TULSA – The annual Circle Cinema Film Festival on July 11-15 will feature a public appearance by Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone, a World Premier with John Gulager, Made in Oklahoma Winnersand the dedication of Walk of Fame medallions in honor of actors and filmmakers Samantha Isler and Joe Sears.
The festival will include a wonderful mix of feature films and documentaries. As well as countless short films by Oklahoma filmmakers and students. All films and associated events will be held at the Circle Cinema, located at 10 S. Lewis Ave. The festival commemorates the 96th anniversary of the Circle Cinema, which opened as Tulsa’s first suburban movie theater in 1928 and today enjoys a reputation as one of the leading nonprofit arthouse cinemas in the U.S.
Gladstone, who was nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award for her role in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” will appear at the festival to discuss the documentary “Bring Them Home,” the story of a small group of Blackfoot people and their mission to establish the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral territory since the species’ near-extinction a century ago, an act that would restore the land, re-enliven traditional culture and bring much needed healing to their community. Gladstone served as executive producer and narrator of the film, which will open the festival during the evening of Friday, July 12.
All-access festival passes are available for purchase now on the Circle Cinema website for $65 for Circle members and $75 for non-members. Individual film tickets will go on sale July 1, with most programs $11 for Circle members and $13 non-members. Circle memberships can be purchased on the Circle website or at the box office. A full list of festival programs is included at the end of this release.
“The festival celebrates the best new films made in, by, and featuring Oklahomans,” said Kerry Wiens, Director of the film festival, adding that the festival received a record number of submissions this year.
In honor of the Circle Cinema’s 96th anniversary, which is July 15, two new medallions will be revealed and dedicated on the Circle’s Walk of Fame, located on the sidewalk in front of the historic cinema. New medallions will be dedicated in honor of Samantha Isler, and Joe Sears of Bartlesville, Okla., whose Tuna Christmas series delighted audiences for decades.
(Saturday 7/13 & Monday 7/15) Best Made-in Oklahoma Documentary Winner – Make Peace or Die: This documentary follows Marine Corps veteran Anthony Marquez who returned from Afghanistan deeply wounded and riddled with survivor’s guilt as he tries to heal himself by making memorials for others. Encore matinee on Monday 7/15 – with free tickets and special events for Veterans. Filmmaker Q&A after each screening.
(Saturday 7/13) Best Made-in-Oklahoma Short Winner – The Love for the Game: As Isaac, a former basketball player, watches old highlights from his games, he is visited by a Basketball Angel, who is trying to help Isaac get his enthusiasm back for basketball again. Presented as part of the “Okie Shorts” short film compilation on Saturday July 13.
(Saturday 7/13) Seven Cemeteries – World Premiere: This feature film starring Danny Trejo follows the story of a recent parolee who gets a Mexican witch to resurrect his old posse so that they can help him save a woman’s ranch from a ruthless drug lord. Filmmaker John Gulager in attendance.
(Sunday 7/14) Best Made-in Oklahoma Feature Winner – Hailey’s Game: After losing her best friend in a car accident, Carter seeks closure through a seance with a quirky clerk and her friend’s ex-boyfriend. But as they delve into the supernatural, they confront their own unresolved pasts. There will be a filmmaker Q&A session after this film with director Katie Hightower.
(Monday 7/15) Breakup Season – Starring Samantha Isler & Chandler Riggs: A young man brings his girlfriend to his rural Oregon hometown to introduce her to his family, only for things to go terribly wrong upon arrival. Samantha and filmmaker H Nelson Tracey will participate in a post film Q&A.
Shorts: With the record number of shorts submissions this year we added five additional shorts blocks or standalone events. Including a Documentary Block and a Native Subject Documentary Block.
A free public panel discussion on “The State of the Oklahoma Film Industry” will be held at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, featuring leaders in the states film industry including Jeanette Stanton, director of Oklahoma Film and Music, Meg Gould, director of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music and Culture, Jill Simpson, executive director of Oklahoma City Film and Creative Industries, and Tava Sofsky, director of the Cherokee Film Commission.
Presenting sponsors of this year’s Circle Cinema Film Festival are American Heritage Bank, Black Optical and The Mayo Hotel. Sponsors include Aberson’s, Mother Road Market, Nevaquaya Fine Arts, Oklahoma Film and Music Office, Pepsi, Ranch Acres Wine and Spirits, Spexton Jewelry, and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture.
Visit www.circlecinema.org/ccff for more information and to purchase All-Access passes now. Showtimes and tickets for individual films will be available by Monday July 1, with the full festival lineup to feature:
FRIDAY 7/12
FREE: “Vagabond” Directed By: Matt Leach & Sterlin Harjo – Gaylord Herron is the best photographer you’ve never heard and the creation of his forgotten masterwork “Vagabond” from 1975. Courtesy of This Land Press (2012)
Documentary: “The Small Giant Focus: Black Oklahoma” Directed By: Daryl Turner – Radio news broadcast organization called “FBO” consists of a small team of civilian journalists that dedicate themselves to readjusting the dynamic and perception of what real news is and how it’s able to affect marginalized communities positively.
Documentary: “Bring Them Home” Directed By: Ivan MacDonald, Ivy MacDonald, Daniel Glick. Narrated By: Lily Gladstone – Bring Them Home tells the story of a small group of Blackfoot people and their mission to establish the first wild buffalo herd on their ancestral territory since the species’ near-extinction a century ago, an act that would restore the land, re-enliven traditional culture and bring much needed healing to their community. Public screening Panel discussion featuring Julianna Brannum (PBS American Buffalo) Lily Gladstone and others. [Note this event has a higher ticket price with a portion of ticket sales going to a Buffalo/Tribal Charity.]
FREE SPECIAL EVENT OPEN TO PUBLIC: “Wall of Fame Unveiling” Hosted By: Clark Wiens, Co-Founder: This month, we celebrate Circle Cinema’s 96th birthday. We will unveil posters that feature Oklahomans who have impacted the American film industry, some signed by the Oklahomans associated with the film. Join us for a reception featuring light bites, and a showcase of the original trailers of the posters on our Gallery Screen!
SATURDAY 7/13
Winner Best Documentary: “Make Peace or Die” Directed By: Manny Marquez – Marine Corps veteran Anthony Marquez returned from Afghanistan deeply wounded and riddled with survivor’s guilt. His unit, 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, lost 17 men on their 2011 deployment to Sangin. Upon returning home, Anthony made it his mission to help the Gold Star families of the fallen find healing, and in the doing so, attempt to heal himself. Public Screening with Q&A featuring Directory Manny Marquez.
Featured Documentary Short: “Endeavor Games” Directed By: Bunee Tomlinson – Endeavor is a documentary that follows a group of adaptive athletes as they prepare for the annual Endeavor Games in Oklahoma; all while they adjust to life-altering situations, come to terms with their mental health, and pursue Paralympian status. Followed by discussion lead by Wendi M. Fralick Executive Director The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges
Narrative Feature: “Seven Cemeteries” World Premiere Directed By: John Gulager Starring: Danny Trejo – A recent parolee gets a Mexican witch to resurrect his old posse so that they can help him save a woman’s ranch from a ruthless drug lord. Public Screening with Q&A featuring Director John Gulager. Ticket Holders may attend a pre-film meet and greet with the Director.
Documentary Feature: “The Woolley Family: Saving Clayton” Directed By: Kevin Drew Batts & Janelle Batts – The Woolley family was struck with the unimaginable when their youngest grandchild passed away. Little did they know, this tragedy would only prove to be a prelude of things to come as they became embroiled in an investigation involving grave accusations – including murder. Despite clearing their name, fate threw yet another blow at them: The State refused to give back Clayton whom it had taken into custody during the course of its investigations. This documentary will explore this distressing journey; tracing not just the tribulations faced by Bill and Lisa but also following up on what remains unresolved – namely, reuniting the family members separated against injustice and adversity.
SATURDAY 7/13 – Short Films: A compilation of various submitted shorts organized into 90m blocks.
“STUDENT SHORTS” BLOCK A (90m): A list of shorts featured will be available online, with many of the filmmakers in attendance.
“STUDENT SHORTS” BLOCK B (90m): A list of shorts featured will be available online, with many of the filmmakers in attendance.
“OKIE SHORTS” BLOCK A (90m): A list of shorts featured will be available online, with many of the filmmakers in attendance. Best Short Winner – The Love for the Game: Isaac, a former basketball player, watches old highlights from his games, he is visited by a Basketball Angel, who is trying to help Isaac get his enthusiasm back for basketball again. Presented as part of the “Okie Shorts” short film compilation on Saturday July 13.
“LONG SHORTS” Block (1hr 35m): A list of longer shorts featured will be available online, with many of the filmmakers in attendance.
SUNDAY 7/14
Documentary Feature: “Hail to the Breadsticks” Directed By: Donick Cary – Writer producer Donick Cary (The Simpsons, Parks and Recreation, Have a Good Trip, etc.) has been a huge fan of the Washington D.C. pro football team since before he could walk. Passed down from his dad, he was excited to pass the tradition onto his kids. Donick never questioned the team name and or Native American logo until one day, while watching a game, his 9-year-old son, Otis, asked him if it was racist. When Otis suggests they ask Native Americans how they feel, it sends the two on a cross-country journey full of unexpected surprises. Featured in film are Oklahomans: Sterlin Harjo and Steven Paul Judd.
Winner Best Narrative Feature: “Hailey’s Game” Directed By: Katie Hightower – When Carter McDowell lost her best friend in a car accident their senior year of high school, she never expected that five years later she’d still be haunted by visions of Hailey. Desperate to get closure, Carter recruits a zany bookstore clerk named Billy, and Hailey’s old boyfriend, Tanner to conduct a seance that will allow her to say goodbye. But when unexpected complications arise, Carter and Tanner will have to face the demons they’ve been running from since high school. Director in Attendance for post film Q&A
Narrrative Feature: “Wisher Maddox” Directed By: Dan E. Tibbs – Growing up in an orphanage, eight-year-old Maddox’s sole wish is to be adopted. Thinking God sent him a sign that it would come true, he begins to notice that his wishes for others are granted, but his wish for himself is left unanswered. Frustrated with God, and conflicted with the purpose of his powers, Maddox is left to decide whether to help those he encounters or to selfishly withhold his ability out of contempt for not getting what he thinks he deserves. Director in Attendance for post film Q&A
Narrative Feature: “Monster’s Within” Directed By: Devin Montgomery – Life brings Luke Wolf back to his hometown where his sister, who has Down Syndrome, is. Things are different, or maybe it’s just that now he’s different. After years of running from his problems, Luke must face his monsters. Director in Attendance for post film Q&A.
SUNDAY 7/14 – Short Films: A compilation of various submitted shorts organized into 90m blocks.
“NATIVE DOCUMENTARY SHORTS” Block (1hr 35m): A list of shorts featured will be available online, with many of the filmmakers in attendance.
“OKIE SHORTS” BLOCK B (90m): A list of shorts featured will be available online, with many of the filmmakers in attendance.
MONDAY 7/15
Documentary: “Tulsa Terrors” Produced By: Bryan Crain and John Wooley – In the mid-1980s, Tulsa was ground zero for the direct-to-home-video movie explosion, and for the next 20 years area filmmakers aimed a variety of horror, fantasy, and science-fiction features right at the heart of that market. Some made it. Some fell short. But all of them were created with an earnestness and passion that belied their budgets. TULSA TERRORS tells the story of those movies, in the words of the moviemakers themselves and others who were on the scene for a revolution that will never be repeated.
Winner Best Made-in Oklahoma Documentary[Encore screening]: “Make Peace or Die” Directed By: Manny Marquez – Marine Corps veteran Anthony Marquez returned from Afghanistan deeply wounded and riddled with survivor’s guilt. His unit, 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment, lost 17 men on their 2011 deployment to Sangin. Upon returning home, Anthony made it his mission to help the Gold Star families of the fallen find healing, and in the doing so, attempt to heal himself. Public Screening with Q&A featuring Directory Manny Marquez. Veterans appreciation screening featuring Free tickets for Veterans, Keith Meyers Traveling Military Museum, Romney Nesbitt Portraits, and U.S. Military Branch Songs played on the 1928 restored Circle Pipe Organ.
Closing our festival Narrative Feature: “Breakup Season” Starring Samantha Isler & Chandler Riggs: A young man brings his girlfriend to his rural Oregon hometown to introduce her to his family, only for things to go terribly wrong upon arrival.
FREE SPECIAL EVENT OPEN TO PUBLIC: “Medallion Recipient Awards” Hosted By: Circle Cinema: Each year during the Circle Cinema Film Festival, we celebrate Oklahomans who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry by adding a concrete medallion in their honor to our Walk of Fame. Located on the east sidewalk of our building, the Walk of Fame commemorates the achievements of actors, writers, directors, musicians, and more—all of whom have called the Sooner State home at some point in their lives. This year, we are excited to honor Samantha Isler and Joe Sears. Join us in recognizing their outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry!
