steidle - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - Still Photo Category Winner ***Including Other Nominees***
Perspective - Steve Hyde - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - Scavendrone Category Winner ***Including Other Nominees***
Nostalgic - David Joubert - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - OKIE Film Category Winner
The Air Up There - Bret Cromwell - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - OKIE Still Photo Category Winner
One Planet - Naude Heunis - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival Showreel & Commercial Winner
Chandelier Islands 2022 - Kyle Martin - 2022 Thunderbird Drone Festival - Under 18 Category Winner
Drone Day!
Drones In Industry Panel
Our keynote speaker for 2022 was Dr. Jamey Jacob. He is the Director of the OSU Unmanned Systems Research Institute, John Hendrix Chair, and Professor of Aerospace Engineering in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University. His current efforts are focused on observation and measurement applications of unmanned aircraft and their enhanced operation in the national airspace for commercial and industrial applications.
Dr. Jamey Jacob
We assembled a star-studded lineup of top UAS professionals from across Oklahoma for our 2022 drone panel, representing a diverse range of industries and expertise. From drone light shows to military operations and everything in between, our panelists shared their unique insights and experiences, and answered questions from an engaged and curious audience.
A huge shoutout to our esteemed panelists: Brad Snelling from Dynamic Skies Drones Light Shows, Major Karissa Garza of the United States Air Force, Phil Mann from AirWise, Craig Mahaney of UAS Cluster Innovative and Drone Port Network, and Doug Wood of Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission. Their expertise and passion for drones helped make our panel a huge success!
Drone Corral
STEM Projects with NASA & 405 Art Supply
LIftOff Drone Simulators
Sky High Shootout FPV Races
Festival Directors Chris Castor and Nathan Holliday stand next to the 2022 Sky High Shootout race winners. Around 25 racers flew 3” tiny whoops through a slalom of gates and obstacles for a chance to be named the Sky High Shootout Champions.
Left to Right: Nathan Holliday (Festival Director), Alex Martin (2nd), Truc Quach (1st), Jeff West (3rd), and Chris Castor (Festival Director).
The Awards
The winners of the film festival and drone races received these custom laser-cut wooden medals made by Richmond’s Laser Engraving and More (Sharon-Mutual, OK), as well as a cash prize.