Chickasaw Nation film 'Pearl' kicks off week-long run in Tulsa May 22 at historic Circle Cinema.


The red carpet was unfurled as more than 800 Oklahomans turned out at the Warren Theatre in Moore, Okla., May 6 for the Oklahoma premier of the movie "Pearl". Tulsa residents will have the opportunity to see the film at 7 p.m., May 22, at the historic Circle Cinema.

Produced by the Chickasaw Nation, "Pearl" is the true story of a Chickasaw girl from Marlow, Okla., who became the youngest licensed pilot in the U.S. in 1928.

A reception with members of the cast and crew will take place at 6 p.m., Saturday, May 22 at the historic Circle Cinema, located at 10 South Lewis in Tulsa.

Cast members Angela Gair, who plays Lucy, Pearl's mother, in the film; Tom Huston Orr, who plays Wiley Post and Tony Gregory, who plays the role of Arthur, are all expected to attend the reception and be on-hand after the 7 p.m. film for a question and answer session.

The public is invited to attend the reception. Refreshments will be served.

Tickets may be purchased on line at www.pearlthemovie.net or at the box office.

"Pearl" will run at the Circle Cinema from May 22-29.

The film focuses on the tumultuous teen years of the late Pearl Carter Scott, who was befriended by famous aviator Wiley Post in the late 1920s. Pearl earned her license at age 13 and was performing as a barnstormer and commercial pilot by age 14.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the story of the Chickasaw aviatrix was a natural for the tribe's first feature-length film project.

"Pearl is a legendary figure in the history of Oklahoma, the world of aviation and in the Chickasaw Nation," said Gov. Anoatubby. "She was a dynamic, determined and caring individual who exemplifies many of the finest qualities of Chickasaw people.

"She was a unique individual who had a profoundly positive impact on everyone she met. Bringing her life story to the screen will help preserve that impact for generations to come."

The Dove Foundation recently awarded "Pearl" four "Doves," giving the film its ‘Family-Approved' Seal for all ages.

"This endorsement is a testament to Pearl's legacy," said Gov. Anoatubby. "This film enables people to relive some of the significant moments in her life – moments which define what made her truly great and reaffirm the importance of family relationships."

Since its debut, "Pearl" has made a successful and highly-lauded run on the film festival circuit.

The film won the award as best overall film at the 2010 Trail Dance Film Festival in Duncan, Okla.

In October, 2009 "Pearl" sold out four matinee performances at the "Heartland Film Festival" in Indianapolis, which is well known as one of the largest family oriented film festivals in the world.

"Pearl" also won a prestigious "Best of Show" award from "The Indie Fest," and swept the feature docudrama category at the "International Cherokee Film Festival."

"Pearl" was filmed on various locations in the state of Oklahoma, including the historic Harn Homestead, the El Reno Municipal Airport, the Jude and Jody Airport and several locations in and near Guthrie.

Mick Cornett, mayor of Oklahoma City, said at a recent screening that he could relate to the film's positive message of determination and perseverance.

"As a person who had parents grow up in small towns in Oklahoma during that same era, I saw a lot of our parent's generation and their values distributed throughout the movie. It speaks well for Oklahoma."

For more information about the movie "Pearl", visit the movie's website www.Pearlthemovie.net, or the Circle Cinema's website, www.circlecinema.com for show times.

About Pearl's Cast

Elijah DeJesus plays the lead role, Pearl. Pearl's daughter, Louise Thompson, said that DeJesus is perfect for the role.

Tom Huston Orr, director of the School of Drama at the University of Oklahoma, is Wiley Post.

Isabel Archuleta, who earned her bachelor's degree in acting at OU, is Opaletta, Pearl's sister.

A number of other Oklahoma actors, including several Chickasaws, were also cast in the film.

Paden Brown, a Chickasaw from Byng, Okla., plays Pearl's sister Arnetta.

Angela Gair plays Pearl's mother, Lucy Carter. Gair has performed in more than a dozen roles in film and on television.

Dallas based actors Andrew Sensenig plays Pearl's father, George Carter. Sensenig has appeared in more than 60 film and television projects.

More than 200 locals appear in the film as extras.