Isaiah Hartenstein, an OKC Thunder center, explores the legacy of the Oklahoma City bombing in his documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard.' The film aims to educate both local youth and a global audience about the impact of the tragedy.
Key points
Isaiah Hartenstein is an OKC Thunder center.
He produced the documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard.'
The film focuses on the legacy of the Oklahoma City bombing.
Hartenstein aims to educate local youth and a global audience.
The project is part of his philanthropic efforts through the Hartenstein Foundation.
Mentioned in this story
Isaiah HartensteinHartenstein FoundationOklahoma City
Still, the Oklahoma City bombing — in an indirect but very real way — has changed the OKC Thunder center's life.
"When I signed here two summers ago, Sam Presti took us to the (Oklahoma City National) Memorial, and just going through there and just seeing how the city responded really changed my mind about what it is to really give back," Hartenstein told The Oklahoman.
"It definitely had a huge impact on my life, and I just wanted to make sure I could share with people — for a new generation in Oklahoma City that maybe doesn't know that much about it, but then also for people around the world."
So, the Portland, Oregon-born German American NBA star tried something he'd never done before, executive producing the powerful new short documentary “The Oklahoma Standard" through his Hartenstein Foundation.
"Coming here, I didn't really know so much about it, and it really helped change my perspective," Hartenstein said. "That was our biggest goal, just educating people on the Oklahoma Standard, just helping people maybe change their views a little bit on giving back. That's definitely important to me, but then also just showing people how great Oklahoma City is."
Q&A
What is the documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard' about?
The documentary 'The Oklahoma Standard' explores the legacy of the Oklahoma City bombing and its impact on the community.
How did the Oklahoma City bombing influence Isaiah Hartenstein's life?
The Oklahoma City bombing influenced Hartenstein's life by inspiring him to give back to the community after visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
Who is involved in the production of 'The Oklahoma Standard'?
Isaiah Hartenstein is the executive producer of 'The Oklahoma Standard,' produced through his Hartenstein Foundation.
What is the significance of the Oklahoma City bombing for new generations?
The significance lies in educating new generations in Oklahoma City and beyond about the tragedy and its lasting effects on the community.
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Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
How can fans see Isaiah Hartenstein's new Oklahoma City bombing short documentary?
On Sunday, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will host the 31st Annual Remembrance Ceremony to honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever by the events of April 19, 1995.
It was on that day in downtown Oklahoma City that a truck bomb parked outside the Murrah Building detonated at 9:02 a.m., leaving 168 people dead, including 19 children, and injuring more than 680 others.
After the 8:45 a.m. Remembrance Ceremony, the reigning champion Thunder will tip off their 2026 playoff run in downtown OKC with a home game at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Paycom Center.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
"It's definitely interesting timing. I think it's definitely a special day in Oklahoma City's history. ... We have the privilege to play, not just for ourselves, but also for the city," Hartenstein said. "I'm excited for the playoffs to start, excited for us to play for the city again, but then also just excited the documentary comes out."
The documentary short "The Oklahoma Standard" will be available for public viewing online via Hartenstein's YouTube channel starting Sunday. The Thunder's starting center said making the 14-minute film free and easily accessible was vital to ensuring it hit its goal.
"It was really important ... that anyone can watch it, if it's a kid that's just at home that doesn't know much about it," Hartenstein said.
"I'm really grateful for the Thunder organization, Mr. (Clay) Bennett, Sam Presti. I think they do a great job of just showing us a certain standard that we have to apply to help the community out."
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
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View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
1 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
2 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
3 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
4 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
5 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
6 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
7 / 7
View photos of Isaiah Hartenstein's OKC screening of his new short film
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
What is 'The Oklahoma Standard'?
The new short documentary immediately immerses people in the chaotic terror of the April 19, 1995, bombing. Within the first 3 1/2 minutes, though, the archival footage shifts to images of Oklahomans delivering food, water and medical supplies, plus waiting in line for hours to donate blood.
In the days and years that followed the bombing, the consistent acts of compassion, generosity and neighborly support by Oklahomans became known as "the Oklahoma Standard."
"We watched a couple (of documentaries) about the bombing, and it was mostly always focused on the bad stuff," Hartenstein said. "No one was really focusing so much on how Oklahoma City responded and how important the Oklahoma Standard was ... for our community, but also for the world."
Before Hartenstein approached him with the project, Zachary Taub, the Boston-based director and executive producer of the new short film, said he didn't know much about the Oklahoma City bombing, except that it had shocked the world as the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
"Isaiah and I weren't born in Oklahoma, and we weren't even alive during the time of the bombing. ... But we wanted to tell it in an authentic way. So, that was the biggest first part is that we had to educate ourselves," Taub said.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Ahead of the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, OKC Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his Isaiah Hartenstein Foundation hosted a special screening of "The Oklahoma Standard,” a new documentary about the community's response to the April 19, 1995, tragedy.
Much like Presti did for Hartenstein, Taub said the Thunder center and his mother, along with National Memorial & Museum President and CEO Kari Watkins and other staffers, took the filmmaker on a tour of the museum to get him started. From there, Taub researched the bombing and its aftermath and did interviews with survivors, first responders and family members of those who died.
"Being able to really hear their stories and let the interviewees talk about what they wanted to tell people about the Oklahoma Standard ... was such a pleasure for me," Taub said.
"I think Isaiah is such a role model in that regard. ... In less than a year, he took up this Oklahoma Standard by leading and responding to things how the people of Oklahoma responded. I hope the kids that watch this, and I hope the people that are fans of Isaiah that see this, are like, 'If Isaiah does it, and I look up to Isaiah, that means I should do it, too.'"
At the National Memorial, Watkins praised Taub and Hartenstein for helping to share the Oklahoma Standard with new generations as well as people around the globe.
"In 15 minutes, they tell the story well. ... There's a line in our mission statement that talks about this memorial should make sure that it teaches the brutality of the evil and tenderness of the response. That's what their video does: It teaches the brutality of evil. You see the horror, and you see the good that came out of the evil act," she said.
"Kids today ... they didn't live through this. So, we have to consciously teach them this story — and teach them how, even in the bad, in the dark, light can come from it."
Since moving to OKC, she said that the Thunder star also appeared in a short film called "Better Conversations with Isaiah Hartenstein" that the memorial's outreach team takes on its "Journey of Hope" program to schools and youth groups statewide.
"When you look at the Thunder, they've all done incredible work. They've all given back to the community. ... But he's done more in the short time he's been here than anyone I've ever seen. He's made an impact across the city. He's changing lives at the Boys & Girls Club and at Positive Tomorrows. I mean, imagine that: Imagine if you're in a homeless school like Positive Tomorrows, and you've got an NBA star that laser-focuses in, that shows up, gets to know the kids, helps the kids," Watkins said.
"He doesn't have to do that. ... He chooses to do that. His family chooses to give back. And that's a part of the Oklahoma Standard he learned from going through this museum. We don't always get to see the fruits of everyone's labor, but we do get to see this and be a part of it — and it's remarkable."
