Lisandro Boccacci

Lisandro Boccacci - Filmmaker, Actor, Visionary Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 16, 1986, Lisandro Boccacci is a fiercely independent filmmaker, actor, and artist with an unrelenting passion for cinema. A descendant of literary giant Giovanni Boccaccio and survivors of both World Wars, Lisandro's lineage is one of resilience, intellect, and creativity. His mother, Liliana Irene Boccacci, was a ballet dancer and instructor, while his father, Tomas Alberto Boccacci, was a pioneering computer programmer for airlines and metro rail systems. His grandfather, Alberto Tomas Boccacci, made history as Argentina's first chemical engineer, while his maternal grandfather, Nilson Jaurigui, helped found the town of Lobería, where his family still maintains farmland.

Lisandro's love for cinema ignited as a young boy when his grandfather introduced him to City Lights by Charlie Chaplin. From that moment on, the screen became his destiny. His journey took him across continents-studying in Valbonne, France; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Miami, Florida, where his family endured the devastating force of Hurricane Andrew. At just 13 years old, he faced a battle far greater than any script could capture-cancer. Yet, he emerged stronger, his dream of becoming a leading man in Hollywood more resolute than ever.

Lisandro studied theater and film at Tulsa Community College and the University of Tulsa, where he not only acted but also worked behind the scenes-creating green screen sequences for stage productions like 1984 and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Despite enduring multiple battles with cancer, surgeries, and radiation treatments, he never stopped chasing his cinematic ambitions. He directed and completed his first no-budget feature film at just 15 years old with a handheld camera, proving that artistry isn't about resources-it's about relentless drive making him the youngest person in Oklahoma to write, produce, direct a feature film. Three of his self-financed films have since premiered at Cinemark in Tulsa, cementing his reputation as a fearless storyteller.

A Career Defined by Perseverance & Innovation In 2010, Lisandro became the first and youngest Oklahoma filmmaker to win the Indie Auteur Award, a prestigious honor recognizing true independent filmmakers who write, direct, and produce their own work. Now, in 2025, he has been nominated for a second time-the only filmmaker in Oklahoma to achieve this honor twice.

In 2024, Lisandro celebrated his 25th anniversary as a local independent filmmaker by spearheading over 100 screening events across movie theaters, festivals, comic cons, local pubs, cafés, restaurants, and venues-highlighting the work of fellow local filmmakers and proving that independent cinema is alive and thriving.

Beyond filmmaking, Lisandro has also pushed creative boundaries in immersive storytelling. He and Gene Barber made history as the first to transform an entire movie theater into a haunted house, ranking second scariest haunted house in Oklahoma in 2025 (The Guthrie Haunts took first place). He also reimagined the modern nickelodeon experience, turning an upstairs patio into a pop-up movie theater, bringing back the magic of silent film screenings with a contemporary twist.

Championing Independent Filmmakers & Bold Storytelling In 2025, Lisandro kick-started a grassroots movement-The Indie Showcase, a platform dedicated to forging connections between emerging independent filmmakers, established local talent, and audiences hungry for something different. This initiative has now grown into the 24 US City Short Film Competition & International Short Film Awards on FilmFreeway, giving underrepresented filmmakers a stage to shine.

Currently, Lisandro is working as a ghostwriter for a series, developing new projects, growing his YouTube channel, and exploring the arts. His paintings are showcased at Geaux Shows in Broken Arrow, with a handful personally signed by famous celebrities.

His 17th feature film, Stray Kids, had a private screening in 2024, marking the culmination of 15 years of effort and serving as his final "solo" project as an Indie Auteur. To commemorate his 25th anniversary, he released Volume I and Volume II-a curated collection of short films that define his journey, from humble beginnings to his most elaborate works.

Fearless Storytelling & Controversial Artistry Lisandro is known for his fearless approach to storytelling, diving deep into drama, conflict, and the authentic human experience. His films cover a diverse range of subjects, often challenging societal norms. He was the first Oklahoma filmmaker brave enough to make a short film about the Tulsa Race Massacre, An Open Letter to the City of Tulsa, urging the city to acknowledge its past and do better for the 100th anniversary.

A self-taught historian and an amateur expert on Native American culture, Lisandro's passion for history deepened when he discovered his birthday (November 16) coincides with Oklahoma's statehood anniversary. His fascination with the past fuels his work, adding layers of meaning and authenticity.

Lisandro is a controversial artist in Tulsa, often challenging the elitism and systemic discrimination within the local film community. Never afraid to push boundaries, he holds a mirror to society, demanding uncomfortable truths be acknowledged. His outspoken nature and refusal to conform have led to both respect and backlash, including exclusion from certain local institutions.

Despite years of bullying, discrimination, and rumors, Lisandro has continued to fight for his place in the industry. He was the first local filmmaker invited to be a guest on the Coca-Cola Porch on Channel Six, paving the way for others to follow. His legacy is already cemented, having worked on both major studio films and local indie productions.

A Fighter, A Visionary, A Survivor Lisandro has faced personal and professional battles, including a traumatic experience involving false accusations and harassment that led to an FBI investigation, which cleared his name of any wrongdoing even though still today they have a Security Gaurd set up become of the rumors surrounding him. The weight of public perception, the abuse from certain members of the Tulsa film community, and the psychological toll of being labeled unfairly caused a serious mental health crisis. However, after months of training, therapy, and self-reflection, he has found his way back-stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever, with his new perspective on life, he emerges as a prime example of staying Gold, a famous staying and quote that was popularized by the movie The Outsiders... Lisandro by all definition is the outsider filmmaker who stays Gold. His dedication to not only improving on himself but his craft, his longevity working in the State of Oklahoma, and his national recognition and state awards have solidified him as Oklahoma's Indie Auteur, bringing a fresh bold voice into the mix.

Lisandro's journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity. Now, with hundreds of hours of experience on major film sets, a reputation for fearless storytelling, and a burning passion for the craft, he is looking for the next step in his career.

With his final solo film behind him, Lisandro is actively seeking:

Serious mentorship from a producer who can help him navigate the complexities of creating SAG films and pushing him in the right direction as a director, writer, producer, actor, lover of films and filmmaking and filmmakers. Representation (agent, manager) to help him break into larger acting roles New acting and filmmaking opportunities that align with his bold, unapologetic artistic vision Lisandro Boccacci is not just a filmmaker-he's a movement. His story is still being written, and the best is yet to come.