The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) is proud to announce the release of three feature-length films wholly produced in Oklahoma leveraging the state’s film incentive program: “The Beldham,” “Sarah’s Oil” and “King Ivory.” With a collective economic impact of over $23 million in Oklahoma, productions like these sustain and strengthen the state’s growing film and television industry, showcase our state’s diverse locations and crew base and demonstrate the positive impact of state and tribal film incentive programs.
On Friday, November 7, “Sarah’s Oil” was released exclusively in theatres by Amazon MGM Studios. The film, which stars Naya Desir-Johnson and Zachary Levi, tells the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she’s allotted and whose faith is proven right. Produced by Kingdom Story Company, “Sarah’s Oil” marks their fourth film to be in state following the successes of “I Can Only Imagine,” “American Underdog” and “The Unbreakable Boy.” The film, which created 609 career opportunities, utilized both the state’s incentive program as well as Cherokee Film’s incentive, with production occurring in Bartlesville, Bristow and Okmulgee. “Sarah’s Oil” features an original song written and produced by Oklahoma’s own Taylor Hanson with vocals by Tulsa artist Majeste Pearson.
Also released November 7 to select digital and VOD platforms, “The Beldham” is a horror, suspense film that explores the lengths a mother will go to protect her child when facing a potential malevolent force in her childhood home. Distributed by Quiver and made in Oklahoma by local production company Rebellium Films, “The Beldham” was lensed in the film friendly community of Bartlesville and stars Patricia Heaton, Corbin Bernsen, Katie Parker and Emma Fitzpatrick.
Headed exclusively to theatres on November 14, “King Ivory” is a dramatic action thriller that explores the gritty world of narcotics and its effect on all walks of life. The film was written and directed by Oklahoman John Swab and produced by Roxwell Films and stars James Badge Dale, Ben Foster, Michael Mando, Melissa Leo and the late Graham Greene. “King Ivory” was filmed throughout Claremore, Owasso, Sapulpa and Tulsa, including Cherokee Fim Studios, and created over 365 career opportunities.
“’King Ivory’ is my favorite film I’ve made. It carries a lot of who I am, and a lot of Oklahoma too,” said Swab. “I’m very proud to share it with the people here. Like everything I’ve been able to do, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support, love and history of this place we call home.”
OF+MO continues to support current and incoming productions, foster crew development programs and promote the state’s full-service capabilities in production and post-production.
For more information, visit okfilmmusic.org.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
