The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture (Tulsa FMAC), are proud to announce the successful completion of principal photography on the feature film from A24 and Plan B Entertainment “Minari”, which recently wrapped production in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung (“Munyurangabo”, “Lucky Life”), “Minari” tells the story of a Korean father who, in pursuit of the American dream, uproots his family and moves them to a farm in rural Arkansas. The film stars Steven Yeun (“Okja”, “Burning”), Yeri Han (“Sea Fog”), Youn Yuh-Jung (“Sense 8”), Will Patton (“Halloween”), and Scott Haze (“Thank You for Your Service”). A24 is financing the film, with Brad Pitt’s company Plan B producing.
“The state of Oklahoma, and particularly Tulsa, provided the ideal location for us to shoot ‘Minari’,” said Executive Producer Josh Bachove. “We’re very thankful to all of the Film Office executives in Oklahoma and Tulsa, in addition to local vendors, cast and crew who all made it possible and a wonderful experience.”
The film began principal photography in the City of Tulsa in July and employed over 170 Oklahoma industry members while utilizing the services of a number of local businesses for production requirements such as equipment rentals, lodging and catering. Tulsa served as the primary production hub for “Minari”, which filmed throughout the city and surrounding areas, including Sand Springs, Skiatook, Broken Arrow and Rose over the course of five weeks.
“We’re especially grateful to our local partners for their welcoming of the ‘Minari’ crew in Tulsa,” said Abby Kurin, Executive Director of the Tulsa FMAC, a division of Tulsa Regional Tourism. “For Tulsa to host this caliber of independent film and work with A24/Plan B, we’ve been able to highlight Tulsa as a film destination. The production has utilized Tulsa’s locations, lodging, film crew and creative support services. It’s been a great experience for all involved.”
“OF+MO was honored to work with the prestigious cast and crew of ‘Minari’ and executives of A24 and Plan B for the first time,” said OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky. “This is one of the most diverse productions to have filmed in our state. We’re incredibly grateful to have had both the city and statewide resources to support their business. What a testament to the strength of our local industry professionals, small businesses and unique locations, while growing Oklahoma’s creative culture and infrastructure.”
“Minari” celebrated its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, held in Park City, Utah, January 23 to February 2, 2020. One of 118 feature films to be selected for the prestigious event, “Minari” was honored with two awards – the U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic and the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic. Look for it releasing soon!
For more information on Oklahoma’s film infrastructure, workforce and other resources, visit okfilmmusic.org.
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About Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Created in 1979, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) 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 okfilmmusic.org.