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Lisandro Boccacci - Filmmaker, Actor, Visionary
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 16, 1986, Lisandro Boccacci is a fiercely independent filmmaker, actor, and artist driven by an unwavering passion for cinema. Descended from literary icon Giovanni Boccaccio and survivors of both World Wars, his heritage is marked by resilience, intellect, and creativity. His mother, Liliana Irene Boccacci, was a ballet dancer and instructor; his father, Tomas Alberto Boccacci, was a trailblazing computer programmer for airlines and metro rail systems. His grandfather, Alberto Tomas Boccacci, was Argentina's first chemical engineer, while his maternal grandfather, Nilson Jaurigui, helped establish the town of Lobería, where the family still owns farmland.
Lisandro’s love for film began in childhood when his grandfather introduced him to Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights. From that moment, the screen became his calling. His education spanned continents—studying in Valbonne, France; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Miami, Florida, where his family survived Hurricane Andrew. At age 13, Lisandro confronted a battle far fiercer than any script—cancer. Emerging stronger, his dream of becoming a leading Hollywood actor only intensified.
He studied theater and film at Tulsa Community College and the University of Tulsa, acting and working behind the scenes on green screen sequences for stage productions like 1984 and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Despite repeated battles with cancer, surgeries, and radiation, he relentlessly pursued his cinematic goals. At 15, he directed and completed his first no-budget feature film using a handheld camera, becoming the youngest person in Oklahoma to write, produce, and direct a feature film. Three self-financed films have premiered at Cinemark in Tulsa, cementing his reputation as a fearless storyteller.
A Career Marked by Perseverance & Innovation
In 2010, Lisandro became the first and youngest Oklahoma filmmaker to win the Indie Auteur Award, honoring independent filmmakers who write, direct, and produce their own projects. By 2025, he earned a second nomination—being the only Oklahoma filmmaker to receive this recognition twice.
In 2024, celebrating 25 years as a local independent filmmaker, Lisandro led over 100 screening events across theaters, festivals, comic cons, pubs, cafés, restaurants, and other venues, showcasing fellow local filmmakers and proving independent cinema thrives.
Beyond filmmaking, Lisandro has expanded creative boundaries through immersive storytelling. Alongside Gene Barber, he transformed an entire movie theater into a haunted house, ranking second scariest haunted house in Oklahoma in 2025 (behind The Guthrie Haunts). He also reinvented the modern nickelodeon experience by turning an upstairs patio into a pop-up movie theater, reviving silent film screenings with a contemporary flair.
Championing Independent Filmmakers & Bold Storytelling
In 2025, Lisandro launched The Indie Showcase, a grassroots platform connecting emerging independent filmmakers, established local talent, and audiences seeking fresh voices. This initiative evolved into the 24 US City Short Film Competition & International Short Film Awards on FilmFreeway, providing underrepresented filmmakers a stage.
Currently, Lisandro works as a ghostwriter for a series, develops new projects, grows his YouTube channel, and pursues painting, with works displayed at Geaux Shows in Broken Arrow—some personally signed by celebrities.
His 17th feature film, Stray Kids, had a private screening in 2024, concluding 15 years of effort and marking his final solo project as an Indie Auteur. To celebrate his 25th anniversary, he released Volume I and II, a curated collection of short films that trace his journey from humble beginnings to his most elaborate works.
Fearless Storytelling & Controversial Artistry
Known for bold storytelling that explores drama, conflict, and the human experience, Lisandro tackles diverse subjects often challenging societal norms. He was the first Oklahoma filmmaker to create a short film about the Tulsa Race Massacre—An Open Letter to the City of Tulsa—calling for acknowledgment and progress on its 100th anniversary.
A self-taught historian and amateur expert on Native American culture, Lisandro’s passion for history deepened upon discovering his birthday coincides with Oklahoma’s statehood anniversary. This fascination enriches his work with depth and authenticity.
In Tulsa, Lisandro is a controversial figure, confronting elitism and systemic discrimination within the local film community. Unafraid to push boundaries, he holds a mirror to society, demanding uncomfortable truths be faced. His outspoken nature and refusal to conform have earned both respect and backlash, including exclusion from certain local institutions.
Despite years of bullying, discrimination, and rumors, Lisandro persevered. He was the first local filmmaker invited as a guest on the Coca-Cola Porch on Channel Six, paving the way for others. His legacy spans both major studio films and local indie productions.
A Fighter, Visionary, Survivor
Lisandro has endured personal and professional hardships, including false accusations and harassment resulting in an FBI investigation that cleared him of any wrongdoing—yet, due to lingering rumors, security remains tight around him. Public perception, abuse from parts of the Tulsa film community, and the psychological strain of unfair labeling caused a serious mental health crisis. After months of therapy, training, and self-reflection, he emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined—embodying the spirit of “staying gold,” a phrase popularized by The Outsiders. As an outsider filmmaker who stays gold, Lisandro is dedicated to self-improvement and his craft. His longevity in Oklahoma, national recognition, and state awards have solidified him as the state’s Indie Auteur, bringing a fresh, bold voice to the scene.
His journey exemplifies resilience, reinvention, and relentless creativity. With hundreds of hours on major film sets, a reputation for fearless storytelling, and an unquenchable passion, he is ready for the next chapter.
With his final solo film complete, Lisandro is actively seeking:
- Serious mentorship from a producer to navigate SAG film complexities and guide him as a director, writer, producer, actor, and passionate filmmaker
- Representation (agent, manager) to secure larger acting roles
- New acting and filmmaking opportunities that align with his bold, unapologetic artistic vision
Lisandro Boccacci is more than a filmmaker—he is a movement. His story continues to unfold, and the best is yet to come.
