After an award-winning run on the film festival circuit, the Chickasaw Nation feature film “Te Ata” celebrates its fall theatrical release this week with several Oklahoma events and screenings beginning on Wednesday, September 27, at Ada’s historic McSwain Theatre.
Based on the true story of Mary Frances Thompson, more commonly known as “Te Ata”, the film stars Q’orianka Kilcher (“The New World”) in the title role of the Chickasaw storyteller who rose to international fame with her unique one-woman show that positively showcased American Indian heritage and culture to audiences across the world. “Te Ata” is the second feature film produced by The Chickasaw Nation, and is being distributed theatrically by Paladin.
Audiences are invited to a special red carpet event at the McSwain Theatre in Ada, which will host two celebratory screenings of “Te Ata” at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday. Additional family-friendly festivities will take place on-site to include food and beverages, meet and greet cast opportunities, and live music from recording artists Tabitha Fair and Injunuity.
“We are delighted to bring this story to audiences because Te Ata was a great ambassador for Chickasaw people and for all Native Americans,” said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. “Te Ata once wrote that art binds all people together. Her career bears testimony to the truth of that noble idea. Through this film, she continues to serve as a shining example of the power of artistic expression to change hearts and minds.”
“Te Ata” was shot entirely in Oklahoma utilizing the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program administered by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO). Locations featured in the film include those in the communities of Oklahoma City, Sulphur, Tishomingo and Guthrie.
“We wish to congratulate The Chickasaw Nation on the forthcoming theatrical release of ‘Te Ata’,” said OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. “This film beautifully captures Oklahoma’s scenic landscapes and showcases the skilled talents of our local film industry while further educating audiences on the important global contributions made by our state’s indigenous leaders.”
Wednesday’s screenings of “Te Ata” in Ada will be followed by another red carpet affair for the film at Tulsa’s historic Circle Cinema on Thursday, September 28. Beginning October 6, “Te Ata” will add additional theatrical markets in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
For a full list of theatrical screenings and more information on the film’s local celebrations, please visit teatamovie.com.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office:
Created in 1979, The Oklahoma Film + Music Office strives to share all that Oklahoma has to offer by welcoming filmmakers and music professionals to the state and by creating a network of support to develop Oklahoma’s film and music industries. For more information about the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program or the Oklahoma Film + Music Office please visit www.okfilmmusic.org.