The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) is proud to be a returning sponsor of the Tulsa American Film Festival (TAFF) taking place October 11-15, 2017. Now in its third year, the festival will host a variety of film screenings, educational panels, networking events and more aimed at recognizing the work of independent filmmakers from across the country with special focuses on Native American, Latino, student and Oklahoma-based filmmakers.
OF+MO will be a presenting sponsor of many of the festival’s events on Thursday, October 12, starting with a live reading of the scripts from three selected finalists in the short film screenplay competition. This free event will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Tulsa’s historic Circle Cinema.
Additionally, OF+MO joins the festival in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Francis Ford Coppola classic film “Rumble Fish” as a sponsor of their commemorative outdoor screening of the film, as well as an intimate conversation with one of the film’s producers, Tulsa native Doug Claybourne.
Based on the novel by native Oklahoman S.E. Hinton, “Rumble Fish” was produced in Tulsa in 1982 starring Matt Dillon, Mickey Rourke and Diane Lane. The film, which tells the story of a teenage thug struggling to live up to the street-wise reputation of his older brother, is one of many in a series of film collaborations between Claybourne and Coppola.
“When Francis Coppola calls you in Morocco after three films together and asks if you want to produce ‘Rumble Fish’, an S.E. Hinton novel in your home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma, what would you say?” joked Claybourne. “Of course I said yes!”
OF+MO Director Tava Maloy Sofsky, who previously served as Claybourne’s associate and producing partner, will moderate a lively conversation highlighting his illustrious career as a filmmaker and creative artist as well as detailing his experience working with Coppola in Oklahoma on “Rumble Fish”, highly regarded by both as one of their favorite collaborations.
“It is a dream come true to welcome my mentor and long-time producing friend Doug Claybourne back to his native state for the Tulsa American Film Festival,” said Sofsky. “The knowledge and wisdom Doug has gained from working with some of the most notable directors and actors in history will be an invaluable contribution to this year’s festival. Our office is proud to be a part of the Tulsa American Film Festival, and looks forward to another great year of networking and showcasing Oklahoma’s amazing talent.”
“A Conversation with Doug Claybourne” will take place on Thursday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Woody Guthrie Center, followed by the outdoor screening at 8:30 p.m. at Guthrie Green. Both OF+MO sponsored events are free and open to the public. Local filmmakers and film fans are encouraged to attend these special events.
“Going into year three of Tulsa American Film Festival, we are once again thrilled to have the support of the Oklahoma Film + Music Office,” said Ben Arredondo, Executive Director of the Tulsa American Film Festival. “They have been on board since year one, and every year we partner together on fun, Oklahoma relevant events. This year is no different, bringing in film producer Doug Claybourne and screening his classic film, ‘Rumble Fish’ at Guthrie Green is going to be a major highlight of 2017 TAFF.”
TAFF events and screenings will take place at a variety of venues in the Kendall Whittier District as well as Downtown Tulsa including Circle Cinema, Gilcrease Museum of Art, Philbrook Downtown, Mainline Arts & Cocktails, Guthrie Green, Heirloom Rustic Ales, The Beehive Lounge and the Woody Guthrie Center. Tickets and limited V.I.P. passes are now on sale. For the film festival’s weekend schedule, including screenings and ticket links, please visit tulsaamericanfilmfest.com. Follow OF+MO on Instagram and stay tuned for a chance to win two all-access passes to TAFF!
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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.